Weigh in on east-west Kansas City transit extension

Posted: Jan 31, 2023 / 04:49 PM CST

Updated: Jan 31, 2023 / 05:43 PM CST

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Kansas City transportation officials will hold two public meetings next week to discuss a possible east-west streetcar and transit extension.

The Kansas City Area Transportation Authority and KC Streetcar Authority have been studying a potential transit connection between the University of Kansas Health System with Truman Sports Complex.

In previous meetings last fall, the study team showed multiple potential routes, including down 31st Street and 39th Street, among others.

The study area is from from Rainbow Boulevard to the west and the Truman Sports Complex to the east, and 31st Street to the north and 43rd Street to the south.

Officials have stressed the plan is still in development, and the east-west extension could be a mix between buses and the streetcar.

Donna Mandelbaum with the KC Streetcar Authority said the project is about more than just transportation.

“Transportation is vitally important to our community, it’s more than just that. What else can these projects bring to our community to help uplift them. Is it better sidewalks, curb improvements, better lighting, water and sewer improvements like we’ve seen on Main Street now,” Mandelbaum said.

At two meetings in February, the project team will share proposed transit scenarios, routes and modes. There will be in-person presentations, a question-and-answer session, and opportunities to provide feedback.

The community meetings are scheduled for the following dates:

Tuesday, Feb. 7