Celebration at the Station Service

MAX Offers Extra Service For Celebration At The Station On Sunday

For more information about riding MAX and The Metro, check out our video series.

The annual Celebration at the Station will be held at Union Station on Sunday, May 27. The FREE outdoor concert featuring the Kansas City Symphony starts at 7:30 p.m. between Union Station and Liberty Memorial. The fireworks display begins at 9:15 p.m.

From 5 p.m. until the start of the concert, MAX will double its service, operating every 15 minutes instead of every 30 minutes between Waldo and 3rd & Grand. After the fireworks display, MAX buses will be waiting to serve concertgoers on the return trip. Regular Metro fares apply.

For route and schedule information, call the Regional Call Center at (816) 221-0660, weekdays from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.

For more about Celebration at the Station, visit the Kansas City Symphony website.

Metro Consolidates Bus Stops For Faster Service

The Metro has implemented the first round of route changes for the Metro2012 service changes, and preparations are underway for greater changes in July. Along with changes to routes and scheduled times, The Metro is consolidating some bus stops to improve service on several Metro routes. These changes will help Metro buses keep on schedule, allow for faster travel times and reduce wear and tear on buses.

On streets that run east and west in Kansas City, Mo., bus stops will be available at every other block. Bus stops were removed based on the number of people boarding at each stop. If a stop has been removed, there should be another Metro stop a block away.

Extra stops have already been removed along the 27-27th Street and 31-31st Street routes. The Metro will soon begin consolidating stops on the following routes: 24-Indepenence, 30-Northeast, 35-35th Street, 39-39th Street, 108-Indiana, and 121-Cleveland-Antioch.

This change is part of the Metro2012 service changes. These changes are intended to create service that is more efficient and more attractive to customers.  To learn more about the changes coming this year, visit http://www.kcata.org and look for “Metro2012.”

More Metro2012 Information

A brochure summarizing Metro2012 service changes on all 54 Kansas City, Mo., Metro routes is on buses and in schedule racks.

For further information, contact the Regional Call Center at 816‐221‐0660 weekdays from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Metro 2012: We Are Ready To Roll

Links:
Route Changes
Study Overview

March 24, 2012

Dear Metro Customer,

It’s been two years in the making and we are now ready to roll out an entire package of route and schedule changes to offer you more reliable, more convenient, more direct service – without increasing the budget. Like other metropolitan cities, Kansas City continues to experience dramatic shifts in population and employment that impact the demand for transit service. The time was ripe to fully assess our system and identify ways to be more efficient and user-friendly.

Nelson Nygaard, a leading Boston-based transit planning firm, was hired to work alongside our experienced planning and transportation staff. Their impressive credentials made them a perfect fit for evaluating 54 Kansas City, Mo., routes.

From start to finish we welcomed your input. Early on we asked your preferences. Do you prefer more frequent service and shorter hours of operation? Or do you prefer more evening and weekend trips and less service during the day? In the fall of last year, we published initial route recommendations and asked you to weigh in on the proposals. We received an amazing 700 comments, analyzed each and every one of them, and revised 24 of the original recommendations. Clearly, you have had a strong hand in the changes to come.

Now we’re ready to roll out the first package April 1. After that, changes will be phased in more aggressively over the next 12 months.

Please be proactive in finding out the latest route and schedule changes. We have worked very hard to coordinate changes in the most logical and efficient manner, minimizing your inconvenience and maximizing your opportunities. Everything will be online at http://www.kcata.org and we will be setting up special information sites where you can actually pick up the new “preliminary” schedule well before implementation.

Please accept my thanks for your active role in helping us improve our system. I look forward to your future ridership and continued feedback.

Yours In Transit,
Mark Huffer, KCATA General Manager

P.S. 2012 Metro ridership is up nearly 20 percent the first two months of the year! This momentum sets the stage for Metro2012.

