Coronavirus (COVID-19) Info
Click here for the KC Streetcar Reactivation Phasing Plan.
Latest News
On January 29, 2021, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued an Order requiring the public and transit operators to wear face masks while on public transit and at transit stops. In Kansas City, this includes RideKC buses, streetcars, and stops. A summary of that order and definitions can be found here.
RideKC transit partners have required face coverings since local governments issued emergency orders last year. The new CDC order requires transit riders to wear face masks that cover both the mouth and nose. Scarves and bandanas are no longer an acceptable face covering.
“We thank all of the region’s transit riders for doing an amazing job supporting the mask requirement to this point and we ask for everyone’s help in continuing to comply with this important mandate as we work together to keep Kansas City safe,” said Tom Gerend, Executive Director of the Kanas City Streetcar Authority.
On November 16, 2020, The City of Kansas City, Missouri announced new Safer At Home guidelines to combat the Covid-19 pandemic in the Kansas City region. Click here for the updated guidelines.
The KC Streetcar will continue with the twice daily cleanings of all streetcars in service and the adjusted hours of operation. This will be in place through the remainder of 2020.
- Monday-Friday: 6:00 am to 9:00 pm, three streetcars all day.
- Saturday and Sunday: 7:00 am to 9:00 pm, three streetcars all day.
“As Greater Kansas City continues to balance our region’s economy and community health needs, employer-based safe commute policies and plans are integral to core business operations and the health of our workforce. The Safe Commute Guide is meant to assist employers in navigating the risks and best practices for each of Kansas City’s diverse transportation options, in order to find the solutions that make sense for their needs and goals through the pandemic and beyond. We hope to equip local businesses with the tools they need to get their employees to work and stay resilient in the face of a public health crisis.” ~ From The Safe Commute KC Guide
Click here for Kansas City’s Safe Commute Guide, created in collaboration with the Mid-America Regional Council, RideKC, KC Streetcar, KC Chamber, and the Full Employment Council.
Starting August 3, 2020, the KC Streetcar adjusted operations as downtown Kansas City slowly reopened to business and activity. Operating hours remained the same but there are three streetcars running daily, Monday – Sunday. These schedule adjustments were made due to observed demand and increased downtown activity levels.
- Monday-Friday: 6:00 am to 9:00 pm, three streetcars all day.
- Saturday and Sunday: 7:00 am to 9:00 pm, three streetcars all day.
Starting June 29, 2020, as per the City of Kansas City, Missouri’s, latest directive, face coverings are required while riding the KC Streetcar. If you don’t have a face mask or covering, we will provide masks to riders at our Union Station KC Streetcar stop, as supplies last.
Phase I carries forward all current mitigations efforts and slightly expands the streetcar operations schedule and on-route car availability.
- Face coverings are required when riding the KC Streetcar (June 29).
- Retain COVID-19 instituted car and facility cleaning procedures, including mid-day streetcar cleaning.
- Retain on-board and on-shelter signage related to social distancing.
- Retain on-board hand sanitizer dispensers.
- Retain operations policy related to auto-door opening when weather conditions permit.
- Retain enforcement on limiting “continuous riding”.
- Retain PPE availability for operations, maintenance, and security personnel, including face masks and gloves.
- Retain equipping staff with sanitization equipment including wipes, spray, and hand wash.
- Retain on-board seat signage, limiting seat availability.
- Continue public messaging in a manner consistent with local government, KCMO health department directives and best practices, and regional transit partners.
Click here for the latest Safety Advisory from the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Transit Administration about recommended actions to reduce the risk of Coronavirus amongst transit employees and passengers.
Helpful Rider Tips
During this “stay-at-home” period, we are asking riders to use the KC Streetcar for essential trips only. This includes going to get groceries, attending medical appointments, traveling to essential employment, and going to the pharmacy.
- Do not ride if you have any indication that you might be ill or have been exposed to COVID-19
- When riding, please cough into your elbow, and minimize touching surfaces with your hands.
- Wear a cloth mask if you have one.
- Social distance from other customers by at least 6 feet.
- Avoid direct interactions with the KC Streetcar operators and safety ambassadors and respect his/her need to distance from passengers.
- If you feel uncomfortable on a specific streetcar for whatever reason, get off and take the next streetcar.
Previous Updates
On April 16, 2020, and in response to Kansas City, Missouri’s Mayor Quinton Lucas extending the Stay-at-Home order to May 15 because of the Coronavirus (COVID-19), the KC Streetcar started operating with reduced hours. This meant service with two streetcars, with 15-minute arrivals, and conclude service at 8:00 p.m. nightly. Previously, the KC Streetcar was operating with reduced service of only two streetcars since March 25.
