Smart Moves update to capture recent transit activity
August 2007
Mid-America Regional Council
Transportation Matters e-newsletter
MARC is working on a comprehensive update to the Smart Moves transit plan, which was developed several years ago to provide a regionally coordinated framework for transit service. The area transit agencies have been able to secure funds to study and implement projects based, in part, on the existence of this regional plan. The Smart Moves update will incorporate local transit-planning efforts underway (several are highlighted below), revise the service plan and technical information, and involve substantial community engagement. Over 25 citizen events are planned later this fall to gather input.
Light rail in Kansas City
As part of the light rail engineering assessment in Kansas City, Mo., the alternatives analysis study team will look at capital and operating costs, ridership forecasts, feasibility of the line and environmental impacts of the plan voters passed in November 2006. The Kansas City Area Transportation Authority (KCATA) wants to preserve the existing bus system, identify a workable light rail plan and starter line, and prepare to implement it. A Light Rail Citizen’s Task Force is forming to provide community input and assist with outreach. Final recommendations for a starter line are expected in early 2008.
Bus Rapid Transit on Troost Avenue
KCATA is currently planning for Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) and local service along Troost Avenue from downtown south to the Bannister Mall area. Troost is identified as a BRT corridor in both Smart Moves and the region’s long-range transportation plan, and it has the highest ridership of any corridor. Approximately $24 million in federal funds have been earmarked to develop the service, which is expected to debut in late 2009.
Studying transit needs on State Avenue
To help improve public transportation service in Kansas City, Kan., the Unified Government and the KCATA have begun a study of the State Avenue corridor from Village West to the downtown area and into downtown Kansas City, Mo. The study will identify transportation needs in the corridor and develop transit solutions.
For more information, contact MARC Assistant Transportation Director Tom Gerend at 816-474-4240.