Memorial Day Service

Memorial Day Service Operates On Sunday Schedule

In observance of Memorial Day, Monday, May 28, The Metro will provide service only on routes that operate Sunday schedules. ATA offices and the Regional Call Center will be closed. The Share-A-Fare office will be open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

On Tuesday, May 29, The Metro will return to regular weekday service.

For route and schedule information, contact the Regional Call Center at (816) 221-0660, weekdays from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.

 

Amy Thompson Run, Memorial Day

On Monday, May 28 (Memorial Day), between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m., 57-South Oak will reroute because of the closure of Wornall Rd. during the Amy Thompson Run.

Southbound 57 buses will travel the regular route to 51st & Wornall, go east on 51st, south on Brookside, west on 59th, and south on Wornall to resume the regular route. Northbound buses will travel the reverse route.

For route and schedule information, call the Regional Call Center at (816) 221-0660, weekdays from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. or log on to http://www.kcata.org.

Jiggle Jam Street Closure at Crown Center

Metro routes that travel on Grand at Crown Center will be rerouted from 6 p.m. on Friday, May 25, until 10 a.m. on Monday, May 28, for the Jiggle Jam Family Festival.
Main St. MAX Orange Line and 57-South Oak.  Northbound buses will travel the regular route to 29th & Main, continue north on Main to Pershing, and resume the regular route. Southbound buses will travel the reverse route. Union Station will be the closest MAX stop to Crown Center.

28-Blue Ridge, 53-Armour-Swope Park, 54-Armour-Paseo, and 55-Rockhill. Northbound buses will travel the regular route to 27th & Grand, continue west on 27th, north on Main, east on Pershing, and north on Grand to resume the regular route.
Southbound buses will travel the reverse route.

69X-Liberty Express and 142-North Oak. Southbound buses will travel the regular route to Pershing & Grand, go west on Pershing, south on Main, east on 27th St., north on Warwick, west on 26th St., and south on Grand to resume the regular route. 

123-23rd Street. Westbound buses will travel the regular route to Pershing & Main, go south on Main, east on 27th St., north on Warwick, west on 26th St., and south on Grand to resume the regular route.

For further information, call the Regional Call Center at (816) 221-0660 weekdays from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Buses Reroute For Welcome Home Heroes Parade, May 19

On Saturday, May 19, The Metro will reroute buses near Washington Square Park and Crown Center for the Welcome Home Heroes Parade. Streets will be closed from approximately 10 a.m. to noon.

27-27th St.: Westbound buses with travel the regular route to Pershing & McGee, go north on McGee to lay over at Pershing. Eastbound buses will continue north on McGee, go east on 22nd, south on Gillham to resume regular route.

28-Blue Ridge: Northbound buses will travel the regular route to Pershing & Grand, go east on Pershing, north on McGee, west on 19th St, and north on Grand to resume the regular route. Southbound buses will travel the regular route to 19th & Grand, go east on 19th, south on McGee, east on Pershing, and south on Gillham to resume regular route.

51-Broadway: Northbound buses will travel the regular route to West Pennway and Pershing, continue north on West Pennway, northeast on Southwest Blvd merging onto 19th St., and north on Baltimore to resume regular route. Southbound buses will travel the regular route to 19th & Main, go west on 19th merging onto Southwest Blvd., and south on onto West Pennway to resume regular route.

53-Armour-Swope Park, 54-Armour-Paseo: Northbound buses will travel the regular route to Pershing & Grand, go east on Pershing, north on McGee, west on 19th St., and north on Grand to resume regular route. Southbound buses will travel the regular route to 19th & Grand, go east on 19th St., south on McGee, east on Pershing, and continue south on Gillham to resume the regular route.

57-South Oak: Northbound buses will travel the regular route to Pershing & Grand, go east on Pershing, north on McGee, west on 19th St., and north on Walnut to resume the regular route. Southbound buses will travel the regular route to 19th & Main, east on 19th St., south on McGee, east on Pershing, south on Gillham, west on 27th St., and south on Grand to resume the regular route.

