Independence shares update on IRIS rideshare program in city
INDEPENDENCE, Mo. (KCTV) - After suspending many of the bus routes in the city in January, Independence looked to IRIS, KCATA’s rideshare program, to replace them.
“I think every community is struggling with public transit, both as people need it more and the cost of running these systems has just gone up year over year,” said Bridget McCandless, an At-Large Councilmember for Independence. “Cities are making really hard choices. I feel like this was the best choice we could make with the resources we have. I think it’s doing an adequate job of solving the problem.”
Some residents don’t agree with that decision.
“Today marks 11 times I’ve used it since it started and each and every time, I’ve ended up crying,” said Lisa Yewell. “The app is not friendly. The first time I used it they set my drop off a ways away from my house. They were dropping me off where I would have to cross 39th Street in rush hour traffic in the morning.”
Yewell recalled several of those rides, saying IRIS has been extremely frustrating and expensive to use. She’s physically disabled and relies on public transportation to get around town.“I want the buses back,” said Yewell. “They stole my independence. I can’t afford to spend $10, $5 each way every time I go somewhere.”
At Monday’s work session, the city council got an update on how IRIS has been in the city since January. In the last four months, the program has seen an average of 93 engers a day. Some of the top drop-off and pick-up locations are the three fare-free locations: the Independence Metro Center, Blue Ridge Crossing, and the Centerpoint Medical Center.
The report also showed over 500 people in Independence use the program, with an average of 37 new s each week.
McCandless says she’s been receiving fewer complaints about the rideshare program and the city has worked with the company to solve some issues.
“Change is hard for everybody,” said McCandless. “Some folks harder than others, but we are making progress. I’m actually really happy with how things are going.”
The city says it will continue to monitor transit services in surrounding cities and make adjustments to its service if necessary. The Independence City Council will consider a one-year contract with IRIS at its next meeting on May 19.
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