In a recent government meeting, officials discussed significant changes to the city's transit services in response to rising operational costs and declining fare revenues. Since 2019, transit costs have escalated, prompting the elimination of both a morning and an afternoon route on the Truman 16 line, as well as a reduction in Saturday service hours by three hours. Weekday service has also been adjusted, with fixed routes now ending an hour earlier at 6 PM.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated the situation, leading to the complete elimination of remaining Truman 16 routes and proposed cuts to intercity fixed routes. Between 2017 and 2020, the cost per mile for transit services increased by over 10%, while fare revenues plummeted by 24%, widening the funding gap. This gap, which grew by 17% during that period, is primarily supported by the city’s general fund and federal transit funds.

Federal assistance during the pandemic provided approximately $5.2 million to help maintain operations, but these funds are set to expire by 2024. Projections indicate that without this federal support, the funding gap could reach $6.15 per mile by 2024.

In 2023, the city collaborated with the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority (KCATA) to conduct a service analysis aimed at aligning transit services with budget constraints. The analysis yielded four scenarios, all of which involved service reductions ranging from 40% to 70%.

To address transit gaps, the city is considering the implementation of an on-demand mobility service called Iris, which would supplement existing services and enhance community mobility. A request for proposals was issued to third-party transit operators, but only one response was received from First Transit, the current provider, with costs significantly exceeding KCATA's estimates.

As the city navigates these challenges, officials emphasize the need for sustainable transit solutions that balance service availability with financial realities.