News Summary
The Kansas City Streetcar Authority has initiated a feasibility study for a new streetcar line along 18th Street. This project aims to enhance connectivity and development in the downtown area, drawing on public input as a key element. The study will operate independently of another ongoing streetcar study and includes ongoing accessibility testing to ensure service is user-friendly for individuals with disabilities. Local officials express support for the initiative, which aligns with other developments in the area.
Kansas City Launches Feasibility Study for New Streetcar Line
The Kansas City Streetcar Authority (KCSA) has announced the initiation of a feasibility study for a potential new streetcar line along 18th Street. This decision, approved by the KCSA Board, aims to create a project partnership and secure funding from the city of Kansas City, Missouri, as well as the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority.
KCSA Executive Director Tom Gerend highlighted that the primary objective of the study will be to assess the role of the streetcar in fostering area development. Public engagement will be a key component, ensuring that community input shapes the study’s direction.
Purpose and Benefits of the Proposed Line
The proposed streetcar line seeks to unify the downtown experience by providing easier access to various entertainment districts in the area. By creating a vital connection to downtown, the streetcar is expected to help bridge existing gaps within Kansas City. This development comes as 18th Street undergoes significant changes, including new housing projects and a public garage that is slated to begin construction in the near future.
Support for the feasibility study has been expressed by local officials, including Kansas City Councilmember Melissa Patterson-Hazley. She emphasized the momentum of ongoing developments around 18th Street and indicated that a new streetcar line would likely draw more visitors to the area.
Independence from Other Studies
It is important to note that the feasibility study for the 18th Street line will proceed independently from another ongoing east/west streetcar study along 39th Street. Officials from KCSA have confirmed that both studies will operate without interference from one another.
Enhancing Accessibility
In addition to the new line proposal, the Kansas City Streetcar is currently conducting accessibility testing in collaboration with Ability KC. This initiative aims to ensure that the streetcar service is user-friendly for individuals with disabilities. The streetcar’s zero-entry design eliminates internal steps, greatly enhancing accessibility compared to traditional public transportation options.
Individuals using mobility devices, such as electric wheelchairs, have participated in the testing and provided positive feedback on the streetcar’s design. This initiative is part of several federal tests that must be completed before the streetcar service can launch for the general public.
Confident in the testing schedule, Gerend anticipates staying on track for a fall opening of the streetcar service.
Upcoming Services and Extensions
In anticipation of the upcoming holiday weekend and the Celebration at the Station event at Union Station, the Kansas City Streetcar plans to provide additional service. An extra streetcar will be added on Sunday night, expanding the number of operational streetcars from four to five for that event.
Track construction for the Riverfront Extension of the streetcar system is nearing completion, with the entire project expected to be finished soon. This extension will stretch approximately 0.7 miles along the Missouri River and is set to open around February 2026. Meanwhile, the Main Street Extension, which will reach the University of Missouri-Kansas City campus, is also progressing well, with an anticipated opening in fall 2025 following the completion of track construction in November 2024.
Overall, the Kansas City Streetcar initiatives aim to enhance connectivity within the city, promote accessibility, and unify the downtown experience by integrating new lines and extending existing services.
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Additional Resources
- KSHB: KC Streetcar Authority Approves Proposal for 18th Street Study
- KSHB: On Track with KC – Ability KC and Streetcar Accessibility
- KC Today: Explore the KC Streetcar Stop – Westport & 39th Main
- KCTV5: KC Streetcar Announces Memorial Day Weekend Hours
- Kansas City Star: New Developments in Streetcar Accessibility
- Wikipedia: Kansas City Streetcar
- Google Search: Kansas City Streetcar
- Google Scholar: Kansas City Streetcar
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Kansas City Streetcar
- Google News: Kansas City Streetcar
Author: STAFF HERE KANSAS CITY WRITER
The KANSAS CITY STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKansasCity.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Kansas City, Jackson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as American Royal World Series of Barbecue, Dia De Los Muertos, and Planet Anime Kansas City. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Kansas City, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and entertainment that power the local economy such as Children's Mercy Hospital, Government Employees Health Association, and AMC Entertainment. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREStLouis.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Missouri's dynamic landscape.
