As a result of the strategic plan to better align Johnson County public transit with current travel patterns, available funding and long-term sustainability, changes are coming early this year to fixed routes and micro transit. The public has several opportunities to attend an information meeting to learn more. 

Upcoming Changes Effective March 1, 2026

• Fixed routes 563 (Shawnee) and 569 (South OP Express) will no longer operate.
• The micro transit service area will decrease to within the I-435 loop. In addition, weekend service will end (weekday service continues Monday-Friday, 6 a.m.-8 p.m.)

Public Information Meetings

Johnson County Transit will host public information meetings to share details, review maps and answer questions.

In Person

• Mon, Jan. 12, 11 a.m.-noon: Oak Park Library – Oak Park Meeting Room, 9500 Bluejacket St, Overland Park
• Fri, Jan. 23, noon-1 p.m.: Central Resource Library – Carmack Community Room, 9875 W 87th St, Overland Park

Virtual Meetings (Phone Access Available)

Participants may join online or by phone — no Zoom account or app required.

• Wednesday, Jan. 14: 3-4 p.m.
• Tuesday, Jan. 20: 5-6 p.m.
• Tuesday, Feb. 3: 6-7 p.m.

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

The public can also get updates and share feedback through these channels:

• Website: jocogov.org/transit → 2025 Strategic Plan
• Phone: 913-362-3500 (Option 6)
• Email: johnsoncountytransit@jocogov.org

Background Information on the Strategic Plan

The plan’s strategic goals are to:

• Prioritize higher-density areas with high-quality service that is frequent, attractive, feels safe and is easy to use.
• Improve transit access in Johnson County for people experiencing transportation barriers.
• Ensure service is efficient, cost-effective and sustainably funded.
• Seek partnerships for workforce access for economic growth and development.
• Support countywide and regional goals and programs.

Restructuring the Micro Transit Zone

When Johnson County launched its micro transit service in 2019, it was the first suburban market to do so. This on-demand curb-to-curb service quickly became very popular. However, ridership patterns and operating costs have shifted, prompting a need to better focus service where it is most effective.

The Strategic Plan revises the micro transit system by prioritizing on-demand connection to existing fixed route transit service in areas demonstrating the highest need.

Realigning Fixed Route Service

Improvements to Johnson County’s fixed route service include system standardization so each route has at least one bus arriving each hour, as well as increasing frequency to be implemented gradually across the system as budget allows. In addition to the suspension of routes 563 and 569, the plan anticipates in 2027 to:

• Increase the frequency of transit service on the 401 Metcalf-Plaza, 475 75th Street and 520 Strang Line Express routes.
• Implement a new express route connecting the Mission Transit Center to the East Village Transit Center in Kansas City, Missouri.
• Consolidate the 404 Metcalf-Downtown route with the 401 Metcalf-Plaza route.

Other Changes Planned for 2026 and 2027

• Rebranding Johnson County’s transit service from “RideKC Johnson County” to “Ride JoCo.”
• Returning to fares for fixed route transit and paratransit services in coordination with the region.
• Providing paratransit service within ¾ of a mile of fixed route transit for eligible riders, maintaining countywide paratransit service and improving/standardizing eligibility processes.

Learn more at jocogov.org/transit.