RideKC Fares Return in Johnson County – June 2026

Blue and grey bus driving down a street

Beginning in early June 2026, Johnson County Transit will resume fare collection on bus services as part of a coordinated effort with RideKC regional partners.

Riders will continue to enjoy reliable service with simple, flexible ways to pay—whether tapping a bank card, using a mobile app, or purchasing a pass.

This page outlines what’s changing, how to pay, and where to get help.
 

What’s Changing

For the past several years, Johnson County Transit services have operated fare-free. Beginning in June 2026, fares will return in phases.

  • Phase 1 (June 2026): Fares return to fixed-route bus service
  • Phase 2 (Late 2026 / Early 2027): Fares will be introduced for paratransit service

More information about paratransit fares, including timing and pricing, will be shared in mid-to-late summer 2026.

Microtransit services currently operate with fares and are not part of this change.

The goal of reintroducing fares is to:

  • Maintain reliable transit service
  • Provide flexible and modern payment options
  • Keep fares simple and predictable

The KC Streetcar will remain fare-free.

Fare Prices

Standard fares will apply to Johnson County Transit bus routes.

  • Single Ride: $2
  • Day Pass: $4
  • Weekly Pass: $20
  • Monthly Pass: $62.50

K-10 Connector Fares

The K-10 Connector operates with a different fare structure.

  • Single Ride: $4
  • Weekly Pass: $35
  • Monthly Pass: $125

Note: Paratransit fares will be announced at a later date.

Ways to Pay

Johnson County Transit will offer several convenient ways to pay:

Tap to Pay

Tap a Visa, Mastercard, or Discover credit, debit, or prepaid card directly on the bus validator.

Mobile App

Use the RideKCGO mobile app (available before June 1 on Apple and Android) to load funds and pay by tapping your phone.

Where to Buy Passes

For riders who prefer to purchase passes in person, the following locations are currently available:

Kansas City, Missouri (KCMO)

  • East Village Transit Center (13th St. & Charlotte)
  • KCATA Headquarters (1200 E. 18th St.)

Wyandotte County

  • Locations coming soon

Johnson County

  • Locations coming soon

Additional sales locations will be announced as they are confirmed.

Fare Capping

Fare capping automatically limits how much you pay in a day. Once you reach the cost of a day pass, additional rides that day will not increase your total.

When you use the same card payment method each time you ride:

  • You’ll automatically be capped at the cost of a day pass
  • Additional rides that day will not increase your total

No extra steps required, it happens automatically with your card payment.

Transfers

Instead of traditional free transfers, the system uses fare capping, as outlined above.

If you are riding more than twice a day, this is the option for you. It's a system designed to save you money over time. Fare Capping is only applicable for people purchasing single rides.

Reduced Fare Programs

Reduced fares will be available for eligible riders, including:

  • Seniors
  • Riders with disabilities

Additional details on eligibility and how to apply will be shared before fares return.

Additional programs are being explored.

Riders Without Smartphones or Bank Cards

For riders who prefer or need to pay with cash or passes:

  • Daily, weekly, and monthly passes can be purchased at the locations listed above
  • More options will be added across the region over time
  • You can use a prepaid debit card (such as a Visa or Mastercard gift card) to pay your fare, as long as it supports tap-to-pay.

Help and Support

We’re here to help make the transition as smooth as possible.

You can get help by:

Additional outreach, videos, and how-to guides will be shared ahead of launch.

Stay Informed

As fare return approaches, updates will be shared through:

  • Email
  • Social media
  • On-board announcements
  • Community outreach

Key Dates (dates are approximate and subject to final implementation schedule)

  • June 2026: Fares return to Johnson County Transit bus service
  • Mid–Late Summer 2026: Paratransit fare details released
  • Late 2026 / Early 2027: Paratransit fares begin