New RideKC Pilot Program Offers Expanded Trans Options for Seniors, Riders with Disabilities

Posted on: Jul 06, 2016

(Kansas City, Mo. – July 6, 2016)  A new pilot program broadening the transportation options for seniors and anyone with a disability starts this week in Johnson County, Ks., and eastern Jackson County, Mo.       

The Kansas Area Transportation Authority (KCATA) is launching a regional taxi voucher program open to anyone 65 and over as well as anyone with a disability in Johnson County and eastern Jackson County, including Independence, Raytown and Sugar Creek.

Using 10/10 Taxi, eligible riders can go anywhere they want in the region up to 10 miles for $5 each way. Riders have to pay the cost of the fare after the first 10 miles. The service is available any day at any time, including weekends and holidays. Ten one-way trips are allowed each month.

“We’re thinking outside the box and looking for new and innovative ways to offer public transportation to our residents,” said Robbie Makinen, KCATA’s president and chief executive officer. “We want to provide more flexibility to get around while measuring whether there is a more cost-effective way to provide public transportation.”

Makinen said the voucher program is a new innovation that will give people more access to public transportation.

“We are now talking about a 21st century model of transportation that will unlock doors for our seniors and our riders with disabilities,” Steve Klika, chairman of the KCATA Board of Commissioners. “We are very excited about providing this new pilot service for parts of our metro area.”

Anyone interested in the program should apply by going to www.ridekc.org to download an application, which can be found under the Mobility Services tab on the site under the heading, RideKC Taxi.

An application can be obtained by calling 816-221-0660. It also can be requested from .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address), so one can be emailed, mailed or faxed.  

A 2 inch by 2 inch photo (selfies are allowed) is required for an identification card that will be mailed to eligible riders. The photo can be uploaded on a computer with the application or it can be mailed to the Nolte Transit Center, 1701 W. 56 Highway in Olathe or at the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority, 1200 E. 18th Street in Kansas City, Mo. Participants can have a photo taken at either location, but must call the Regional Call Center at 816-221-0660 to make an appointment. The application, along with supporting documents and photos, can be emailed to .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

The card will work like a debit card. When riders receive it in the mail – between seven to 10 business days – instructions will be provided showing how to upload value onto the new card so it can be swiped when using the cab. Questions? Riders can call 816-221-0660 or email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).