KCSA begins first steps of transportation service expansion

Written by Maggie Lancaster, assistant editor
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The KC Streetcar Authority (KCSA), in coordination with the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority (KCATA), is planning to expand transportation services.

KCSA and KCATA selected the team led by HDR to conduct a KC Streetcar Southern Extension study to assess multi- modal transportation needs. The KC Streetcar Southern Extension Technical Services will build upon the downtown streetcar service and will support work required to further develop and advance the southern extension towards the University of Missouri, Kansas City (UMKC).

The KC Streetcar Southern Extension study will focus on following: data collection (utilities, current conditions, etc.), refining alignment details (curb-running / center-running), station stop locations and terminus configuration, plan for coordinated regional transit service integration and improvement, updated cost estimates and initiation of federal funding process.

“Today people recognize that public transit is so much more than moving people from point A to point B,” said Robbie Makinen, KCATA president and CEO. “It is about creating jobs, providing jobs access and Page | 2 providing economic development opportunities. Whether it’s by bus, bike, paratransit, taxi, walking or streetcar, we are all working together to meet the dynamic travel needs of our region.”

The primary study area for this effort extends from downtown Kansas City and Union Station, south to UMKC in the vicinity of 51st and Brookside Boulevard. The study area is generally bounded on the west by Broadway Boulevard and on the east by Gillham Road. The KC Streetcar Authority, in partnership with Port KC and the KCATA, is already studying a streetcar and multi-modal extension to Berkley Riverfront Park.

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