KANSAS CITY, Mo. — “No action” was taken in Thursday’s meeting over funding for the KCATA and the City of Kansas City to keep public bus service running.
Commissioners were in a closed meeting for over an hour on Thursday, and when the team reconvened, no action was proclaimed.
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“Me personally, I find it kind of disgusting that our leaders, both on the transit side and on the elected official side, are playing politics with my life. Essentially the way I get around and move about the City. I frankly just want it to come to an end, so that we can start focusing on more important stuff,” metro bus rider Anthony Cunningham shared with FOX4.
“Sign the contract.”
In the meeting, individuals from Sunrise Movement KC, a local grassroots organization, attended virtually. Many involved with the group, and who participated in a virtual protest, with certain graphics, including ones saying, “buses are a lifeline.”
“We thought there would be an ordinance to vote on for a contract. Well, obviously, that did not happen, so today was scheduled for that. So, we talked about options today where we are in negotiations with the city and potential next steps,” Frank White III, the KCATA’s CEO and President, shared with FOX4.
White III said the last thing he wants to see happen is for service to be stopped.
“I would say 80% of our riders have one or no car. From a staff perspective, we are very sensitive to that, but we all answer to somebody, and our board has concerns they want to make sure whatever contract with the city positions the KCATA for the best interest long term,” White III shared.
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KCATA buses have been running without a contract since May, and without an agreement, service could shut down August 15.
White III called Thursday’s meeting “positive progress.”
He says the next step is to hopefully see an ordinance from the city council. Its next meeting is on Thursday. Another special board meeting is scheduled for Friday, August 15, at 8 a.m.
Eric Bunch was welcomed to the team on Thursday. He was recently appointed by Mayor Quinton Lucas to the commission.
Bunch says he is excited to join the team, and transit is an important priority to him.
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