The Johnson County Board of Commissioners voted 7-0 to adopt a strategic plan intended to reshape county transit service by prioritizing frequency on main corridors, right-sizing the fleet and pursuing partnerships to expand service when funding permits.

Josh Powers, transit staff, told the board the plan is designed to "improve our system but remain within our existing budget" and that implementation does not assume new revenue. Powers said the plan recommends suspending two low-ridership commuter express routes—the 5/63 Shawnee Express and the 5/69 South OP Express—effective Jan. 1, 2026, to redeploy those resources toward increased frequency on core corridors.

Heidi Thummel, chair of the Johnson County Transit Council, urged adoption, saying transit is "a vital resource that connects people to jobs, education, health care, and essential services" and recommended the county continue exploring funding, policies and partnerships to enhance service.

Powers also said the plan would reduce the microtransit service area to inside the I-435 loop to better connect riders to fixed routes, and it contemplates a new express connection from the Mission Transit Center to the East Village Transit Center in Kansas City, Mo. The staff briefing noted aspirational rollout dates: an initial service change target of Aug. 1, 2026, but officials said the heavy demands of the World Cup could push some elements to 2027.

The plan recommends a regional discussion about fares; Powers said the board would be asked to approve any specific fare amounts if and when the region adopts a standardized approach. "The strategic plan recommends a return to fares, and as you know, that's a regional discussion," Powers said.

Commissioners praised the work of transit staff and the Transit Council during the 18-month planning process. Commissioner Hanslick moved adoption of the plan; Commissioner Myers seconded. The clerk called the roll and recorded seven votes in favor and none against.

Next steps: staff will return to the board with implementation timelines, public-notice schedules for route suspensions and any memoranda of understanding needed for pilot services such as the airport pilot referenced in the briefing.