KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The wait for the new streetcar route is almost over!
The city of Kansas City and the KC Streetcar announced the grand opening of its new Main Street extension.
The grand opening celebration is planned for the morning of Friday, October 24, and will open to the public immediately after.
The KC Streetcar Main Street Southern Extension adds 3.5 miles to the existing downtown streetcar route, connecting the current southern end at Union Station to 51st Street and Brookside Boulevard on the UMKC campus.
The expansion, according to the city, will provide fare-free, zero-emission transit service to the most crowded neighborhoods, busy business districts, world-class cultural institutions, and vibrant academic communities in Kansas City.
This extension will create a north-south transit spine through the center of Kansas City, extending the streetcar system from the City Market to UMKC for nearly six miles.
“October 24th will be a day to remember and celebrate as Kansas Citians ride into the future of public transportation, connecting neighborhoods in the urban core like never before,” Mayor Lucas said.
“The grand opening of the Main Street Extension represents our community’s investment in generational growth, providing more opportunities for more residents and visitors alike while remaining fare-free for all. Mark your calendars to join us.”
The KC Streetcar Main Street Extension project officially broke ground on April 6, 2022, after planning started in April 2017. The extension is fully funded by a combination of federal and local funding, with a total cost of $352 million.
As part of the expansion, there will be 15 additional stops, better pedestrian access, renovated public areas, eight more streetcars (bringing the total to 14), and links to regional transportation.
Additional information about the opening celebrations and service details will be shared in the coming weeks.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by PostX News and is published from a syndicated feed.)
