Smart Moves Regional Transit Plan
Connecting people and places in metropolitan Kansas City
The Regional Transit Alliance's mission is consistent with the Smart Moves plan, a cooperative project developed between 2000 and 2005 by the Mid-America Regional Council, the Kansas City Area Transit Authority, Johnson County Transit and Unified Government Transit designed to address the transit needs for our region. Many of the ideas outlined in the plan were key components of a recent Citistates report, published in the Kansas City Star that identified regional transit as a key component to building a world-class city.
The Smart Moves project envisions:
- A new and improved transit system with integrated service throughout the seven-county metropolitan area.
- Transit centers providing amenities and convenient connections.
- Service tailored to the needs of communities within the region, including:
- Convenient connections to employment sites using Freeway Flyers, comfortable buses specifically designed for longer commutes.
- Rapid Rider service connecting major attractions and providing fast, convenient service using new technologies. Rapid Rider service (the bus rapid transit prototype) is currently being designed between the Missouri River and the Plaza, with other Rapid Rider routes to follow in corridors throughout the region.
- Improved Local Link routes that provide frequent service and more evening and weekend services.
- Special services for senior citizens and those with disabilities.
- Better buses: low floor walk-on buses with no steps and more comfortable seating making the entire transit trip more comfortable.
- Easy to understand information identifying routes, real-time information about the next bus at every transit center and available by e-mail or the Internet.
- Cost estimates and funding options.
