Feasibility study update
The KCATA has awarded Phase 1 of a $2 million contract to Kansas City-based HNTB yesterday to do the real engineering work — formally called the Alternatives Analysis by the FTA — on the official voter-approved light rail plan (a.k.a. the "Broadway" route). Up until now, the discussion about what would and would not work was all conjecture and posturing. Another tidbit of good news is that HNTB will also be analyzing the alternative "Main/Grand" starter route put forward by the Urban Society (and echoed by TOD competition winner BNIM).
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Why not check out troost for a starter line [high ridership] with lots of room for building condos or apartments[no need to TIF].Line could go from 87th & troost all the way downtown an d turn a t 27th st over to Crown Center and up grand.
a troost starter line has some fans, but as much as i hate to concede to the “prevailing wisdom” i’m pretty sure most people envision main street as a major part of the route. also, not really sure how that would affect the federal funds already allocated for the troost BRT project.
But LR can’t go that fast in traffic. It won’t go any faster than a streetcar. Cars on main st still hit light after light even whe they go th e sped limit.Plus LR car are longer and will slow down traffic
cars on all streets will hit the red lights… nothing unique about main. just check out the work they’re doing in phoenix, denver, and portland to make sure traffic runs smoother with LRT or streetcars than the way it’s running today (which does as much as the actual speed between lights). regardless, KCMO drivers who really want to make a beeline to and from downtown use southwest trafficway or oak/rockhill.
since when do “dignataries” ride public transit? middle management sprint wannabe types who want to make a tree-hugging statement maybe, but not anyone with a serious business schedule to keep. what actual number is associated with “a lot of people from Brookside” paintman? 20? 50? remember, public transit in total carries about 2% ridership, if that…what makes anyone think light rail will increase that amount? or take cars off the street? or reduce emissions? or be a sensible investment for our city? it makes no sense whatsoever to build light rail just because it’s “cool” as some nitwit from the urban society once said.