Raytown hears KCATA IRIS ridership and explores fixed-route extension ahead of FIFA

A KCATA representative updated the Board of Aldermen on the IRIS on-demand service on June 17, reporting 1,838 riders through May 31 and that 86% of reservations have been made in the app. The presenter said typical walking distance to pick-up was no greater than a quarter-mile and hours of operation were 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Staff proposed negotiating a 14-month contract extension through the FIFA 2026 period rather than the standard 12 months to ensure available vehicles during increased demand. KCATA staff also proposed, for consideration, a separate 14-month fixed-route extension of Route 63 into Raytown to provide a reliable, seven-days-a-week option that could better support workers commuting to downtown and strengthen the city’s position when applying for federal infrastructure grants.

The presenter acknowledged service reliability issues tied to double-bookings and occasional cancellations; average reported wait time and average ride time were described as acceptable in current data but staff said they would follow up with more detailed cancellation/wait-time metrics before returning with contract language and cost estimates. Alderwoman Hayden and others asked whether a terminating Kansas City decision could end IRIS and whether Raytown would have a contingency plan; staff said they would notify the board immediately and develop a local plan if Kansas City scaled back participation.

No contract extension vote occurred June 17; staff said proposed contract(s) would be returned on July 1 for Board consideration with recommended annual fee and additional cost details.