METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

KC Streetcar extension gets Fed green light to enter project development phase

The KC Streetcar Main Street Extension project will build upon the downtown streetcar service and will support work required to further develop and advance the southern extension towards the University of Missouri, Kansas City.

January 8, 2018
KC Streetcar extension gets Fed green light to enter project development phase

The primary area for this effort extends from downtown Kansas City and Union Station, south to UMKC in the vicinity of 51st and Brookside Boulevard.

Brian Rice Photography

2 min to read


The primary area for this effort extends from downtown Kansas City and Union Station, south to UMKC in the vicinity of 51st and Brookside Boulevard. Brian Rice Photography

The Kansas City Area Transportation Authority (KCATA), in partnership with the Kansas City Streetcar Authority (KCSA) and the City of Kansas City, Missouri (KCMO), received official authorization from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to move the KC Streetcar Main Street Extension project into the “Project Development” phase.

“Project Development” is the phase where project details will be developed, including refined capital and operating costs, estimating ridership and other benefits, assessing environmental impacts, and developing a detailed funding plan for the streetcar extension. It includes work currently being done by a team of consultants led by HDR Inc., which is being jointly funded by the KCSA and KCATA.

Ad Loading...

“We are thrilled to work with the KCSA, Kansas City, Missouri, the recently formed Transportation Development District (TDD) and the community to move this project forward,” said Robbie Makinen, KCATA president/CEO. “An extension of the KC Streetcar south is an important part of the region’s plan for improved service and we’re looking forward to making it a reality.”

In addition to the FTA requirements, this phase of the KC Streetcar Main Street Extension project will also focus on:

  • Data collection (utilities, current conditions, etc.).

  • Refining alignment details (curb-running / center-running).

  • Station stop locations and terminus configuration.

  • Plan for coordinated regional transit service integration and improvement.

  • Updated cost estimates.

  • Initiation of federal funding process.

The KC Streetcar Main Street Extension project will build upon the downtown streetcar service and will support work required to further develop and advance the southern extension towards the University of Missouri, Kansas City (UMKC). The primary area for this effort extends from downtown Kansas City and Union Station, south to UMKC in the vicinity of 51st and Brookside Boulevard. The area is generally bounded on the west by Broadway Boulevard and on the east Gillham Road.

More Rail

SEPTA's Exo railcars
Railby StaffApril 2, 2026

SEPTA Purchases Montreal Coach Cars to Bolster Regional Rail Fleet

Funding for the purchase of the railcars comes from the nearly $220 million in additional capital dollars Gov. Josh Shapiro allocated in November 2025 to support urgent safety upgrades and infrastructure improvements.

Read More →
The South Shore Line with Passengers
Railby StaffApril 1, 2026

South Shore Line Extension Debuts, Boosting Rail Access in Northwest Indiana

The $945 million project connects four new stations and expands regional mobility.

Read More →
A rendering of a California High-Speed Rail vehicle
Railby StaffApril 1, 2026

High-Speed Rail May Boost Brain Health, New Study Finds

Research ties rail access to lower depression, better cognition and improved air quality.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
An MBTA commuter rail at a station.
Railby StaffMarch 31, 2026

Massachusetts Announces Summer Savings for Commuter Rail Riders

With major events and increased travel expected across the state this summer, the Administration is focused on making sure people have a reliable, affordable alternative to driving so we can reduce congestion, support daily commuters, and keep Massachusetts moving.

Read More →
A Sound Transit Crosslake Connection Link light rail vehicle
Railby StaffMarch 30, 2026

Sound Transit Opens Crosslake Connection, Completing Link 2 Line

The final seven-mile segment of the 2 Line includes new stations at Mercer Island and Judkins Park and connects to the 1 Line at the International District/Chinatown Station. The Link light rail system now spans 63 miles and includes 50 stations.

Read More →
SEPTA M vehicle on bridge
Railby StaffMarch 30, 2026

SEPTA Set to Begin Major Rehabilitation Project Along M Line

From March 29 through May 9, shuttle buses will replace train service between Bridgeport Station and Norristown Transit Center. Train service will operate as normal between Bridgeport Station and 69th Street Transit Center.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Supervisor and LA Metro Board Member Lindsey P. Horvath stands at a podium with a crowd of community members behind her.
Railby Staff and News ReportsMarch 27, 2026

LA Metro Board Advances K Line Northern Extension Through Fairfax and West Hollywood

The project will create the first continuous north-south rail line in the LA basin, connecting major job centers, transit lines, and communities.

Read More →
Nadine S. Lee
Managementby StaffMarch 26, 2026

DART's President/CEO Announces Departure from Agency

Nadine S. Lee, who has served as president/CEO since July 2021, said the decision comes after careful reflection on the agency’s progress and its path forward.

Read More →
A Houston automated people mover manufactured by Alstom.
Technologyby Staff and News ReportsMarch 26, 2026

Biz Briefs: Alstom in Houston, DATTCO Makes Acquisition, and More

In this edition of Biz Briefs, we highlight the latest developments shaping the future of mobility — from manufacturers and technology providers to transit agencies and motorcoach service operators.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
An Amtrak Acela train at New York Penn Station
Railby StaffMarch 24, 2026

Transportation Secretary Duffy, Amtrak Announce Progress on New York Penn Station Project

As part of the contract, the AECOM-LiRo NYPennT Joint Venture will work with Amtrak and the selected Master Developer to completely transform Penn Station, improving safety and operational efficiency, making the system more family-friendly, accommodating increased train and passenger capacity, and delivering a world-class experience to its growing passenger base, according to Amtrak officials.

Read More →