All aboard: Streetcar extension to open this fall
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Photo: Abbey Higginbotham/Axios
The KC Streetcar's Main Street Extension opens to the public on Oct. 24, linking nearly 6 miles of neighborhoods and making it easier than ever to move through the heart of the city.
Why it matters: The extended transit route will link thousands of residents to businesses, cultural institutions and academic centers.
- "This is the first time streetcars have passed south of Pershing Road since 1957," Tom Gerend, executive director of the KC Streetcar Authority, said in August 2024.
The big picture: The $352 million project, funded by both federal and local dollars, adds 15 new stops and eight new streetcars, connecting the River Market to the University of Missouri-Kansas City.
- The expanded system will remain fare-free and continue using zero-emission electric vehicles.
By the numbers: The streetcar has provided more than 15 million rides to date. Of those riders:
- 80% are locals and 20% are visitors, according to the streetcar authority's most recent survey.
- 61% spend money along the route at businesses, restaurants and more.
- 31% use it to get to work.
Follow the money: 98% of businesses along the route reported the streetcar had a positive impact on them, according to a 2021 public presentation.
- More than 1,400 apartments have been proposed or constructed along the extension since the public voted to fund the route in 2017, the Beacon reported in March.
What they're saying: The streetcar has "driven economic growth and expanded opportunity throughout downtown," City Market communications and marketing director Sue Patterson tells Axios. She said it provides access to healthy food, aiding regional farmers and "providing a springboard for local small businesses."
- "This allows you to actually explore what the city has to offer," KC Streetcar Authority board chairman Michael Collins told KSHB.
- "We can't wait to see our Roos hop on!" UMKC stated on Instagram.
Between the lines: The streetcar has spurred new development, but rising rents along the line have raised concerns about gentrification and who ultimately benefits from taxpayer-funded growth.
What's next: Stakeholders are working on planning a launch day celebration while crews finish up federal systems testing.
Editor's note: This story has been corrected to state that the streetcar has provided more than 15 million rides to date (not more than 10 million).