KANSAS CITY, Mo. — A major public transportation crisis is looming in Kansas City.
A funding standoff is pushing the city’s entire bus system to the brink—and if a deal isn’t reached soon, the consequences could be devastating.
Thousands of riders, workers and families across the metro are now caught in limbo.
Kansas City’s buses are more than just a convenience—they’re a lifeline, and while both city leaders and transit officials say this situation should’ve never reached this point, that’s little comfort for those who rely on the service daily.
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“We do – yea – we get around a lot work, home, doctors appointments – everything,” said a couple sitting a bus stop downtown who spoke with FOX4.
“I’d have to make a new plan to get around I have no specific plan,” Kieth Stewart said.
Real people are caught in the middle of a contract dispute—one that, if not resolved soon, will have serious consequences.
“Listen to the voice of the people – that should be the message…Listening to the people coming to get our opinions on it will be the best solution because it’s not about y’all, y’all aren’t riding the bus,” Latisa Moze said.
A proposed ordinance would have allocated $77 million to keep KCATA operating, with the city manager directed to find another $16 million—bringing the total to $93 million to fund the system for another year. But that ordinance was voted down Thursday.
Council members say KCATA failed to sign the contract needed to release funds from the previous ordinance. KCATA, however, argues the terms were unworkable—leaving $47 million already allocated by the council still sitting untouched.
In the meantime, the transit agency has been using its credit line to keep buses running, but that line will be maxed out by August 15. After that, the system faces two options: secure funding from the city, or shut down service.
In an interview this week, Mayor Quinton Lucas expressed confidence that it won’t come to that and urged both sides to come together.
But KCATA Vice Chair Bridgette Williams laid blame on the council’s failure to act, warning that vital services for thousands are now at risk.
“I live out there – she live out here we wouldn’t be able to spend tie together as a family if the buses stopped running,” Monta Johnson said.
“It’s going to affect more than myself and others – I hope they just get down and compromise or something – because some people really need the transportation,” Stewart said.
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There is one last resort: KCATA could technically dip into its financial reserves to continue service temporarily. But a source close to the commission says that move is unlikely, calling it, “just another way to kick the can down the road.”
For now, it’s a waiting game. Riders, drivers, and city leaders are all watching closely—hoping a deal gets done before it’s too late.
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