As Kansas City prepares to welcome the world for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, getting around the metro is about to look a little different. That is where WAY TO GO KC comes in.
WAY TO GO is a regional program, helping people across the metro explore smarter, more sustainable ways to move around the city. From carpool matching and bike buddies to employer commuter programs and transit resources, the program is focused on making transportation more affordable, efficient, and community-minded for everyone.
With thousands of visitors expected for the World Cup this summer, WAY TO GO is encouraging residents and employers alike to start planning now to help keep the region moving smoothly.
What Is WAY TO GO KC?
Founded in 1980 as the Regional Rideshare Program, WAY TO GO is a program of the Mid-America Regional Council (MARC) focused on reducing traffic congestion, improving air quality, and helping people connect to the places that matter most in their daily lives.
Their mission goes beyond commuting. WAY TO GO works to create a region where sustainable transportation options are affordable, equitable, and accessible while also supporting workforce recruitment, retention, and overall community health.
Some of the resources they offer include:
- App-based carpool matching
- Trip planning assistance
- Employer commuter consulting
- Guaranteed Ride Home
- Transit and mobility resources
- A free WAY TO GO KC mobile and desktop app
For commuters, WAY TO GO helps save money, reduce stress, and introduce new ways to navigate the city. For employers, it can help support workforce flexibility and improve commute experiences for employees.
Preparing for World Cup Travel in Kansas City
This summer will bring a level of activity Kansas City has never experienced before. With six World Cup matches happening at Arrowhead Stadium, traffic and transit demand are expected to increase significantly, especially near the downtown Kansas City, I-70, and I-435 corridors.
WAY TO GO is encouraging residents to make small travel adjustments ahead of match days that can collectively make a big impact across our region.
Small shifts could include:
- Carpooling with coworkers or friends
- Using alternate routes
- Riding transit
- Using options like Bike Share KC or Bird scooters
- Working remotely when possible
- Combining errands into fewer trips
- Adjusting commute times outside peak event windows
WAY TO GO offers free consultations to individuals and businesses to review and establish commute paths that make the most sense and will help keep our region moving.
Why It Matters for Overland Park
For many people in Overland Park and throughout Johnson County, commuting is simply part of daily life. We are often blissfully isolated from the hustle and bustle of what happens in the downtown core. However, with the Overland Park Convention Center serving as an official destination for the World Cup transit line this summer will highlight just how connected the entire metro really is.
Programs like WAY TO GO help support not only mobility, but long-term regional growth. Less congestion, cleaner air, and more flexible transportation options can improve quality of life while helping employers and communities stay connected during major moments for Kansas City.
Employers can also partner directly with WAY TO GO to create commuter programs and explore flexible workplace strategies during high-traffic periods this summer.
Learn More and Start Planning
Whether you are commuting into downtown, heading to work in Overland Park, or planning to enjoy some of the World Cup energy yourself, a little preparation can go a long way this summer.
Download the WAY TO GO KC app on Google Play or in the Apple Store, and learn more about what resources are available to you on WAY TO GO KC’s official website. For a quick understanding of the program, watch their overview video on YouTube.
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