Johnson County has introduced a free shuttle service to Kansas City International Airport (KCI) to accommodate visitors during the FIFA World Cup. The service, known as the Johnson County United Airport Drop and Ride program, began on June 1 and connects Overland Park and Lenexa to KCI. This initiative is part of Kansas City’s broader ConnectKC26 plan, designed to facilitate transportation for residents and visitors during the international event.
Program Details and Initial Reception
The shuttle service, funded largely by a federal grant, with contributions from Johnson County, Overland Park, and Lenexa, operates from the Overland Park Convention Center and Lenexa City Center to KCI. Buses run every 30 minutes, aiming to provide a convenient and cost-effective travel option. Despite its potential benefits, the service has seen modest ridership, with 18 to 35 passengers daily in its first week.
Justus Welker, interim director for Johnson County Transit, expressed optimism about the program’s growth, noting that new routes typically take several months to gain traction. The program is set to conclude in September, after which its viability as a permanent service will be evaluated based on ridership data.
Community Impact and Future Prospects
Local residents like Annika Jurczyk have already benefited from the shuttle, citing significant savings compared to other transportation options like Uber. Bus drivers, including Melanie Bernard, are enthusiastic about the opportunity to meet diverse passengers from around the world.
However, the requirement for riders to be dropped off rather than park long-term could limit the service’s appeal. Welker acknowledged this challenge and suggested that future iterations of the program might include parking facilities to enhance accessibility.
The program’s success will be assessed through various metrics, including ridership and feedback collected via QR codes on the buses. Johnson County Commission Chair Mike Kelly emphasized the importance of this initiative as a demonstration of the community’s potential when investing in infrastructure.
As the World Cup progresses, the county plans to increase advertising to attract more visitors. The ultimate goal is to determine whether the shuttle can become a permanent fixture in Johnson County’s transportation network.
Original reporting: Johnson County Post (Overland Park) — read the source article.
