There are nearly 3,000 bus stops across the Kansas City metro, run by both the Kansas City Transportation Authority and Johnson County Transit. But only 20% of them have a bench. Even fewer stops, only 10%, have a shelter.
That’s been controversial for riders and transit activists who want everyone to be able to sit down and take shelter from the elements when they ride the bus. Both transit agencies have recently approved plans that call for them to add more benches and shelters to their stops and get more feedback about where riders want amenities.
AJ Farris, the director of planning and scheduling for the KCATA, said the agency can’t put amenities at every stop because they’re so expensive to install and maintain…