Ignore Kansas City’s Main Street transit-only lanes and you just might see red
Drivers cruising on Kansas City’s Main Street will need to steer clear of the new transit-only lanes or face a fine, as the city puts the brakes on unauthorized cars in streetcar and bus lanes.
The city announced this week that it will begin enforcing the transit-only lanes along the KC Streetcar Main Street Extension on Sunday.
These lanes are reserved for streetcars and RideKC buses. Drivers who improperly drive or park in these designated lanes may face a fine of at least $50 and possibly be towed. Kansas City police will enforce the city ordinance.
“These lanes are an important part of keeping transit moving safely and predictably,” said Jason Waldron, the city’s transportation director, in a news release. “Clear markings and signage are in place, and the video helps show exactly how drivers can navigate the corridor correctly.”
While driving straight through or stopping in the transit-only lanes is prohibited, drivers may briefly duck into transit-only lanes to access driveways, businesses, parking spaces or turn lanes.
The KC Streetcar Main Street Extension opened in late October. The KC Streetcar Authority and the city have been educating motorists through a “See Red?” campaign that includes a two-minute video explaining how the lanes work.
The basic road rules: Solid red zones or panels, as well as red curbs and triple solid lines of white-red-white, mark “transit-only” zones. “Solid red bars mean no cars,” according to a message adopted by KC Streetcar.
Meanwhile, a series of solid red rectangles, called “piano keys,” indicate transition zones that alert drivers to upcoming limited mixed-use zones.
Dashed red-and-white lines indicate that drivers can briefly merge into the right lane to turn at intersections, driveways, or to access on-street parking.
