RideKC Reduces Service Due to Staffing Shortages Related to COVID-19  

Posted on: Dec 07, 2020

(Kansas City, Mo., December 7, 2020) – The Kansas City Area Transportation announces a temporary reduction in RideKC transit service starting Monday, Dec. 14, due to staffing shortages among the operator workforce and increasing community spread of COVID-19. RideKC transit should be used for essential trips only, effective Nov. 18. 

The following routes will be temporarily discontinued effective Dec. 14: 

• 9 9th Street 
• 15 Truman Road 
• 55 Universities-Crossroads 
• 233 Vivion-Antioch 

These changes are in addition to previous changes that were implemented Nov. 23, 2020. Other routes will maintain current schedules at this time.  However, if regional impacts of COVID-19 or staffing levels get worse, additional changes may be necessary.  Customers are encouraged to sign up for RideKC Notify to receive a text, email or voice message about changes affecting specific routes.  It’s easy to sign up and select notification preferences. 

These changes are designed to retain access to jobs, education, healthcare and equitable access for low-income residents who need public transportation most. 

“RideKC will continue to provide essential service to riders at zero fare,” said Robbie Makinen, KCATA president and CEO. “If customers must make essential trips, they can have confidence that RideKC is continuing all of the safety protocols that have been in place consistently throughout the pandemic, such as a mask requirement, rear door boarding and limiting the number of seats available.”

Essential Trips Only  

Consistent with the Safer At Home orders and recommendations issued by area counties and municipalities, KCATA recommends transit riders only make essential trips, such as: 

• Rides for groceries. 
• Trips for physical and mental health needs such as appointments and to pick up prescriptions. 
• Trips for essential jobs including hospital, medical, grocery, food service, and essential production. 

RideKC COVID guidelines  

See more about the current status of transit at RideKC.org/bulletins/covid 

• Face coverings are required for riders and bus operators. 
• Fares are suspended on all bus and paratransit services other than 199 Micro Transit and 499 Micro Transit. 
• Social distancing is required on buses. 
• Riders should board and exit buses at the back door unless they have a disability that requires the ramp or kneeling feature, available at the front of the bus. 

For further information, contact the Regional Call Center at 816-221-0660, weekdays from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.