The Unified Government’s transportation director told the standing committees that staff will implement a RideKC route redesign on July 7 and asked the county to include roughly $2.9 million in future budgets to sustain contracted fixed‑route service and a popular app‑based microtransit program.

Director Desiree Bush said the service redesign will reduce the total number of fixed routes operated within Wyandotte County from nine to seven, with two routes removed (an Eighteenth Street route and a Leavenworth/13th‑Street segment). The UG will take over two routes previously contracted to the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority (KCATA) — route 104 (Argentine) and route 106 (Quindaro) — and the department will operate them under UG control with edits in span or routing. Staff also proposed stopping service into parts of Leavenworth Road west of 70th Street and ending weekend service on the 104 and 106 routes under the redesign.

Microtransit growth and funding needs
Bush highlighted strong ridership growth on the IRIS microtransit service, a RideKC on‑demand product launched in October 2023 and operated inside designated zones. The zones initially served Midtown and the Legends; a Northeast zone added in February produced sharp growth: staff described ridership moving from 300 rides per month initially to more than 1,600 rides per month after the expansion. IRIS is a door‑to‑door, app‑driven, shared‑ride service with a $3 fare per trip.

Bush told commissioners that the IRIS program was initially funded by a KDOT grant and by ARPA funds; the ARPA subsidies expire at the end of 2025. To continue the same IRIS service level (seven‑day operation and extended evening hours) staff requested approximately $900,000 for IRIS operations in the next cycle. In addition, staff said the UG needs about $1.9 million to cover contracted fixed‑route costs currently provided by KCATA and to maintain the level of fixed‑route service planned under the redesign — a combined 2026 request of roughly $2.8–2.9 million.

Commissioner questions and next steps
Several commissioners asked whether the UG could increase fares, how IRIS compares to paratransit and whether bus frequency could be boosted for events such as the 2026 World Cup. Bush proposed informational public sessions in mid‑June (June 12 and June 16) to explain the new routes, collect rider input and provide hands‑on help downloading and using the IRIS app.

Why it matters
The redesign and the IRIS program change how residents access jobs, grocery stores, medical providers and entertainment in the region. Staff stressed that without the requested funding, the UG may have to scale back routes that currently provide high ridership and critical connections — including the 101 State Avenue route that links multiple hubs and has among the highest ridership.

Numbers and timing
- IRIS ridership: reportedly grew from roughly 300 rides/month to over 1,600 rides/month after launching the Northeast zone; staff reported an overall growth metric of about 98% from the program’s start to the present.
- Fare: $3 per person, each way, for IRIS trips.
- Funding requests: ~ $900,000 to continue IRIS (seven‑day service and extended hours); ~ $1.9 million to fund fixed routes currently contracted to KCATA and to sustain planned frequency.

Staff will conduct two public outreach sessions in mid‑June and will present the budget request as part of the UG’s 2026 budget process. If the funding is not available, Bush warned the UG may have to consider cutting or reducing key fixed routes.

Speakers
Desiree Bush, Director of the Unified Government Transportation Department, presented the redesign and financial request; commissioners asked about fares, paratransit connections and World Cup planning for 2026.

Why residents should watch
Changes to routes, weekend spans and the growth of a $3 microtransit service will affect transit accessibility for riders who rely on public transportation for work and essential services. Staff is requesting one‑time and recurring funds to continue a popular program launched with grant support; policy and budget choices this year will determine service levels in 2026.