Raytown hears first reading of KCATA IRIS contract; board weighs cost per rider and service value

Raytown’s Board of Aldermen considered a first reading on July 1 for a 14-month contract with the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority (KCATA) to continue IRIS flexible transit service in Raytown at an amount not to exceed $112,000.

Missy Wilson introduced the item and said the board had heard a study-session overview at a prior meeting. Bryce Shields of KCATA answered detailed questions. Shields said the contract provision allowing KCATA to end service without notice applies to the Raytown IRIS service only in the event Kansas City’s IRIS program ends, because Raytown’s service is tied to KCMO’s program financially. He said that termination would be a last resort and that KCATA would return with a separate funding model if needed.

On ridership and cost, Shields said, "through the month of May, you've had 18 38 riders," and he and staff noted the majority of users remain within Raytown. Using available ridership reporting and prior contract values, KCATA estimated a rough per-trip cost in Raytown of about $30–$35, acknowledging that the June ridership figure was not yet available. Alderman Walters pressed whether a month-to-month arrangement would lower costs; KCATA said the monthly contract structure is how costs are set and that a month-to-month approach would not necessarily reduce the price. KCATA also said the IRIS average wait time is about 11 minutes.

Alderman Hayden and other board members spoke in support of continuing the service, citing its value to residents who lack other transportation options for work, medical appointments and dialysis. The item returns to the board for further consideration on July 15.

No formal vote was taken on the first reading; the board will consider final action at a future meeting.