Examining the health effects of free public bus transit in Kansas City.
Official title: Health Impacts of City-Wide Zero-Fare Bus Transit: A Natural Experiment
Funded at University of Missouri Kansas City · NIH-11014442 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how free bus rides in Kansas City can help low-income residents be more active, eat healthier, and manage their weight better, especially during tough times like the COVID-19 pandemic.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Missouri Kansas City NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Kansas City, United States) |
| Project start | April 15, 2022 |
| Project end | January 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $642,786 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK132350-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11014442 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are low-income individuals living in Kansas City who rely on public transportation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not use public transit or do not reside in Kansas City may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the implementation of a zero-fare bus transit system in Kansas City affects the physical activity levels, healthy eating habits, and weight status of low-income residents. By analyzing bus ridership data before and after the policy change, the study aims to understand the relationship between public transit access and health outcomes. The research focuses on low-income groups who are particularly vulnerable to obesity and diabetes, especially in the context of challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants will be monitored for changes in their activity levels and access to health services as a result of increased public transit usage.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved health outcomes for low-income populations by demonstrating the benefits of accessible public transportation.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that increased access to public transit can lead to higher levels of physical activity and improved health outcomes, suggesting that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Missouri Kansas City
Kansas City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Berkley-Patton, Jannette Yvonne — University of Missouri Kansas City
- Study coordinator: Berkley-Patton, Jannette Yvonne
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.