KC Streetcar Grand Opening

The Kansas City Streetcar public celebration starts at 10:00 a.m. Friday, May 6, outside of Union Station with a grand opening ceremony featuring Kansas City Mayor Sly James, Federal Transit Administration members, City Councilmembers, Kansas City Streetcar Authority Chairman Mike Hagedorn and other local dignitaries and elected officials. The ceremony will be followed by an inaugural first ride for those dignitaries and the opening of public streetcar service and community-wide parties and activities.

 

Public ridership will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 6, and continue until 2:00 a.m. Saturday morning. Streetcar service will resume Saturday morning under regular operational service starting at 7:00 a.m. and continuing until 2:00 a.m. on Sunday morning. There will be three streetcars operating the full route all weekend. A full operating schedule of the free to ride KC Streetcar service can be found online at www.kcstreetcar.org.

 

Transportation:
It’s anticipated that there will be large crowds throughout the weekend. The public should not expect to ride the streetcar’s entire route continuously but to take this time to exit at stops along the way to explore neighborhood activities, businesses and shops. In addition to streetcar transportation, there will be free RideKC Max bus service along the streetcar route May 6 and 7. Additionally, the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority (KCATA) is offering free RideKC bus service on all local, express and shuttle service that connects to downtown on Friday, May 6.

 

Street Closures & Parking:
Starting Friday, May 6, Main Street will be closed to thru traffic between 20th Street and Pershing Road. Buses will be rerouted around that closure and Union Station and Crown Center parking will still be accessible. Main Street north of 20th will remain open to traffic, however, no street parking will be allowed on Main Street or on the south side of 5th Street between Main and Walnut on May 6 and 7. For complete information about KC Streetcar grand opening activities, including transit options and parking, please go to www.timetoridekc.org.