ATA wins $1.2 million federal grant to benefit Prospect Avenue buses

The Kansas City Area Transportation Authority will receive $1.2 million from a competitive federal grant program to benefit Prospect Avenue buses, officials said Friday.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx is scheduled to come to Kansas City on Monday to discuss the funding, designed to continue improving Kansas City’s bus system.

On Friday, city and ATA officials confirmed that Kansas City will receive $1.2 million from the Ladders of Opportunity initiative, a new program to modernize and expand bus service across the country. The city will contribute $300,000 in matching funds. The $1.5 million will help fix and renovate curbs, sidewalks, benches and shelters along Prospect Avenue from 22nd to 28th Streets.

“This grant is all about providing access to transit,” ATA spokeswoman Cindy Baker said Friday. “That gives people access to more opportunities.”

The Prospect Corridor is the city’s second-busiest route and one of the busiest in the region, with about 6,000 to 7,000 daily riders. Baker said the area in question is in serious need of infrastructure upgrades, and the improvements will provide greater access to major employers, medical centers and other developments.

Kansas City was one of 24 recipients in 19 states of awards through the Ladders of Opportunity initiative, which totals $100 million in competitive grants nationwide. Detroit is receiving nearly $26 million to purchase new hybrid and clean diesel buses. Denver is getting $5 million to link its bus system to the suburb of Aurora, Colo.

This story was originally published September 26, 2014 at 6:23 PM with the headline "ATA wins $1.2 million federal grant to benefit Prospect Avenue buses."