Dingy windows, overflowing trash, broken benches — KC’s bus stops need some TLC, and you’ve noticed. A few similar queries hit our inbox, but reader Ann A. summed it up well:

(Conversation has been edited for brevity)

"I walk my dog twice a day and regularly pass a bus stop right in front of beautiful Crown Center. Unfortunately, this area is consistently filthy, covered in graffiti, and littered with trash. This creates a very poor first impression of our otherwise vibrant and welcoming city.

Is KC Transit responsible for maintaining this stop? What can be done to address this issue?"

Great question, Ann. We barked up a few trees and here's what we found...

The one to bug

Text RideKC at (816) 685-854 with the what, where, and when. Problems beyond the bus stop — like flickering streetlights or potholes — can be handled through the myKCMO app, where you can even track updates on your requests.

Get your hands dirty

If you're feeling civic-minded, RideKC’s Adopt-A-Stop program lets your community organization, business, or school claim responsibility for weekly cleanups, complete with your very own sign to show off that hard-earned pride.

You don't have to wait for trash day to clean-up your corner of KC. | Photo via City of Kansas City

If you're not part of an official group, summon your inner Leslie Knope and rally your neighbors with the city’s free Blue Bag program. They provide material, you provide muscle — everyone wins (except Oscar the Grouch).

Prefer less manual labor?

Hop aboard RideKC’s Rider Advisory Council, where you can voice opinions on everything from scheduling headaches to stop maintenance at its bi-monthly meetings.

Got another burning question or bright idea? Drop it in our inbox.