RideKC Fares Return in Johnson County – June 2026

Phase 1 of fares returning to buses began June 1, 2026

Blue and grey bus driving down a street

Johnson County Transit resumed fare collection on bus services beginning June 1, 2026.  This is a coordinated effort with the regional RideKC 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.

RideKC Webinar: Transit Fares

On May 19th, 2026 RideKC hosted a webinar discussion on transit fares, fare programs, and evolving approaches to public transportation pricing. If you missed it, you can access the recording of the webinar below. Additional fare resources and information are also being developed and will be added as they become available.

Watch the Webinar

What’s Changing

For the past several years, Johnson County Transit services have operated fare-free. A phased approach to returning to fares began June 1st.

  • 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

There are several convenient ways to pay for your ride. All buses will feature contactless tap to pay terminals (credit cards cannot be inserted or swiped and no cash will be accepted).

  • Contactless Credit/Debit/Prepaid Cards : Riders can tap a Visa, Mastercard, or Discover credit card, debit card, or prepaid card directly on the bus reader as long as it has the "tap" function. (American Express is not accepted at this time).
  • Mobile Wallets : Use Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay linked to a contactless card.
  • RideKCGO Mobile App : Buy and scan passes directly from your smartphone (available now on iOS and Android).
  • Physical RideKC Pass Card Sales : For riders without smartphones or bank cards - RideKC Day Passes, Weekly Passes and Monthly Passes are available for purchase at:
    • East Village Transit Center, 13th Street and Charlotte, KCMO
    • Wyandotte County Fleet Campus, 5033 State Ave. KCK
    • Johnson County Admin Building, 111 S. Cherry St., Suite 1000 (Licensing and Permits office) Olathe, Kansas - Coming September 2026

Weekly and Monthly (30 day) pass cards will be available at the locations listed above starting June 1. Monthly and Weekly Passes won't activate until their first use.

Fare Capping and Transfers

If you use the same tap-to-pay method (like the same contactless bank card or mobile wallet) every time you ride, the system tracks your usage and caps your spending.

You will never pay more than $4.00 a day, $20.00 a week, or $62.50 a month. Once you hit those limits through regular $2 single rides, the rest of your rides for that day, week, or month are automatically free.

Keep in mind: you must use the same tap to pay method each time you ride for the system to properly track your rides and prevent additional charges.

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 remain available for eligible riders, including:

  • A child or teen ages 6-18 (0 to 5 ride free)
  • Adults 65 and over
  • A Medicare card holder
  • Individuals who qualify for low-income assistance
  • Individuals with Disabilities

This process is currently being administered by KCATA and United Way.  Complete an application and provide required documentation. Our partners at United Way will review your application and notify you of the status of your application. KCATA will issue your Reduced Fare pass.  Applications can be completed online.

All applicants must provide:

  • A copy of valid ID (state ID, driver's license, school ID, passport, Fountain Card, etc.)

Additional Documentation by Eligibility Category:

  • Age 6-18: Proof of age (if not listed on valid ID)
  • Age 65 and over: Proof of age (if not listed on valid ID)
  • Low-Income: Proof of participation in income-based programs (SNAP, WIC, TANF, Medicaid, Section 8, LIHEAP in Missouri, or LIEAP in Kansas)
  • Medicare Card Holders: Copy of Medicare card
  • Disability: SSDI/SSI eligibility letter, Medicare card, Copy of VA disability verification letter (veterans only), proof of RideKC Freedom enrollment

For more detailed information and the application link, visit:

United Way of Greater KC

 

Already on board? Customers can show proof on the vehicle before tapping.

Agency & Nonprofit Transit Pass Programs

Organizations looking to help clients access transit may be eligible to purchase RideKC passes in bulk.  The RideKC Bulk Pass Program is currently administered by KCATA. Applications, orders, payment processing, and pass fulfillment are handled through KCATA.

Get Started

  1. Complete the Reduced Fare Bulk Purchase Application.
  2. Once approved, submit a bulk pass order.
  3. KCATA will process your order and coordinate pass fulfillment.

 

Reduced Fare Bulk Purchase Application

https://ridekc.org/fares/reduced-fare-bulk-purchase

 

Day Pass Bulk Order Form

https://ridekc.org/fares/day-pass-bulk-order

Questions about bulk pass purchases may be directed to KCATA at (816) 346-0844.

Johnson County organizations may also contact Johnson County Transit for assistance navigating the application process.

Program details, pass availability, and fulfillment timelines are managed by KCATA and may change as the program expands.

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