The Kansas City Area Transportation Authority (KCATA), in cooperation with the City of Independence, Mo., announced the expansion of RideKC Freedom On-Demand paratransit services in Independence.

“We have had great success with our RideKC Freedom On-Demand in Kansas City and this is another step toward regional, comprehensive mobility services,” said Robbie Makinen, president and CEO, KCATA. “It further drives home the idea that building great value-added services for our riders and community partners will drive public transit success in the region.”

RideKC Freedom On-Demand launched in parts of Kansas City, Mo., and northeast Johnson County, Kan., in May 2017. It has expanded to Wyandotte County and Johnson Counties in Kansas since then, and has provided more than 90,000 trips for people with disabilities. Now with the expansion into Independence, RideKC Freedom On-Demand can provide paratransit users with even more options.

Ridership for Freedom On-Demand continues to grow. By the end of November, RideKC Freedom On-Demand is on track to surpass 100,000 rides. The expansion doesn’t just give users more options, but allows the KCATA to continue building on robust, innovative partnerships that drive the region forward.

“The City of Independence takes care of our people, and we are always looking for ways to improve our residents’ quality of life. Our partnership with KCATA allows us to provide Freedom On-Demand service to residents of Independence,” said Mayor of Independence Eileen Weir. “This will provide another option for riders to travel around the city.”