Commission approves World Cup transit contracts, accepts federal grant and adopts regional fare policy

The Johnson County Board of County Commissioners approved a Transdev contract amendment and a regional fare structure on motions Wednesday that move the county closer to operating transit services tied to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The board approved Amendment Two to contract F21‑7024‑30A, authorizing Transdev North America Inc. to provide airport express and Johnson County United LINK services in support of the World Cup in an amount not to exceed $5,600,000, and accepted $2,316,615 in federal grant funds passed through the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority. Commissioner Brewer moved the measure and Commissioner Fast seconded. By roll call the measure carried with six votes in favor, none opposed, and one recusal.

Aaron Otto, county transit staff, told commissioners the amendment memorializes the county’s operating relationship with the contractor and covers the expected costs for both airport and LINK routes during the event window. He said the LINK service would run roughly June 9–July 13 and that the county had assembled a funding mix including federal and state grants, contributions from participating cities, county funding and fare revenue.

During public comment and board discussion, residents and commissioners asked about the magnitude of federal support and the distribution of costs. Gaylene Van Horn reminded the board that federal dollars originate from taxpayers, and commissioners emphasized that accepting federal funds likely preserved the county’s ability to host and fund service rather than cede those dollars to other jurisdictions.

On the same day the board adopted a regional fare policy to reintroduce fares for fixed-route service in a phased approach beginning around June 1. The policy sets a base fare of $2 and a reduced fare of $1; a premium K‑10 connector fare of $4; day, weekly and monthly pass options; and FIFA LINK tournament pass pricing (day pass $5, 7‑day $25, tournament pass $50). Commissioner Hanslick moved the fare policy, Commissioner Allenbrand seconded, and the roll call vote was 7–0.

Public commenter Ben Hobert urged a higher fare on the K‑10 route — proposing $8 — arguing the county was subsidizing out‑of‑county riders. Commissioners and staff responded that the K‑10 operates primarily as a premium connector to Lawrence with a long history of supporting resident access to education and employment, and that the policy balances equity and cost recovery.

County staff estimated the phase‑one fares could restore roughly $800,000 to $1 million in annual fare revenue; staff also emphasized that paratransit and other fare categories will be addressed in a later phase.

Next steps: the approved contract amendment allows county staff to finalize service arrangements with Transdev and use the accepted federal funds. The fare policy will be implemented in phases beginning this summer, with further administrative work on passes, low‑income verification and marketing to follow.