Main Street MAX Orange Line: Northbound buses will travel the regular route to Pershing & Grand, go east on Pershing, north on McGee, west on 19th St., and north on Main to resume the regular route. Southbound buses will travel the regular route to 19th & Main, go east on 19th St., south on McGee, east on Pershing, south on Gillham, west on 27th St., and south on Grand to resume the regular route.

142-North Oak: Southbound buses will travel the regular route to 19th & Grand, go east on 19th St., south on McGee, east on Pershing, south on Gillham, west on 27th St., north on Grand, east on Pershing, and north on McGee to lay over at Pershing. Northbound buses will continue north on McGee, go west on 19th St., and north on Grand to resume the regular route.

173-Casino Cruiser: Southbound buses will travel the regular route to 19th & Main, go east on 19th St., south on McGee, and lay over on McGee at Pershing. Northbound buses will go east on Pershing, south on Gillham, east on 27th St. , north on Cherry, west on 25th St., north on Gillham, continue north on Oak, west on 19th St., and north on Baltimore to resume the regular route.
For further information, contact the Regional Call Center at (816) 221-0660 weekdays from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.

For information about the event, visit http://www.welcomehomeheros-kc.org.

Heart Walk May Cause Delays

On Saturday, May 19, between 8:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. several routes serving The Plaza area may experience temporary delays due to the American Heart Walk:

• Main St. MAX
• 47-Roanoke
• 57-South Oak

However, buses will travel their regular routes.

For route and schedule information, call the Regional Call Center at (816) 221-0660, weekdays from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Independence Transit Meetings To Be Held

KCATA’s 183, 284, 285, 286, 291, 292, and 293 End Service June 30

The City of Independence and transit provider First Transit will hold open house public meetings in Independence to provide information about bus service in the city.
Beginning Monday, July 2, The Metro will no longer operate Independence routes 183-Green Route, 284-Purple Route, 285-Blue Route, 286-Silver Route, 291-Yellow Route, 292-Orange Route and 293-Red Route. The Metro will continue to operate the routes 24-Independence and 24X-Independence Express, which travel between Kansas City and Independence. On July 2, 2012, 24X will be renamed 15X-Truman Road Express.
Meeting times are:

• Thursday, May 17, 5-7 p.m., Truman Memorial Building, 416 W. Maple St., Independence
• Friday, May 18, 3-5 p.m., Truman Memorial Building, 416 W. Maple St., Independence
• Saturday, May 19, 1-3 p.m., The Palmer Center, 218A N. Pleasant St., Independence

Proposed schedules and route maps will be available at the open house meetings and Independence staff will be present to answer questions about the service. Ongoing updates and information can be found at:

• Website - http://www.independencemo.org/comdev/Story.aspx?id=2564
• The City’s government access cable channel, City 7

For more information, or for any questions about Independence public transportation, please contact Independence Community Development at (816) 325-7418.

Tranz It Lets Youths Ride All Month for Just $12

Teens Can Ride The Metro All Summer for Just $12: “Tranz It” On Sale Now

Metro Tranz It is the inexpensive, convenient and safe way for teens to get around all summer long, June, July and August. For $12 a month, 12- to 18-year-olds can get a Tranz It and take The Metro and MAX to work, school or anywhere The Metro goes.

Order forms are available in schedule racks throughout the city, at The Metro office at 1200 E. 18th St., online, or by calling (816) 221-0660.

Teens who already have a Metro Youth Reduced Farecard just need to fill out and mail the order form. Also include a check or money order. If a teen does not have a Metro Youth Reduced Farecard, a copy of a birth certificate or driver’s license will be required.

Tranz It will be available for walk-in sales at The Metro office, 1200 E. 18th St.  June tags will be available May 21 – June 18; July tags will be available June 20 – July 16; August tags will be available July 20 – August 17. Checks will not be accepted for walk-in sales. 

