Haphazard Kansas City Streetcar Expansion Frustrates Bus Riders & Local Biz

Construction on the upcoming addition to the toy train has been an agonizing and expensive process. 

To wit . . . 

PROMISES OF STREETCAR ECONOMIC IMPACT OVERLOOK FINANCIAL HARDSHIP SUFFERED BY KANSAS CITY RESIDENTS IN THE PATH OF THE NEW LINE!!!

Here are two examples . . .

The KCATA hasn’t always taken proper steps to improve service for residents who need it most, especially when it comes to adequately communicating drastic changes to riders. This can have severe consequences for workers.

“I don’t like to be late,” a rider said. “I work so hard at my job for me to lose my job due to the miscommunications that the KCATA has given riders.

“It makes it really difficult when they’re not on time, or they don’t show up, or they are redirected or rerouted. They don’t let us know properly.”

Normally, she can walk about four blocks to catch the Main Max, but she no longer has this option. “Because of the streetcar expansion, they’ve got the Main Street Max all rerouted.”

On weekends, her line runs even more infrequently, about every 30 minutes, making any delays more stressful. To avoid these issues, she uses Uber to get home on the weekends.

Meanwhile . . .

Check this local biz complaint . . . 

Current construction has contributed to a five to 10 percent loss of business. 

While she notes the percentage could be worse, lost business is challenging nonetheless while navigating increased food prices and labor costs. "We have 44th Street shut off, we have 43rd in both streets shut off, we have 42nd Street off. It makes it extremely difficult for us to be on this island and trying to serve people," Laura Norris, Ragazza Food & Wine owner said. "This is what it takes. It's very difficult to do deliveries or people that do curbside pick-ups from here."

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .

Businesses along Main Street navigate ongoing construction work

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Businesses along Kansas City, Missouri's, Main Street are navigating construction work related to improvements to the city's water system. Infrastructure and transit improvements near 43rd and Main S are part of the final phase of sewer work for the city's Upgrades on Main project .

Zero bus fare does not equal easy commutes for Kansas City riders

While it is free to ride the bus, only 12.8% of Kansas City’s low-income households are near a transit system. KCATA is working to hire drivers and expand routes.

Developing . . .