RideKC announces start date for new BRT route

After years in the making, opening day for RideKC’s new Prospect MAX bus rapid transit (BRT) line will be Dec. 9, 2019, the agency announced. The new BRT route will inject $56 million worth of street and sidewalk upgrades, transit stop infrastructure, and advanced technology along Kansas City’s 10-mile Prospect Ave., from Downtown to 75th St.

Prospect MAX will offer frequent service, uniquely branded MAX stations and vehicles, traffic signal priority, and fewer stops for faster service. High ridership stations have level boarding, so no steps for customers; and conductive concrete, which melts snow and ice.

Prospect MAX stations offer touchscreen technology and free Wi-Fi. Local firms built and repaired more than 40,000 feet of sidewalks along the route. The DBE participation goal was set at 15%, with the agency surpassing that goal with a 26% participation rate from local minority firms. 

MAX is RideKC’s brand for BRT. KCATA already operates two MAX BRT lines: Main MAX and Troost Max, which launched in 2005 and 2011, respectively. Prospect MAX is projected to be 100% complete by Spring 2020.