RideKC Freedom Paratransit

Paratransit Services

Paratransit Scheduling

We strive to provide reliable transportation services throughout the year. However, please note that there will be changes to our schedules on certain holidays. Here’s everything you need to know about our holiday hours and closures.

Holiday Closures

On the following holidays, Unified Government Transportation (UGT) offices will be closed, and no transportation services will be offered:

• New Year’s Day
• Memorial Day
• Independence Day
• Labor Day
• Thanksgiving Day
• Christmas Day

Please plan your trips accordingly and be aware that services will not be available on these days.

Holiday Schedule with Service Availability

On the following holidays, UGT will provide RideKC services from 5:30 AM – 8:30 PM.

• Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
• Presidents Day
• Good Friday
• Veterans Day
• Day After Thanksgiving

For the most up-to-date information, we recommend calling (913) 573-8351 or visiting our Transportation page.

Inclement Weather

At Unified Government Transportation (UGT), we are committed to providing safe and reliable service, even during inclement weather. However, the safety of our passengers and employees is our top priority. During periods of severe weather, it may be necessary to make adjustments to our services to ensure everyone’s well-being.

While we will make every effort to maintain regular service, there may be situations where:

• Delays occur due to adverse weather conditions.

• Some services are canceled to protect passengers and staff.

• Buses may be forced to use alternate routes to avoid hazardous conditions or areas that are impassable.

To stay informed about any service changes due to weather, we encourage you to:

• Tune in to local TV and radio stations for updates.

• Visit our website at wycokck.org for real-time information.

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we work to keep everyone safe during inclement weather. Thank you for choosing Unified Government Transportation!

Paratransit Service Policy

Basic Service Mode: While our basic mode of paratransit service is curb-to-curb, there may be times when we must offer service beyond this base level due to a passenger’s disability or special circumstances. This is a federal requirement under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and not a local decision.

Beyond-the-Curb Assistance: In such cases, the driver will provide assistance to the individual from the outside door of the residence or facility to the vehicle, and from the vehicle to the outside door of the destination. In most cases, this assistance will consist of pushing a mobility device or providing steady support. Providing this level of service may require more time than a base-level stop.

Driver Responsibilities for Assistance

• Vehicle in Park: Drivers must ensure their vehicle is in park before assisting passengers.

• Offering Assistance: Drivers should always ask the passenger if they need assistance, including whether they require the use of lift equipment, especially for passengers who use mobility aids such as walkers or wheelchairs.

• Limits of Assistance: Drivers must provide assistance only to the extent that they can maintain sight of the vehicle and ensure its security. Drivers are not allowed to enter buildings, climb stairs, traverse unsafe or non-accessible pathways, or provide any other assistance that may compromise the security and/or safety of the driver, other passengers, or the vehicle.

Shopping Bags and Personal Belongings: Paratransit service is designed to provide safe, accessible transportation—not personal shopping assistance. Passengers are responsible for managing their own bags and belongings. To ensure safety and space for all riders:

• Passengers may only bring what they can independently carry on and off the vehicle in a single trip.

• Operators are not required to carry, load, or unload shopping bags, luggage, or other personal items.

• Packages must be safely stowed so they do not block aisles, doorways, or create safety hazards for other passengers.

Power Wheelchairs and Mobility Devices

• Passengers using mobility devices are responsible for ensuring their equipment is in good working condition.

• If a power wheelchair or scooter becomes inoperable during a trip, operators are not permitted to push, pull, or manually move the device due to significant safety and liability concerns for both the passenger and the driver.

• If a mobility device fails and cannot be safely secured or transported, the vehicle cannot proceed. In these cases, non-emergency medical transportation or another appropriate provider must be contacted to assist the passenger.

• Passengers are encouraged to maintain their equipment and have a backup plan in case of mechanical failure.

Regulatory Requirement – Origin-to-Destination Service
Under 49 CFR §37.129, transit providers are required to provide complementary paratransit service that is “origin-to-destination.” Agencies may establish curb-to-curb as the base service mode, but must provide service beyond the curb when a passenger’s disability or circumstances require it. Examples include:

• A passenger whose disability prevents them from traveling independently between the door and the curb.

• A temporary barrier (e.g., construction or adverse weather) that makes curb-to-door travel unsafe or impossible.

To meet these needs, drivers may provide beyond-the-curb assistance if it can be done safely, without requiring the driver to enter buildings, lose sight of the vehicle, or provide personal services.

Other Considerations

Are there stairs, locked security entrances, locked gates, fencing? Is the street you live on difficult to find? Will an attendant or companion be traveling with you? If so, please tell the coordinator.