Kansas City Area Transportation Authority (KCATA) improved its public transit system

 This document is a case study about how the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority (KCATA) improved its public transit system by partnering with RideCo and zTrip to implement new microtransit and paratransit services.

Here's a breakdown of the key information:

The Challenge:

• KCATA needed to improve public transit services across a large, bi-state metropolitan area, connecting communities with varying needs.
• They aimed to create an interconnected multimodal system using innovative technology.
• There were mobility gaps, particularly in underserved communities needing connections to fixed-route transit.
• The existing ADA paratransit program used outdated software, leading to inefficiencies and customer dissatisfaction.

The Solution:

• KCATA partnered with zTrip (fleet operator) and RideCo (technology provider).
• They launched the IRIS microtransit service, expanding access to transit and connecting residents to fixed routes.
• They also launched RideKC Freedom, an ADA paratransit service, to modernize and improve paratransit operations.
• RideCo's technology automated processes, optimized routes, and improved communication.

Key Results and Benefits:

• For IRIS Microtransit:
  • Increased ridership.
  • Improved cost efficiency (cost per passenger below goal).
  • High rates of shared rides.
  • Good customer satisfaction (high ride rating, positive feedback).
• For RideKC Freedom Paratransit:
  • Increased passengers per vehicle hour.
  • Decreased cost per passenger.
  • Annualized cost savings for KCATA.
  • Improved on-time performance.
  • Automation of processes, leading to reduced staff workload and improved job satisfaction.

In essence, the document highlights how KCATA used technology to:

• Expand access to public transit.
• Improve the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of their services.
• Enhance the customer experience.