2025 Johnson County Transit Strategic Plan

JCT Strategic Plan logo

Johnson County Transit’s Strategic Plan outlines a long-term direction for strengthening transit services within existing resources, with a focus on building a clearer, more reliable, and financially sustainable mobility network over time.

As implementation begins, some early service adjustments are being made to align services with current funding, demand, and operational needs. These updates are part of a phased approach to improving the overall transit system.

Changes will be communicated in advance with clear timelines and maps, and will be rolled out gradually rather than all at once. Riders can expect ongoing updates and opportunities to learn more through this website, rider notices, and public information sessions.

 

Key Elements of the Strategic Plan

The plan emphasizes:

  • Better coordination between transit modes
  • Aligning service levels with travel patterns
  • Strengthening high-demand areas and priority corridors
  • Supporting future regional connectivity
  • Preparing the system for gradual improvements over multiple phases

Details are available in the full plan document below.

Why RideJoCo

Ride JoCo Transit logo

RideJoCo is the name Johnson County Transit will begin using to more clearly identify County-operated transit services, while remaining part of the regional RideKC family.

Through outreach and community feedback, customers shared the importance of maintaining a regional connection while also being able to more easily recognize Johnson County–specific services.

As part of the Strategic Plan approved by the Board of County Commissioners, the RideJoCo name will be introduced gradually over time as materials, vehicles, and signage are updated. This is a soft, phased transition, not a full rebrand launch.

Over time, transit services will also be identified as RideJoCo Freedom (paratransit) and RideJoCo Micro (on-demand service). These service names will be rolled out gradually and may not appear all at once.

Service changes outlined in the Strategic Plan will continue to roll out separately and are not related to the name update.

Early Strategic Plan Implementation Updates

As part of the first phase of Strategic Plan implementation, Johnson County Transit is making targeted service adjustments to ensure services remain reliable and financially sustainable. Theses early updates include:

  • The planned end of Routes 563 and 569 (last day of service: February 27)
  • Adjustments to RideKC Micro service effective March 2, including a more focused service area and the end of weekend service Detailed information, including updated maps and public meeting dates, is provided below.

Map

Updated map of the new Micro Transit zone, overlaid with the remaining 9 fixed routes

Effective March 2, 2026

Public Information Meetings

Johnson County Transit will host public information meetings to share details about upcoming service changes and answer questions.

In-Person Meetings

  • Monday, January 12 | 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
    Johnson County Library – Oak Park
    9500 Bluejacket St, Overland Park, KS 66214
    Oak Park Meeting Room
  • Friday, January 23 | 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
    Johnson County Library – Central Resource
    9875 W 87th St, Overland Park, KS 66212
    Carmack Community Room

Virtual Meetings (Zoom Webinar)

Participants may join online or by phone. A Zoom account or mobile app is not required.

  • Wednesday, January 14 | 3:00 – 4:00 PM
  • Tuesday, January 20 | 5:00 – 6:00 PM
  • Tuesday, February 3 | 6:00 – 7:00 PM

Zoom Webinar ID: 872 6180 3056
Join link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87261803056
Call-in: +1 312 626 6799

 

Next Steps

Johnson County Transit will continue implementing the Strategic Plan through a phased approach that includes service adjustments, policy updates, and development of new public-facing materials. Upcoming work includes:

  • Continuing phased service implementation
  • Updating customer materials and rider guides
  • Coordinating with contractors and regional partners
  • Ongoing monitoring of service performance and funding

Updates will be posted on this page as work progresses.

Strategic Plan Service Changes – Phase 1 FAQ (January–March 2026)

As part of the adopted Johnson County Transit Strategic Plan, the County is implementing an initial set of service changes in early 2026. These Phase 1 changes include:

  • Ending service on Routes 563 and 569
  • Refocusing micro transit through changes to its service area and schedule

These early adjustments are intended to stabilize service, improve reliability, and ensure transit resources are used as effectively as possible.

  • Routes 563 and 569
    • Last day of service is Friday, February 27
    • Micro transit changes take effect Sunday, March 2

Routes 563 and 569 have relatively low ridership compared to their operating cost. Continuing to operate these routes limits the County’s ability to sustain and strengthen service across the broader transit network.  Ending service on these routes allows Johnson County Transit to focus resources on services that can be more reliably supported within existing funding.

No. Micro transit is not being eliminated.
The service is being refocused to a more manageable scale so it can continue operating reliably while the County works toward longer-term transit improvements.

Beginning March 2:

  • The micro transit service area will be reduced to a more focused zone
    Renner on the west, County Line on the north, State Line on the east, and I-435 on the south)
  • Weekend service will end
  • Weekday service will continue Monday–Friday, 6:00 AM–8:00 PM

Updated maps reflecting these changes are posted on this page.

Riders should review the updated maps and service information on this page. Because trip impacts can vary, customer service staff are available to help riders understand how their specific trip may change and what options may be available.

While some riders may no longer have a one-seat ride, there are other routes that will continue to provide access to major employment centers and regional destinations, including downtown Kansas City, Missouri.

Fixed route alternatives may include:

  • Route 401
    Serves as far south as 119th Street & Quivira and provides service to the Plaza in K
  • Route 403
    Serves as far south as 135th in Olathe and provides access to the KU Medical Center area in Kansas City, Missouri
  • Route 404
    Serves as far south as 119th Street & College Boulevard and provides service to downtown Kansas City
  • Route 475 (East–West Connection)
    Connects KU Edwards Campus (119th Street & Quivira Road) to 75th Street & Troost, providing east–west access into Kansas City, Missouri
  • Route 520
    Serves as far south as 119th Street & Strang Line Road with service to downtown Kansas City

Some trips may require a transfer at key locations.

In certain cases, micro transit may be used to connect to fixed-route service, depending on a rider’s origin, destination, and the updated service area. Riders are encouraged to review the updated service area map and contact customer service to determine whether this option may work for their trip.

Additional public, community-based, and private transportation options may be available depending on individual needs.

Riders can explore these options through the County’s Transportation Resource Guide, which includes information on:

  • Regional transit services
  • Community and specialized transportation providers
  • Other mobility alternatives

Riders are encouraged to share feedback and ask questions throughout implementation using any of the following options:

  • Attend one of the public meetings listed on this page
  • Submit comments through the online feedback form
  • Call or email customer service using the contact information provided

The Strategic Plan outlines phased improvements over time. Any future service changes will be communicated separately, with advance notice and opportunities for public input.

This Strategic Plan webpage will serve as the central public resource for:

Updated service information

Maps

Public meeting details

Feedback opportunities

Several Park & Ride locations in Johnson County are served by other routes that continue to provide connections toward downtown and other major destinations. Depending on your trip, you may be able to use one of the following locations:

  • Oak Park Mall Park & Ride Routes 402, 495, 520
  • Johnson County Community College (JCCC) Park & Ride Routes 401, 402, 403, 475, 510
  • Strang Line Park & Ride Routes 403, 520
  • KU Edwards Campus Park & Ride Routes 475, 510
  • Walmart Park & Ride (119th & Metcalf)Routes 401, 404

Schedules, travel times, and transfer options vary by route. Riders are encouraged to review updated route maps and schedules or attend a public information meeting to find the best option for their trip.

Transit Services Overview

Johnson County Transit will continue operating fixed-route, microtransit, and paratransit services as the Strategic Plan is implemented. Service adjustments will be communicated in advance, with updated maps and materials provided to support riders.

Strategic Plan

News Release

Share Your Feedback

A public comment form remains available for anyone who would like to share input or ask questions during Strategic Plan implementation. You may also contact us directly:

Public comments will continue to be accepted throughout implementation.