Johnson County to return to bus fares on transit lines June 1

In coordination with regional partners and in order to maintain reliable transit service, Johnson County Transit will return to collecting fares on its fixed-route buses on June 1.

The Johnson County Board of County Commissioners approved the new fare structure at its meeting on Thursday. Starting this June, bus riders will pay $2 per trip on Johnson County routes.

The county's fare structure will align with a previously announced fare structure for Kansas City buses through the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority and align with other transit systems throughout the Kansas City metro area.

"The steps we are taking today for our transit network both align us with our regional partners and help us execute our broader strategic vision for public transit in Johnson County," said Board of County Commissioners Chairman Mike Kelly. "By adopting this regional transit fare policy, we are continuing to work with the region to provide reliable and equitable transit service that benefits residents of Johnson County."

This initial phase of adding fares will only affect fixed-route buses. A second phase anticipated for late 2026 or early 2027 will institute fares for paratransit service.

Additional information on the new system is posted on Johnson County Transit's website.

Fare Prices

Riders on Johnson County buses will have several payment options:

• Single Ride: $2
• Day Pass: $4
• Weekly Pass: $20
• Monthly Pass: $62.50

The K-10 Connector route will have a different set of fees, with $4 for a single ride, $35 for a weekly pass and $125 for a monthly pass.

Reduced daily fares by 50% will be available for seniors and riders with disabilities, with additional details announced before fares return.

Fare capping will be available for riders buying single rides via a credit or debit card, meaning once riders reach the cost of a day pass, additional rides that day will not increase their total. See additional details on the fare capping structure and payment system on the county's website.

How to Pay

Riders will have several options to pay:

• Tap to Pay: Tap a Visa, Mastercard or Discover credit, debit or prepaid card directly on the bus validator.
• Mobile App: Use the RideKCGO mobile app, which will be available from Apple and Android before June 1, to load funds and pay by tapping your phone.

Cash will not be accepted on buses. Riders without smartphones or bank cards or who prefer to purchase passes in person will have locations available in the metropolitan area to purchase passes.

FIFA World Cup 2026™ Service Fares

Separately this week, the Board of County Commissioners also authorized fares for the Johnson County United Link service that will operate during FIFA World Cup 2026™. Rates will include $5 for a day pass, $25 for a seven-day pass and $50 for a tournament pass.

In partnership with KC2026, Johnson County will charge similar rates on its Johnson County United Link service to a separate ConnectKC2026 system offering rides to the stadium and across the region. Riders will need to purchase separate passes if they want to ride both systems.

The Johnson County United Airport Drop and Ride service will operate during the FIFA World Cup 2026™ free of charge.