KCATA RideKC Freedom
March 26, 2021, Notice: RideKC Freedom Facing More Demand and Longer Wait Times. See notice for additional travel options and updates.
RideKC Freedom
Your mobility is important. If you are an older adult, person with a disability or person of low-income please see below what services may be available to you. We are here to help connect you to your community. Paratransit is available to those who meet certain qualifications.
Qualifying for RideKC Freedom
To apply for paratransit service from KCATA, Unified Government Transit, Johnson County, Kan., or IndeAccess, download a printable application in English or Spanish. The application and Ride Guide are available in alternate formats and in Spanish upon request by calling 816-842-9070 and pressing option 5 for Eligibility.
Arranging a trip
Call (816) 842-9070 to schedule your trip. Have the following information ready:
- Your RideKC Freedom/Share-A-Fare identification number
- The day and date you want to travel
- The time you need to arrive at your destination or your appointment time
- The time you want to return
- The complete street address of your destination
Will an attendant or companion be traveling with you? If so, tell the coordinator when you schedule your trip.
Going to a hospital, shopping mall, or other destination with several entrances? Tell the coordinator which door you will use for your pick-up and return trips.
Are there stairs, locked security entrances, locked gates, fencing? Is the street you live on difficult to find, etc.? If so, please tell the coordinator. These factors may affect the driver’s ability to reach you.
Subscription Service: If your work or travel schedule remains the same at least three times per week, you may qualify for subscription service. The subscription service is good for a 90-day period or until the next quarterly mark up, when fixed-route bus service changes.
Cost
Medicaid: If you qualify, no-cost transportation may be available for qualified non-emergency Medicaid appointments. Please tell the coordinator that you are scheduling a Medicaid trip and give your Medicaid number.
ADA Eligible Trips: $3.00 Fare NOTE: ADA Complementary Paratransit is Zero Fare through 2023.
Non-ADA Eligible Trips: Use Freedom On-Demand. Click here to learn more.
To Receive the Best Service, Please Observe These Pointers
Schedule your trip before 4:45 p.m. of the day before you want to travel. For example, if you want to travel on Tuesday, your trip must be scheduled by 4:45 p.m. on Monday. Phone lines are open from 7 a.m. until 4:45 p.m. Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. on Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays.
Trips may be scheduled as much as 14 days before you want to travel.
The coordinator will want to make sure your trip is scheduled correctly. Stay on the line and the coordinator will repeat your travel arrangements to verify your information and the cost of the trip.
Please have the exact fare ready for the driver. The coordinator will give you the cost for each trip when you schedule your ride. Drivers do not give change.
Negotiated Trip Reservations
Effective Thursday, May 28, 2015, Trip Coordinators may offer pick-up times to customers that are different from those requested. This procedure is called trip negotiation. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) permits trip negotiation as long as the offered alternate pick-up time is within 60 minutes of the requested pick-up time. The ability to manage trips in this manner assists us to provide better service to our customers.
You may contact your Trip Coordinator at 816-842-9070 and select option 1 for more information.
Holidays
The RideKC Freedom office is open from 8:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. on the following holidays:
- New Year’s Day in January
- Martin Luther King Day in January
- President’s Day in February
- Memorial Day in May
- Independence Day in July
- Labor Day in September
- Veteran’s Day in November
- Thanksgiving Day in November
- Christmas Day in December
Inclement Weather Advisory for Paratransit and Micro transit Services
RideKC Freedom (and SWIFT- JoCo only), RideKC Freedom on Demand, RideKC Iris, RideKC Micro Transit
During severe winter weather, RideKC prioritizes the safety of our passengers and operators. Please be aware of the following:
Service Impacts
- Delays and Suspensions: Paratransit and microtransit services may experience delays or suspensions when road conditions become unsafe. Service adjustments often begin when roads are ice-covered or when snowfall exceeds 3 inches.
- Reduced Service Areas: In extreme conditions, service may be limited to main roads and critical areas only.
- Notification Process: Service suspensions or delays will be communicated through the RideKC website, social media channels, and the RideKC app.
Path of Travel Requirements
- Clear Path Required: Customers must ensure that all paths of travel to and from the vehicle are cleared of snow and ice.
- Driver Assistance: Drivers are unable to assist with snow or ice clearing.
- Ride Refusal: Customers may be refused service if they cannot safely access the vehicle due to uncleared paths.
Notifications and Updates
- Stay Informed: Check the RideKC website, social media channels, or the RideKC app for real-time updates on service status.
- Phone Lines: Due to high call volumes during severe weather, phone lines may be busy. For faster assistance, use online tools for trip updates.
Safety First
- Allow Extra Time: Travel may take longer during inclement weather.
- Be Prepared: Dress warmly and ensure safe access to pickup and drop-off locations.
Thank you for your patience and understanding as we work to provide safe and reliable service during challenging weather conditions.
The Pick-up Point
Your vehicle may arrive any time during your 30-minute pickup window. RideKC Freedom provides door-to-door service to the most exterior door and cannot enter residences or businesses. Please be ready and waiting near the most exterior door. If you are using a wheelchair, there must be an accessible path from your pickup point to the vehicle. Drivers are unable to transport wheelchairs up or down steps or along other non-accessible paths. If you need extra assistance, please request it when scheduling your trip.
What if I have a problem?
For your convenience, our customer comment line is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you are experiencing problems with our service, please call (816) 842-9070, Option 6, and leave your name, phone number, and a detailed message. Messages are retrieved daily and recorded in our comment tracking system. Our Customer Service Representative will notify you that we received your comment , research the problem and work with you, RideKC Freedom Staff, and our service provider to resolve the issue. For incidents that need immediate attention please call (816) 842-9070 to speak with a Customer Service Agent.
What if I change my mind and cannot travel?
Call our Reservations Number (816) 842-9070 to cancel your trip at least two hours before the scheduled pick-up time. After hours, just remain on the line and your call will be transferred to Dispatch. Customers who demonstrate a pattern or practice of No Show’s and/or Late Cancellations may incur penalties, which could lead to a suspension of service.
Post These Numbers Near Your Phone For Quick Reference
RideKC Freedom
Phone Options for Regional RideKC Freedom: (816) 842-9070
Option 1: RideKC Freedom: Kansas City, Mo., and Independence scheduling, reservations and dispatch
Option 2: RideKC Freedom: Johnson County, Kan., scheduling, reservations and dispatch
Option 3: RideKC Freedom: Wyandotte County, Kan., scheduling, reservations and dispatch
Option 4: RideKC Freedom On-Demand Scheduling and Dispatch: Same day or advanced scheduling, reservations and dispatch
Option 5: Eligibility Office: All RideKC Freedom applications, certifications, ID cards, appeals
Option 6: Comments Line: For all regional mobility services (24-hour recorded line available Monday-Friday)
