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Befriending the Kansas City Streetcar
Description
Kansas City's streetcar system has transformed downtown with $4 billion in development since opening in 2016, and now two major extensions will nearly triple the system's reach to the university district and riverfront.
• 2.2-mile downtown streetcar line has carried over 14 million passengers since 2016
• Extensions will add 3.5 miles south to University of Missouri-Kansas City and 0.7 miles north to the riverfront
• Fleet expanding from 6 to 14 streetcars to maintain 10-12 minute service frequencies
• Comprehensive infrastructure improvements include new water/sewer lines, sidewalks, and green spaces
• Downtown residential population has grown to approximately 36,000 people
• Maintenance facility tour revealed specialized equipment for streetcar upkeep
• Ridership profile expected to diversify with more students and recreational users
• Mixed-traffic operations require ongoing adaptations including some parking removal
• Some sections of the extensions will feature dedicated transit lanes
Check out the Kansas City Streetcar at kcstreetcar.org or find them on all social media platforms at @kcstreetcar to keep up with their progress.