Rail Transit in Downtown Kansas City

1
Rail Transit in Downtown Kansas City Revisiting
the Streetcar Concept

• Transportation Infrastructure Committee
• July 16, 2009

2
Alternatives Analysis Conclusions

• Rail transit most justifiable in central corridor
  River Market to the Plaza
• The circulator concept is recommended in the
  Greater Downtown Area Plan
• The downtown streetcar concept is a candidate for
  a TIGER Grant

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What are streetcars?

• Form of light rail tailored to shorter trips in
  urban activity centers streetcars easily share
  the road with autos and pedestrians.
• Streetcar systems success factors
• Desire to plan development and redevelopment
• Good connections to larger transit network
• Market for a circulator transit service
• Demand for short trips

4
What are streetcars?
Historic or Vintage
Little Rock
Denver
Seattle
New Orleans
5
What are streetcars?
Modern
Seattle
Portland
6
What are streetcars?

• Shorter vehicle
• Mixed traffic operation
• Less disruptive
• More frequent stops
• Simple station/stops

7
What are streetcars?

• A few of the most recent Modern Streetcars
• Seattle South Lake 1.3 miles, 52.3 million
  capital
• Tucson 3.9 miles, 150 million capital
• Portland Eastside - 3.3 miles, 147 million
  capital

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Purpose of Downtown Streetcar in Kansas City

• Increase mobility between River Market, Downtown,
  Crossroads and Crown Center
• Tie neighborhoods together serve the residential
  populations
• Serve as a distributor for regional transit
  passengers
• Potential first step in the development of a
  light rail system in the corridor

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Streetcar Markets and Route
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Streetcar Costs and Financing

• Capital Costs
• TIGER Grant
• FTA Capital Funding Small Starts project
• Funding for operating costs
• Public/private partnerships
• Special transportation districts
• Naming rights for vehicles and stations

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TIGER Grant Requirements

• Short timeframe
• Detailed submission by Sept. 15
• Cost/Benefit
• Capital and operating costs
• Short and long term benefits
• Financing
• Long term sustainability and commitments
• TIGER Evaluation Criteria

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Questions or Comments
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