Online orders and mail orders for June Tranz It must be received by May 15; July Tranz It orders must be received by June 15; July 15 is the deadline for August orders. 

The medallions are color-coded and good only for the designated month. Tranz It used by anyone other than the teen will be confiscated.

For further information, contact the Regional Call Center at (816) 221-0660, weekdays from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., or visit http://www.kcata.org.

Streetcar Public Meetings: May 15, 16, 17

You’re Invited: KC Streetcar 101 Public Meetings

Now is the time to get an update on the KC Downtown Streetcar project, learn how it would operate, and talk with project team members about how construction effects can be minimized. We want to hear your thoughts at the upcoming public meetings!

Join us for one of three open house public meetings featuring brief presentations at 4:30, 5:30 and 6:30 pm.
Tuesday, May 15, 4 - 7 pm,  Kansas City Public Library - Downtown Branch, (Across from the 10th & Main MetroCenter) Helzberg Auditorium, 14 W 10th Street, Kansas City, MO 64105

Wednesday, May 16, 4 - 7 pm, Steamboat Arabia Museum, (Near 3rd & Grand Park-and-Ride and MAX station) Atrium, 400 Grand Boulevard, Kansas City, MO 64106

Thursday, May 17, 4 - 7 pm, Union Station, Arthur Stilwell Room, (C-Level near Grand Gallery), 30 West Pershing Rd., Kansas City, MO 64108

How will KC Downtown Streetcar work?

A 2-mile starter line for a modern Streetcar has been proposed to run on Main Street from the River Market on the north, through the Central Business District and the Crossroads areas, to Union Station and Crown Center on the south. It would run in an existing street lane and other vehicles could still use that lane.  It would operate seven days a week. Stops would be located every two blocks with streetcars arriving approximately every 10 minutes in each direction.
The City is working closely with downtown stakeholders on governance issues, such as: who will operate/maintain the Streetcar, how decisions will be made during and after construction, fare policy, and numerous other topics.  A mayoral committee is being formed to help structure a legal framework over the next several months.

Has everything been decided?

Not at all. The team is fleshing out the details of the route (e.g., which lane the streetcar will run in, specific stop locations, site for a vehicle maintenance facility, effects on traffic/parking, etc.).  Current concept drawings will be available at the public meetings.
Issues such as noise and vibration along with traffic and construction effects are being investigated so they can be minimized or mitigated.  Now is the time to talk with project members so we can consider and incorporate your suggestions during the engineering phase.

How will construction affect me?

Building a streetcar line is different from building a road or even light-rail transit.  Construction will be completed in segments (perhaps 2 – 3 blocks at a time), and the City will work with business owners and residents along the route to minimize disruptions.  Photos of typical streetcar construction will be displayed at the public meetings.

How will the Streetcar be funded?

The City applied for $25 million in federal funds (TIGER grant) in March; announcements of grant winners are expected to be made by early June. A Transportation Development District (TDD) is being considered by downtown voters to help pay a portion of the costs through property assessments, sales tax and other sources. The Jackson County Circuit Court approved sending the question to the voters in the District, and a mail-in vote on the formation of the TDD will occur over the summer.  Details of the TDD proposal, as well as applications required to obtain a mail-in ballot, will be available at the public meetings.

What’s the schedule?

Construction is expected to begin in mid- to late 2013, and to be completed by late 2014. Opening day is expected by mid-2015.

Questions? Contact John Frerking at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) For more information, visit http://www.kcsmartmoves.org

The study team that has proposed the streetcar line is made up of representatives from Kansas City, Mo.; Kansas City Area Transportation Authority, the Mid-America Regional Council and Jackson County, Mo.

 

Open House For Commuter Transit Options

KC region studying commuter transit options for eastern corridors

A study underway since last year is looking at ways to expand transit service for commuters on the Interstate 70 east and Rock Island commuter corridors, connecting downtown Kansas City, Mo., to growing suburban communities. Partners include the Mid-America Regional Council, Jackson County, Mo.; Kansas City, Mo.; and the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority.

