Category: Kansas City Missouri

Bus rides to be free on New Year’s Eve

On Saturday, New Year’s Eve, all RideKC transit, including paratransit, will be free to help holiday revelers get to and from their destinations safely. RideKC will offer free bus rides through New Year’s Eve until 2 a.m. Sunday morning.

“There’s no better time to let us do the driving than New Year’s Eve,” said Robbie Makinen, KCATA president and CEO, in a news release. “Customers can get to downtown, the Crossroads, Westport or the Plaza from south Kansas City, Independence and Kansas City, Kan., safely.”

“New Year’s Eve is one of the most dangerous holidays,” said Rachel Johnson, victim services specialist with Mothers Against Drunk Driving. “With this free ride program you can prevent a family from becoming a victim of an impaired driving crash, maybe even your own family.”

Riders can plan a trip and find out which routes run after midnight at www.ridekc.org, using the trip planner on the home page. Or they can call the Regional Call Center at 816-221-0660, weekdays from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Saturday service includes service in Kansas City, Mo., Independence, Kansas City, Kan., and North Kansas City.

Soccer community commemorates World War I Christmas truce

Soccer enthusiasts from around the region paid homage to the World War I Christmas Truce on Monday by participating in the fourth annual Truce Tournament held by Sporting Club, the National World War I Museum and Memorial and The Soccer Lot.

Approximately 150 participants from 26 teams in the area competed in a 3v3 soccer tournament, while hundreds of additional soccer fans attended the English Premier League Boxing Day Watch Party on large screens inside the National World War I Museum and Memorial.

The Millennium Pilots from Kansas City, eventually claimed the Truce Tournament title in the competition league by defeating Barilleros 6-3 in the championship match. In the recreation league, Bourbon and Ice Cream with players from Kansas City, Jamaica and England, topped Poor Blighters 5-3 to claim the title.

The Truce Tournament is a tribute to the Christmas Truce of 1914 in which the battles of World War I on the Western and Eastern Fronts temporarily subsided. Members of both sides laid down their arms in a time of war to celebrate a day of peace by venturing out to “No Man’s Land” to exchange gifts, sing carols and play soccer.

Proceeds from the event will benefit The Victory Project in its mission to help kids thrive through life’s challenges as well as the National World War I Museum and Memorial.

Limited bus service offered today

RideKC Bus and RideKC MAX: By noon today, Sunday, Dec. 18, limited service will be provided on all Sunday routes, according to the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority. One or more buses will be on each route; buses will not run their regular times. Expect delays and reduced service.

A warming bus was provided Sunday morning at 10th and Main in Kansas City, Mo., until noon.

RideKC Access/Share-A-Fare Paratransit: Paratransit is using Phase A of the Inclement Weather Plan. Delays of 30-60 minutes are possible due to road conditions.

RideKC Access/Share-A-Fare is a transportation program that provides alternate transportation to persons whose disability prevents them from using the regular fixed-route bus service. Customer questions or cancellations can be directed to the Share-A-Fare office at 816-842-9070.

Details of the bus emergency snow reroute plan are available online at http://ridekc.org/rider-guide/severe-weather.

Customers can track their buses online: http://ridekc.org/rider-guide/track-your-bus.

Changes to conditions and service will be posted at www.ridekc.org and on social media: https://twitter.com/RideKCTransit.

Travel tips for RideKC customers

• Please use caution getting on and off buses. Thawing and refreezing is expected over the next several days. Even if pavement looks clear, it may be icy.
• Dress for the weather.
• Carry a cellphone.
• Be cautious walking to the bus stops and boarding buses.