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KCATA Expands Free UMKC Student Bus Service Into Johnson County

Johnson County

University of Missouri-Kansas City students with a valid student ID can now ride Johnson County's bus lines for free.

The Kansas City Area Transportation Authority expanded the service as part of its new focus on regional transportation since former Kansas City, Kansas Mayor Joe Reardon was hired as president.

Students have been able to ride Kansas City, Missouri buses for free since 2011, and now they can ride all the way to Overland Park through JO Bus lines.

Bridget Moss of the Transportation Authority says UMKC students make roughly 1,400 bus trips every weekday, and enough commute from Johnson County to make the expansion an easy decision.

"Citizens of Johnson County can get to UMKC on a bus just like citizens of Kansas City, Missouri are getting to UMKC on a bus," Moss said. "Just like our MAX buses, [JO buses] have WiFi, so that's very popular especially when you're making long drives."

The K-10 connector line that runs from KU's Edwards Campus to the university's Lawrence campus will still require fare.

Cody Newill is part of KCUR's audience development team. Follow him on Twitter @CodyNewill or email him at cody@kcur.org.
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