KC officials studying east-west transit plan, including streetcar. How to participate
Kansas City officials on Wednesday announced a study to examine the feasibility of “high-capacity transit” that would stretch from east and west — and they’re looking for public input.
The study will analyze the possibility of improving connectivity between the University of Kansas Health System along Rainbow Boulevard in Kansas City, Kansas, and the Truman Sports Complex, more than 12 miles east in Kansas City. Corridors from 31st Street to the north and 43rd Street to the south are being considered.
Ways to improve that connection could include expanding bus rapid transit, the Kansas City Streetcar and other “multi-modal transit options,” according to RideKC’s website.
The Kansas City Area Transportation Authority and its partners said they are seeking feedback to “ensure the future of high-capacity transit in Kansas City is equitable and transformative.”
“Community input is critical to fill existing east-west transit gaps in our region,” Robbie Makinen, KCATA president and CEO, said in a statement. “We want to understand the community’s needs first, and then use the feedback we receive to help guide the study.”
A survey is available in English and Spanish until June 17 at www.eastwesttransit.org. The survey can be requested by mail by emailing planning@kcata.org or calling 816-346-0300. Officials also plan to hold public meetings in the future.
The study, which began in April, is expected to take a year.
Last year, Mayor Quinton Lucas told The Star that an east to west Streetcar extension “fundamentally” needs to happen.
The Streetcar currently runs from Union Station to the River Market, primarily along Main Street. Work has begun that will extend the line to the south and the University of Missouri-Kansas City campus.
“It is essential that we share that vision and share that expansion in development, with a strong east-west route,” Lucas said.
