It’s an historic moment for Kansas City as the streetcars begin rolling again this weekend after 59 years. The city will celebrate the opening May 6-7 with festivities at Union Station, the Crossroads, Power & Light District and the River Market.
“This is the first step of what I believe will be a truly historic transformation of the entire city,” Mayor Sly James said in a statement. “Building owners and developers have completed, started or announced more than $1.6 billion in construction in the KC Streetcar district since the route was announced three years ago. I’m confident the entire city will find new momentum as the KC Streetcar energizes the heart of our community.”
Before you ride, here are things you’ll want to know about RideKC Streetcar:
1. There are 9 places to hop on the streetcar along the 2.2-mile route. Some locations have a stop on both sides of the street for two-directional traffic, bringing the total stops to 16. They are at Union Station (Pershing & Main); Kauffman Center (16th & Main); Power & Light District (14 & Main); Metro Center (12 & Main); Kansas City Library (9th & Main); North Downtown Loop (7th & Main); City Market (5th & Walnut); River Market North (3rd & Grand) and River Market West (4th & Delaware).
2. Streetcars will be in operation every day:
- Monday – Thursday: 6 a.m. – 12 a.m.
- Friday: 6 a.m. – 2 a.m.
- Saturday: 7 a.m. – 2 a.m.
- Sunday: 7 a.m. – 10 p.m.
3. The streetcar runs on electricity along a steel-tracked fixed path. Pollution and noise levels in the area will be less than adding the equivalent capacity of diesel-fueled buses.
4. There are four streetcars numbered 801- 804. Why? More than 59 years ago, the Kansas City Public Service managed a streetcar system that had 184 vehicles. The third batch of streetcars was the 725-799 series. So, the new series is picking up there, beginning with 801.
5. Count the modern conveniences: 150 seats per streetcar, climate-controlled, WiFi enabled, security monitors inside and outside the vehicles, and you can bring your bike, strollers, wheelchairs, service dogs and small dogs in carriers.
6. There are 12,486 publicly accessible off-street parking spaces within one block of the streetcar route. This does not include on-street parking.
7. During opening weekend May 6-7, Kansas City will throw a series of free street parties along the route. Beginning with the opening ceremony with Mayor Sly James at 10 a.m. Friday at Union Station, the public is invited to a series of events to celebrate with live music, carnival rides, fireworks, First Friday art, food and drinks, streetcar specials and street performers at Union Station, the Crossroads, Power & Light District and River Market. For a complete schedule of events and locations, go to TimeToRideKC.org.
8. For a route map and more details, visit RideKC Streetcar.
9. It’s a free ride! In fact, all RideKC busses will be offering local, express and shuttle service to downtown for free this weekend.