Kansas City ATA Fears Privatization Threats Amid Funding Crisis

Behind the scenes, Kansas City elected officials are now considering drastic moves toward public transit privatization as budget cutting and union negotiations stall. 

To wit . . .

WITH COVID CASH DISAPPEARING QUICKLY, KANSAS CITY STRUGGLES TO PAY FOR PUBLIC TRANSIT!!! 

Word finally made its way to our desk after union loyalists grew tired of veiled threats and sketchy questions from elected officials . . . 

Don't worry, it gets worse . . .

Insiders fear another disastrous collab betwixt Mayor Q & former City Manager Brian Platt given the curious appearance of a JERSEY FIRM in recent presentations to council about saving money by way of public transit privatization. 

Meanwhile . . .  

The cost cutting for services continues with very little concern about money that the ATA could save if it didn't serve as a piggy bank for developers . . . But I digress . . .  

Here's an overview of budget/funding talks that OBVIOUSLY aren't going well . . .   

The Kansas City Area Transportation Authority (KCATA) is currently operating under a six-month contract with the city of Kansas City, Missouri, which is set to expire in the near future. This contract focuses on maintaining existing bus routes and paratransit services while the city and KCATA work out a long-term funding solution and potentially implement a fare system.

The current six-month contract provides $46.7 million for KCATA operations, covering approximately two-thirds of the city's budgeted amount for the agency.

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .

KSHB: "Coming up with a regional solution may take more time than KC's deadline of six months." 

Developing . . .