KANSAS CITY, Missouri (KCTV) – We are just two weeks out from the launch of the KC Streetcar expansion to Berkley Riverfront. On Monday, officials provided a glimpse of the journey, stating it has been a long time in the making, but they are enthusiastic.
Separated from downtown by only half a mile via railroad tracks and the landscape, it’s bridges that lack ADA or bike access,” said Tom Gerend of the KC Streetcar Authority. “This connection will link everything happening with a three-minute ride, every ten minutes throughout the day.
Gerend pointed out that this expansion increases the overall Streetcar route to 6 and a half miles, noting that the number of streetcars has grown from 4 to 14.
The Streetcar has changed the way people perceive, reach, and engage with our city,” Gerend stated. “We are thrilled to introduce the Riverfront as another significant location for all of this activity.
Greeting riders at the Berkley Riverfront is a new terminal station known as theCPKC Pavilion, which the KC Streetcar describes as “an iconic destination experience, including an artistic metal roof, sculptural lighting, and improved passenger boarding and waiting spaces”.
The Streetcar extension officially begins on May 18, featuring a ceremony scheduled for 11 a.m. and a community picnic set to start at noon. Gerend mentions that KC Streetcar is still exploring potential future expansions within the city, including areas surrounding the upcoming Royals stadium at Crown Center.
We’ve already begun the planning process for what that entails and how we can prepare to service that venue at a high capacity and high frequency on game days. We have a lot of work ahead to determine how to do this,” said Gerend. “We also have three ongoing studies focusing on areas north of the river, 18th & Vine, and Midtown east and west. Our city is expanding and changing, and we hope the Streetcar can help drive some of that growth.
For a number of businesses along the Streetcar line, such as thePigwichat the River Market, there has been an increase in commercial activity.
We have a significant portion of our business coming from tourism and event-related crowds,” said Reid Smith, Operations Director at Local Pig and Pigwich. “From Chiefs games to events taking place at the T-Mobile Center. We make an effort to stay aware of what’s happening in the area. Even if it’s not directly here [in the River Market], we know people will take the Streetcar to come down here.
This encompasses KC Current matches, although Smith notes they have had a reduced effect this season because the shuttle service from the River Market to CPKC Stadium has shifted from the lot near the business.
Regarding how the Streetcar extension might impact businesses, he believes it could have mixed results, but he stays hopeful.
Someone might say that it could cause people to keep moving beyond us,” said Smith. “However, recently driving there and seeing all the new homes and businesses being built, I believe it has the potential to actually attract people back this way. Hopefully, it turns out even better than it currently is.
Smith mentions that he has been visiting the River Market since his childhood, and it has now become a convenient one-stop destination for him. He buys meat from Local Pig, gets pasta at Carollo’s Grocery & Deli, and spends weekends with his family at the farmers market. Smith urges people living in and visiting Kansas City to back the local businesses.
It’s arguably more crucial now than at any other time, and it has always been significant,” said Smith. “There are many restaurants in this area that are exceptional and offer a great representation of the city. We aim to be among them.
