August 14, 2025— Mayor Quinton Lucas announced Thursday that the Kansas City Council has approved a 12-month contract with the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority (KCATA) to continue essential bus service operations throughout the metropolitan area. The contract goes to the regional KCATA Board tomorrow morning for final approval. The agreement ensures that residents across the Kansas City Metropolitan Area maintain access to reliable public transportation services.
The new contract comes after negotiations between city officials and KCATA leadership, with a focus on maintaining affordable, reliable transportation options for working families, students, seniors, and individuals with disabilities who depend on public transit for their daily mobility needs.
"I'm proud of our contractual commitment among the City of Kansas City and the regional transit authority to provide reliable service for all in our region," said Mayor Lucas. "As the primary funder for KCATA, Kansas City will continue working collaboratively with KCATA to build resources in both Missouri and Kansas, supporting stronger performance for all in our area."
The contract will maintain current service levels across all existing bus routes while providing stability for KCATA's workforce and the thousands of daily riders who depend on the system.
"While the contract requires approval by KCATA, it demonstrates the strength of regional cooperation in tackling our shared transportation challenges," said Bridgette Williams, vice chair of the KCATA Board and representative of Wyandotte County, Kansas. "This agreement ensures that residents in Kansas City, Missouri, continue to have reliable access to the transportation services they depend on. The contract also allows us to now focus on the agenda of true regionalism, which includes the implementation of functionally free fare policy and uniting the region to ensure equitable transportation for everyone."
Kansas City and KCATA will continue working together over the coming months to identify opportunities for service enhancements and explore sustainable funding mechanisms for future operations.