Kansas City, like many sprawling U.S. cities, needs help with walkability. With a Walk Score of just 35, it’s clear that getting around by foot isn’t practical for many residents. This makes the city’s free bus system a critical component of public transportation, connecting diverse neighborhoods, supporting economic opportunity, and enhancing accessibility for everyone — especially those without access to private vehicles.
Kansas City’s bus system is essential to people’s daily lives, especially for those who rely on it to reach work, school, healthcare, and basic services. By providing an affordable and reliable mode of transportation, the free bus system fosters independence and ensures that people can access the opportunities they need to thrive.
Economic Impact: Connecting People to Opportunities
A free bus network strengthens Kansas City’s economy by linking residents to job markets, educational institutions, and local businesses. For many, the bus is their only way to reach employment, and the routes often pass by critical commercial areas. For example, the bus stop at 31st and Prospect provides access to several businesses, including a post office, bank, clothing stores, and a phone store. These businesses, in turn, benefit from increased foot traffic generated by bus passengers.
Additionally, the free bus system stimulates local economies by facilitating people's movement between neighborhoods, increasing access to employment opportunities, and boosting the vitality of business districts. It also helps people attend healthcare appointments, grocery stores, and other essential services.
Reducing Environmental Impact
Kansas City’s bus system also plays a vital role in reducing traffic congestion and greenhouse gas emissions. Due to high temperatures and vehicle emissions, the city struggles with poor air quality during the summer. The bus system helps reduce pollution and supports the city’s sustainability goals by providing an alternative to driving. With fewer people driving cars, air quality improves, and the town can take meaningful steps toward reducing its carbon footprint.
If the bus system were to charge fares or reduce services, it could make public transportation less accessible, particularly for low-income and vulnerable populations. This could result in more cars on the road, worsening traffic and pollution.
A Lifeline for Vulnerable Communities
Public transit is not just a convenience but a lifeline for residents of areas historically affected by segregation — such as the neighborhoods east of Troost Avenue. Many of these areas have been underinvested in for decades, leading to disparities in economic opportunities and higher rates of poverty. The bus system provides access to resources these communities might otherwise be cut off from.
As one resident explained, “As soon as jobs become less available in east KC, so does gun violence and homicides.” Research supports this link between economic opportunity and crime, especially in areas with limited access to transportation. A robust public transit system can break down some barriers, connecting people to job markets, education, healthcare, and safer environments.
Healthcare Access
The bus system also plays a critical role in providing access to healthcare. A fare-free system ensures that limited financial resources aren't stretched too thin for residents who rely on public transportation to get to doctor’s appointments or pick up prescriptions. For example, people can take the bus to a pharmacy like Walgreens at Linwood and Prospect without worrying about the cost of a bus fare. This means they have more money for medicine or other essential needs.
As healthcare costs continue to rise, eliminating the financial burden of bus fares helps reduce inequality and makes healthcare more accessible for everyone in the community.
Social Inclusion and Community Building
The bus system isn’t just a means of transportation — it’s a way for people to connect. The interactions at bus stops and the shared experience of waiting for and riding the bus create a sense of community. A sense of belonging and social cohesion emerges in neighborhoods like the Troost and Prospect corridor, where bus stops serve as gathering points.
During a recent ride, I observed this firsthand. As passengers waited for the bus at a stop, music played in the background, and strangers sang along. In these moments, the bus stop became more than just a place to wait; it became an expression of community, uniting people from different walks of life. This social inclusion could be diminished if fare collection were to be introduced.
The Financial Cliff and Threats to Free Fare
Kansas City’s bus system is facing a financial crisis. Federal COVID-19 relief funds that have helped keep the system running are running out, and there’s no clear plan to replace them. KCATA, the regional transit agency, is facing a budget shortfall of $26 million. If the funding gap isn’t filled, the system could face route cuts or even begin charging fares.
The threat of cuts has raised alarms for grassroots groups like Sunrise Movement KC, which advocates for the bus system’s continued free fare policy. As Adin Alem, a leader with the Sunrise Movement Kansas City, put it: “The cost of cutting a public transit system is most felt by the people who are riding it — not by the people making these decisions.”
Without public pressure, the city’s most vulnerable residents could lose access to affordable transportation. The city must find a way to fund the bus system sustainably so that it remains a resource for all Kansas City residents.
The Way Forward: Advocacy and Action
The free bus system in Kansas City is more than just a convenience — it’s a critical part of the city’s infrastructure that supports economic growth, social equity, and environmental sustainability. Thousands of residents could face even greater employment, healthcare, and social inclusion barriers without it.
City leaders must prioritize keeping the bus system fare-free. Residents can get involved by supporting organizations like Sunrise Movement KC, advocating for increased funding, and ensuring that the bus system continues to serve all Kansas City residents.
Conclusion
A free bus system in Kansas City connects neighborhoods, supports local businesses, reduces pollution, and fosters greater social inclusion. It is an indispensable service that ensures people from all walks of life have the opportunity to thrive. If Kansas City is to remain a city for everyone, we must keep the bus system free and accessible.
To learn more about how you can get involved in advocating for public transit, visit Sunrise Movement KC and stay informed about the latest developments.