This shift does have minimal impact on public service but does help to minimize staff and resource deployment, aligning KC Streetcar operations with the needs and conditions downtown while continuing to provide essential public transportation service.
“This schedule modification aligns our service levels appropriately while supporting Mayor Lucas’s Emergency Declaration related to the closure of restaurants, bars, and downtown activity centers,” said Tom Gerend, executive director, KC Streetcar Authority. “We are encouraging all streetcar riders to limit trips to those that are necessary and respect the social distancing guidelines put forward by the CDC,” continued Gerend.
The KC Streetcar is closely monitoring the situation and will follow instructions and recommendations issued by the City of Kansas City, Missouri and the Kansas City Health Department. KC Streetcar operations and services are evaluated regularly to allow for any adjustments if needed. Any changes in service and operations will be communicated electronically through the KC Streetcar website, social media channels and the RideKC Notify text alert system (text ‘streetcar’ to 816.685.8541).
Cleaning the KC Streetcars
As part of our daily maintenance routine, all KC Streetcars receive a thorough cleaning at the end of every day. The cleaning products the team uses are effective against numerous bacteria and viruses, including the Human Coronavirus and Influenza Type A Virus.
In addition to cleaning and disinfecting the streetcar vehicles, the KC Streetcar team performs regular cleaning of all streetcar sheltered stops. All glass and shelter frames are cleaned twice a week. The deep cleaning and power washing of all the streetcar stops are performed weekly or as needed.
As is common practice, KC Streetcar team members will immediately remove streetcars from service for cleaning if a passenger creates an unsanitary condition of any kind.
If you see an unhygienic surface onboard the streetcar or at a stop, report it to the operator, safety ambassador or another KC Streetcar team member.
With heightened awareness around the Coronavirus (COVID-19), the KC Streetcar is closely monitoring the situation and will follow instructions and recommendations issued by the City of Kansas City, Missouri and the Kansas City Health Department.
We will communicate any changes in service and operations electronically through the KC Streetcar website (www.kcstreetcar.org/clean), social media channels and the RideKC Notify text alert system (text ‘streetcar’ to 816.685.8541).
The following are performed daily:
- Clean and disinfect all seats, flip-down seats, seatbacks, handrails, grab bars, and hand straps
- Broom sweep and mop vehicle floors
- Clean and disinfect walls
- Clean and disinfect the articulation bellows
- Clean and disinfect route map signs
- Clean and disinfect inside door panels and manual door “open” buttons
- Clean and disinfect all passenger “stop” buttons
- Clean all interior glass windows
- Clean and disinfect both sides of the operator’s compartment glass doors
- Clean and disinfect both operator seats and all armrests
- Clean and disinfect the operator control panels and screens
- Clean interior operator windshields
In response to the current Coronavirus (COVID-19) concerns, additional precautions are being taken including:
- Hand sanitizer dispensers have been installed on every KC Streetcar vehicle.
- All streetcar doors are now automatically opened by streetcar operators unless weather or technical conditions do not allow for that.
- All streetcars in service are cleaned mid-day. Cleanings include wipe downs of all buttons, hand straps, handrails, and grab bars.
- We are advocating Social Distancing both onboard streetcars and at streetcar stops.
- Cleaning cloths are changed nightly.
- Mop water is changed multiple times per night during cleanings.
- On a weekly basis, all cleaning cloths and mops are changed out to new ones.
- All touchable surfaces inside the KC Streetcars are wiped down with disinfectant sprays that are marked effective against the Coronavirus.
- Air vents are cleaned regularly to remove any dirt and dust build-up.
- Operators have been given an increased supply of rubber gloves, hand sanitizer, and Lysol spray.
- Operators spray down the interior of the streetcar vehicles with Lysol spray prior to departing the Union Station streetcar stop.
For information about what RideKC Bus is doing in response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19), visit their website here.
Further information about the Coronavirus (COVID-19) can be found on the City of Kansas City, Missouri’s website.
For updated information, please visit the Centers for Disease Control website.
WHAT YOU CAN DO:
- Wash hands frequently for at least 20 seconds with soap and water, or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Wash hands after coughing or sneezing; when caring for the sick; before, during and after food preparation; before eating; after visiting the restroom; when hands are visibly dirty.
- Maintain at least 6 feet distance from anyone who is coughing or sneezing.
- Wear a face mask.
- Avoid touching your hands, nose, and mouth.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or bent elbow when coughing or sneezing. Discard the tissue immediately and wash your hands.
- For your well-being and the well-being of others, if you’re sick please stay home and take care of yourself.
With cold and flu season upon us and heightened awareness around the Coronavirus (COVID-19), please know that we are closely monitoring the situation and will follow instructions and recommendations issued by the City of Kansas City, Missouri and the Kansas City Health Department as needed.
*updated February 1, 2021