Courtesy KCATA.
In another step toward a region bus system, the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority (KCATA) and the City of Independence are considering a cooperative agreement.
The proposal heard by the Independence City Council this week would allow the KCATA to manage the Independence bus and transit system. The council is expected to give final approval on June 15 and the Kansas City authority will consider it on June 24.
According to the KCATA, the new plan would make it easier for paratransit riders to use public transportation; consolidate call center operations so it will be easier to learn bus schedule details; and improve efficiency of service management.
“We are very grateful to Independence Mayor Ellen Weir and the Independence City Council in banding together with us to build a regional transit service that will provide economic opportunity for everyone from all walks of life,” said KCATA President and Chief Executive Officer Joe Reardon.
“This agreement is just one more way that we can make transit across our region more inviting and simple to use,” Reardon said. “Streamlining operations will not only save taxpayer money, but will help many people who depend on paratransit services for getting around the community.”
Last year, the KCATA entered a similar agreement with Johnson County, Kansas to manage its transit contract.
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