How KC hopes to avoid World Cup transportation headaches
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From left, KC Mayor Quinton Lucas, Johnson County Board of Commissioners Chair Mike Kelly and KC2026 chief executive Pam Kramer in Lenexa on Tuesday. Photo: Travis Meier/Axios
KC2026 on Tuesday unveiled its World Cup transit plan, which aims to get fans where they want to go with little disruption to daily life.
Why it matters: Getting around town during the World Cup could be a transportation nightmare, but KC2026 said its plan will keep things smooth for visiting fans and locals alike.
The big picture: A network of coach buses seeks to connect attendees and visitors to primary event locations, including the airport, Fan Fest and the stadium.
Zoom in: ConnectKC26 will operate three services between June 11 and July 13:
- Airport Direct — shuttles running daily every 15 minutes from KCI to downtown
- Region Direct — shuttles running daily every 15 to 30 minutes between Fan Fest and 15 locations around the metro and Lawrence, based on hotel and short-term rental density
- Stadium Direct — match-day shuttles running continuously from four park-and-ride lots and Fan Fest
Between the lines: ConnectKC26 buses will have a fare, although it hasn't yet been determined.
- Fare revenue "could help to offset the costs of providing services," KC2026 chief operations officer Lindsey Douglas says.
- Stadium shuttles will require a match ticket. Park-and-ride lots will have security, Douglas tells Axios.
What they're saying: "Kansas City's efforts will not only benefit visitors; it's also designed to minimize disruption for our existing residents," Tania Mahan, senior transport integration manager for FIFA, said during Tuesday's news conference.
- Mahan said it's key to have a system that is supplementary and does not affect existing transit services, which people rely on for getting to work and picking up groceries.
Zoom out: Mahan called Kansas City a leader in the World Cup transportation plan, adding, "I've referred other host cities to Kansas City and their planning team as an example of how to successfully engage their external and regional partners."
What's next: The match schedule, most of which will be finalized this Saturday, will help local leaders understand how many fans can be expected and when.
- "It may be some matches have larger crowds than others," KC2026 chief executive Pam Kramer said. "As we get more information, we'll fine-tune those plans."