Kansas Intercity/Regional Bus Study

Study Description

Kansans use long-distance bus services to reach medical appointments, schools, jobs, friends, family, and other important destinations. KDOT supports many of the routes provided by public transit agencies and private intercity carriers such as Greyhound, Jefferson Lines and Village Travel. During 2024-2025, KDOT will be evaluating these services with the help of a consultant team.

Through a combination of data analysis, stakeholder conversations, and public surveys, the study team will identify where gaps in service exist and what services are most needed by Kansas residents. The team will then develop and evaluate concepts for new or adjusted services.

When complete, the study will offer recommendations based on the transportation needs of Kansans across the state, with KDOT considering both practical and financial feasibility. The ultimate purpose of this study is to ensure the State of Kansas is allocating its dollars where they are most effective.

Study Materials

Study Process

Study Schedule

Media Kit

Materials available in the English and Spanish media kits include the following:

KDOT Intercity Bus Study 5" x 8" Flyer (digital and print files)
KDOT Intercity Bus Study 8.5" x 11" Flyer (digital and print file)
KDOT Intercity Bus Study 11" x 17" Poster (digital and print file)
KDOT Intercity Bus Study Table Tent (print file)
KDOT Intercity Bus Study Social Media Text
KDOT Intercity Bus Study Social Media Graphic

Download the KDOT Intercity Bus Study Media Kit - English

Download the KDOT Intercity Bus Study Media Kit - Spanish

This information can be made available in alternative accessible formats upon request. For information about obtaining an alternative format, contact the KDOT Division of Communications, 700 SW Harrison St., 2nd Fl West, Topeka, KS 66603-3745 or phone 785-296-3585 (Voice)/Hearing Impaired – 711.

Esta información puede estar disponible en formatos alternativos accesibles a pedido. Para obtener información sobre cómo obtener un formato alternativo, comuníquese con la División de Comunicaciones de KDOT, 700 SW Harrison St., 2nd Fl West, Topeka, KS 66603-3745 o llame al 785-296-3585 (Voz)/Discapacidad auditiva: 711.

Study Details

Study Name	Kansas Intercity/Regional Bus Study 2024
Study Number	PT-0905-24
Phase	Identifying gaps between travel and service(s) available
Location	Statewide
Scope	The intent of this contract is to develop a Statewide Intercity Bus and Regional Routes Study that will: Examine and document the current connections between rural areas and the larger regional and national system of Intercity Bus (ICB) Service. Assess the unmet intercity bus needs of Kansas and identify investment opportunities for new ICB routes that are both feasible and viable to meet the identified needs Explore the feasibility of statewide coordination utilizing app technology Include a supplemental white paper on the economics of ICB and transit with a focus on aging in place Identify opportunities for integration and coordination with current and potential future passenger rail expansion as outlined in the Kansas State Rail Plan (Oct. 2022). The updated ICB Study will build on the previous initiatives and serve as a resource for decision making to move Kansas toward a more cohesive and connected bus system, locally, regionally, and nationally. Recommendations from the ICB and Regional Routes study must be consistent and further the goals identified in the Kansas Long-Range Transportation Plan as they relate to regional routes and intercity bus service.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a long-distance bus service?

For study purposes, “long-distance” is defined as a trip of 50 miles or more.

What services are being studied?

The study is evaluating two types of service:

Intercity bus (ICB) service is provided by private, for-profit carriers. In Kansas, the carriers include Greyhound, Jefferson Lines, Village Travel (dba Beeline Express), and Los Paisanos Autobuses. These companies typically operate long, multicity routes, many of which pass through Kansas on their way to and from other states.
Public transit services are provided by cities, counties, nonprofits, and other local organizations. These organizations usually have a smaller service area. Their services are mostly demand-response (when rides are booked in advance and provide door-to-door pick-ups and drop-offs). Some providers also offer fixed bus routes that stop in certain cities at set times.

What funds does KDOT use to support bus services?

These funds come primarily from the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) Formula Grants for Rural Areas (Section 5311). Per the FTA, Section 5311 funds are annually distributed to states based on a formula that includes land area, population, revenue vehicle miles, and low-income individuals. KDOT in turn allocates Kansas’ share of the federal funding to rural public transit providers. The grants do not cover 100 percent of provider costs; to receive a grant, a provider must come up with local matching funds of 20 to 50 percent.

Under Section 5311(f), each state is required to spend at least 15 percent of its grant funding on intercity bus transportation. The 5311(f) percentage is the funding source relevant to the current study. In recent years, KDOT has allocated its 5311(f) dollars to Greyhound, Jefferson Lines, and Village Travel. This study will help determine how KDOT should allocate those funds in the future.

When will I have opportunities to provide input in the planning process?

Participate in our community survey, open through October 18.

Participe en nuestra encuesta, abierta hasta el 18 de octubre.

When potential service concepts are ready to share, another online survey will be available to collect your feedback.

How can I stay informed?

Sign up for the study email list here. Para español haga clic aquí.

This email list is used only for the study; you will receive updates periodically.