KANSAS CITY, Mo. — A new ride-sharing option will launch in Kansas City next week.

Iris rideshare is expected to debut in the Northland and will be available across the metro soon.

The project extends Kansas City’s bus system, offering 24-hour service throughout its two zones, the Northland and downtown Kansas City.

The program is a collaboration between Kansas City and Ride KC transit. Iris vehicles will take riders to places like bus stops, helping ease one of the hurdles for people needing a ride.

“For years and years, we’ve heard about the fact that our northland transit and bus connections aren’t where they need to be,” Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas said. “And so, we’re making sure through this program that we’re taking that important and indeed a bold step to make sure no matter where you live in Kansas City, you have access to the doctor, to work to a job.”

“And we make sure that that’s available to everyone at a good and fair cost.”

How it works:

  • Riders can use the app or website to schedule rides. 
  • Iris uses a zoning system designated with different colors.
  • Riders will be dropped off within a quarter mile of their location.
  • Iris will use existing bus stops as well as flex stops for most of their pickups and drop-offs.

The drivers of the vehicles will be Z Trip employees and the wait times will be no longer than 15 to 20 minutes.

The city is funding the program, and KCATA was contracted to manage it. The finances will be split 80/20 with the larger portion going to the city.

Kansas City Public Works Director Michael Shaw says the program is critical in connecting communities across the region.

“A lot of times, especially here in the northland, we have a lot of transit quarters in the northland, but we suffer from sprawl where the northland is spread out pretty wide. How do we get people connected to those stops iris is the tool that we believe will help us connect people to public transit,” Shaw said.

Trips in an iris vehicle will range from zero dollars to ten dollars depending on where you’re going. The program rolls out March 15 in the northland but will expand to other cities in the coming months.

You can download the app by searching “Iris by Ride KC” on your mobile device.