'Innovative' project delivery, P3s being evaluated for KC streetcar
RFI issued to generate information regarding options to support streetcar operations and a new extension.
RideKC is looking for information on project delivery options including operations, maintenance, and finance methods that are related to a combined (two-part) extension, inclusive of both Riverfront and Main Street, or information that is specific to an individual extension.
KC Streetcar Authority/Brian Rice Photography
RideKC is looking for information on project delivery options including operations, maintenance, and finance methods that are related to a combined (two-part) extension, inclusive of both Riverfront and Main Street, or information that is specific to an individual extension.
KC Streetcar Authority/Brian Rice Photography
The Kansas City Streetcar Authority (KCSA), in partnership with the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority (KCATA), issued a Request for Information (RFI) for innovative project delivery methods to support the extension and operations of the KC Streetcar. The RFI can be found on the KC Streetcar website here.
Together, the KCSA and KCATA are engaged in the process of evaluating innovative project delivery opportunities and various public-private partnership delivery models for a KC Streetcar extension. This will aid in the eventual selection of a final delivery and financing model for the KC Streetcar extension. Additional local partners including the City of Kansas City and Port KC will also advise on the local process.
“We know there is international interest in Kansas City’s streetcar expansion initiative and a number of innovative strategies emerging across the country that may make sense for Kansas City,” said Tom Gerend KCSA executive director. “Our intent is to solicit the industry’s input to see if there is a better, faster, or more cost-efficient way to bring these plans to fruition.”
The purpose of this RFI is to generate information that may help confirm and/or refine assumptions regarding innovative delivery and financing options to support streetcar extension. This RFI is intended solely to obtain such information and assist the RideKC team on an administrative level.
“We want to explore every option that the industry has to offer and we want to feel confident that we are making decisions based on the very best information," said Robbie Makinen, KCATA president/CEO. "We are building a comprehensive transportation system for the next 50 years, not the last 20.”
Currently, two independent KC Streetcar extension planning efforts are underway:
0.75-mile Riverfront Extension via the Grand Avenue Viaduct to Berkley Riverfront.
3.5-mile Main Street Extension from Union Station to the University of Missouri, Kansas City Volker Campus.
RideKC is looking for information on project delivery options including operations, maintenance, and finance methods that are related to a combined (two-part) extension, inclusive of both Riverfront and Main Street, or information that is specific to an individual extension (Riverfront or Main Street).
More Rail
New York MTA Advances Final Contract for Second Avenue Subway Expansion
Contract Four is the largest in the Second Avenue Subway Phase 2 project and includes construction of station infrastructure, tracks, and signals for the subway expansion, MTA officials said. Work on Contract Four will begin in 2027.
Read More →
San Diego MTS Breaks Monthly Trolley Ridership Record
Agency officials said July’s ridership indicates MTS’s continued recovery from the pandemic.
Read More →
Report Examines NJ TRANSIT Reliability, Funding Challenges
The Garden State Initiative analysis examines the roles of Amtrak infrastructure, fleet management, and agency operations while recommending a more performance-based approach to improving reliability.
Read More →
Stadler, CapMetro Sign Long-Term Rail Fleet Support Agreement
Beginning in 2027, Stadler will provide on-site technical expertise, spare parts support, training, and obsolescence management to help extend the reliability and longevity of CapMetro’s GTW fleet.
Read More →
Biz Briefs: Alstom Lands Canadian Contract, LYT to Supply California TSP, and More
In METRO's latest installment, we take a look at recent news from Complete Coach Works, Beep, FlixBus, and more partnerships making headlines across the transportation sector.
Read More →
CATS Gold Line Marks 5 Years of Service, 2.8M Passenger Trips
With a six-mile expansion planned, the Charlotte streetcar is positioned to connect more neighborhoods and major transit hubs across the region.
Read More →
Why Simulating Pedestrian Movement Has Become Essential for Modern Rail Stations
Pedestrian microsimulation is helping rail planners identify bottlenecks, test station designs, and prepare complex transit hubs for growing passenger volumes.
Read More →
Amtrak Begins Major Construction at New York’s Sunnyside Yard
The new maintenance facility will support Amtrak’s Airo trainsets while improving maintenance efficiency and turnaround times in New York.
Read More →
Chicago Leaders Unveil Plans for O’Hare Airport Express Train
The privately developed project would offer a 15-minute trip between downtown and O’Hare’s Terminal 2, with trains operating every 15 minutes on a dedicated track. The service would use battery-electric trains and three existing freight rail rights-of-way.
Read More →
OCTA Maps Out 30-Year Strategy to Protect Coastal Rail Corridor
The draft feasibility report identifies strategies to protect the coastal rail line for decades as the agency continues near-term stabilization and sand placement efforts.
Read More →