Representatives of the passengers and management of Kansas City's bus service told the city finance committee yesterday that the system is struggling and dipping into its reserves to stay running.
Area Transportation Authority general manager Mark Huffer said diverting transit tax money for streets and streetcars is taking its toll.
“It's going to be virtually impossible for us to sustain current service levels like things such as Max on Prospect or Max on North Oak that we hear a lot of people asking for – for the long run – if what is continuing to be allocated to ATA lessens every year,” says Huffer.
The city has another ten days to finalize next years budget, but no promises of more bus finding were made.
The city manager and some committee members said Kansas City is striving for a comprehensive transportation system, including street repairs and the downtown streetcar line are vital to that system.