A proposal to build a 24-mile light-rail system in Kansas City was overwhelmingly defeated at the polls on Tuesday, Aug. 7. The $793 million plan, drawn up by city officials, failed by a wide margin, garnering only 40% of the vote in the special summer election. "The voters have said they don't think a billion-dollar gamble was worth it," Councilman Paul Danaher told the Kansas City Star. It was the fourth straight year that a light-rail plan has been turned away by the Kansas City electorate. But Mayor Kay Barnes said another light-rail proposal could be served up next year. She said public opinion was shifting in the final days of the campaign as voters "grasped what this was about."
K.C. voters rebuff light-rail proposal
City's $793 million rail plan opposed by 60% of voters
August 8, 2001
1 min to read
Topics:Rail
More Rail
New York MTA Issues RFP for 252 Metro-North Passenger Cars
The competitive RFP includes an option to purchase an additional 377 cars, reserved for future expansions of the Metro-North service area.
Read More →
SFRTA Partners on “Are You OK?” Mental Health Awareness Campaign
Supported by a $56,500 grant from the Federal Railroad Administration, the program will combine targeted public education campaigns with specialized training for SFRTA employees, contractors, and regional partners.
Read More →
Major Rail Projects Don’t Have to Mean Major Security Gaps
Crowded platforms. Temporary routes. New risks. Discover why video tech is critical during rail upgrades.
Read More →
Penn Transformation Partners Named as Master Developer Team for New York Penn Station Renovation
The team of Halmar and Skanska will build a brand-new station that will provide daily commuters and tourists with a more seamless travel experience through a vibrant gateway into America’s largest city, said Amtrak.
Read More →
REM West Island Extension Opens, Expanding Montreal Automated Rail Network
The expansion adds four stations and extends Montreal’s automated REM network deeper into the region with a new all-electric transit service.
Read More →
People Movement: Montoya to Lead Delaware, Andreski Extended in Fort Worth, and More
In this edition, we cover recent appointments and announcements at Trinity Metro, SilverRide, and more, showcasing the individuals helping to shape the future of transportation.
Read More →
California's OCTA Proposes 2026-27 Balanced Budget to Advance Transportation
The proposed budget, totaling approximately $2 billion, advances key transportation initiatives while ensuring all services, programs, and projects can be delivered to residents not only next year but well into the future.
Read More →
KC Streetcar Expansion Strengthens Access to City’s Growing Riverfront
The project adds 0.7 miles of track to the existing KC Streetcar line, connecting north from the River Market to Berkley Riverfront Park.
Read More →
First Amtrak Cascades Airo Trainset Arrives in Pacific Northwest for Final Testing
Take a closer look at the next generation of Amtrak Cascades service as the first Airo trainset prepares for passenger operations in the Pacific Northwest.
Read More →
Boston's MBTA Completes Latest Green Line Work
The work took place during 12 consecutive days of shuttle bus service replacement between Kenmore and Cleveland Circle.
Read More →