IRIS Micro Transit Services Could Be Temporarily Halted

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) — The IRIS micro-transit service might face suspension in Kansas City next month, which could leave many individuals seeking alternative ways to travel. Over 1,000 people rely on IRIS each day for their journeys, with approximately 350 using it specifically for commuting to and from work.

In April, the Kansas City, Missouri City Council passed an ordinance providing KCATA with six months of funding, approximately $47 million. Alongside this financial support, the council requested KCATA to maintain current bus services, enhance their fiscal standing, analyze IRIS Service Data, and suggest improvements for the program, along with following additional instructions.

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On Thursday, the Director of Transportation for Kansas City along with representatives from KCATA had a meeting with the City Council where they suggested that if the city wished to keep the current level of funding but still intended to cut back on bus services, then "suspending" IRIS services should be considered.

This angered multiple members of the city council—who wish for IRIS to stay operational. IRIS, launched in Kansas City, Missouri (KCMO) in March 2023, aimed to tackle certain "shortfalls" within the present public transit network.

As a result, two measures will be deliberated upon at City Hall on Tuesday. These measures aim to scrutinize whether the municipality should continue supporting IRIS or maintain the status quo. According to local authorities, IRIS is scheduled to halt activities on May 15; however, this decision might alter following the discussion of these ordinances on Tuesday.

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Legislation Text by Sarah Motter on Scribd