Would Public Transportation Make Snow Days Easier?

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The snow turned a little slushy on Monday and drivers may face slick roads on Tuesday morning. Some drivers wish they could’ve taken public transportation on Monday especially if they were only going a few blocks away.

People say they wish there was an easier way to get from point A to point B on snowy days. A city plan is ready to move into the design stage. The city says it has the answer. A street car would connect the River Market area to Crown Center.

“That is truly the plan to expand it in the future,” said Sherri McIntyre the assistant city manager. “We looked at what other cities have been able to do and most of their starter lines start with either anywhere from a one mile to a four mile length and ours is right in the middle about 2 miles.”

That two miles of a line hinges on about 10,000 voters who live in those areas. It would also take a one cent sales tax and additional property tax assessments to help pay for the $100,000,00 proposal.

“I don’t think there’s anything wrong with raising taxes a little bit if it gives people a way to connect to each other and everything,” said Crown Center resident Justin Vacca.

Another Kansas City resident says he doesn’t want to spend more money for public transportation.

“The gas, the water, the electricity, everything is going up and we’re getting taxed in the wastewater management thing for the trash and now this,” said public transportation rider Jack Craig. “Why should we get taxed even more?”

Voters will get to decide on forming a taxing district in a June election.