Open Houses: April 24–26 - PDF Flier

Learn more about how the short list of transit options are stacking up for the I-70 east and Rock Island corridors.

April 24, 2012 • 4–6 p.m.
St. Paul School of Theology
Facebook event

April 25, 2012 • 4–6 p.m.
John Knox Village
Facebook event

April 26, 2012 • 4–6 p.m.
Rockhurst University
Facebook event

Metro 2012: July Service Changes

NOTE: New schedules for the routes changing July 1 will be available the week of June 4. Preliminary schedules are no longer available; revisions are currently being made.

This week, the first phase of Metro2012 service improvements were implemented on the 51X-Ward Parkway Express, 56X-Red Bridge Express and 296-Bannister Hillcrest MetroFlex routes.

The Kansas City Area Transportation Authority is now ready to move forward with July service changes that will affect the following routes:

• Main Street MAX Orange Line
• Troost MAX Green Line
• 24-Independence
• 24X-Independence Express - Renamed 15X
• 25-Troost
• 27-27th Street
• 28-Blue Ridge
• 28X-Blue Ridge Express
• 31-31st Street
• 35-35th Street
• 39-39th Street
• 53-Armour/Swope Park - Route will be discontinued. See 54 and 108
• 54-Armour/Paseo
• 57-South Oak
• 71-Prospect
• 108-Indiana
• 110-Woodland/Brooklyn
• 156-Red Bridge
• 175-75th Street
• 251-TMC Connector
• 471-71 Highway Express

See the implementation schedule for all the changes.
In anticipation of these changes, KCATA provided customers “preliminary schedules” during the month of August at this webpage, and at several public locations throughout the Kansas City area.

In addition, a brochure summarizing service changes on all 54 Kansas City, Mo., Metro routes will be available this week on buses and in schedule racks. You will want to familiarize yourself with these changes slated for July, October and January 2013.

For further information, contact the Regional Call Center at 816‐221‐0660 weekdays from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Metro Riders: Be Prepared For Severe Weather

Spring in Kansas City brings the chance of severe thunderstorms and tornadoes in the region. During most storms, your travel on The Metro will not be affected.

However, Kansas City may experience severe storms or tornado warnings. In the most severe storms or during a tornado warning in the immediate area of your Metro bus, the bus operator will give you directions about safety.  The Metro’s dispatch office will be in contact with bus operators during severe weather.

If the conditions are severe enough, the operator will tell customers to get off the bus and find a safe building to seek shelter.  If shelter is not available, it is recommended that customers lie flat in a ditch or other low-lying area. Do not get under an overpass or bridge. You are safer in a low, flat location.

In the event of a tornado warning, please do not use Metro bus shelters instead of finding shelter in a building.

The Metro will post updates about bus service during an emergency at http://www.kcata.org and on Twitter, at http://www.twitter.com/kcatametro. The Call Center may be unavailable in an emergency if KCATA employees are evacuated from offices.

Regular Metro service will resume as soon as the area is safe.

For more information

For route and schedule information, contact the Regional Call Center at (816) 221-0660, weekdays from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. or visit us online at http://www.kcata.org.

For more information about preparing for severe weather and other emergencies, visit http://www.ready.gov.

Photo credit: Bellalago via flickr.com

104 Reroutes Due To Construction On 42nd

104-Argentine buses will reroute due to the road construction on 42nd St. between Strong and Metropolitan Avenue.

Northbound 104-Argentine will travel the regular route to 41st & Metropolitan Avenue, go north on 41st, and east on Strong to resume the regular route

Southbound buses will travel the regular route.

The reroute will be in effect until further notice.

136 Times To Change In April

NEW SCHEDULE: Weekday - Saturday - Map

Beginning Monday, April 2, 136-Boardwalk/Antioch Connector will have a new schedule on weekdays and Saturdays. 

The new times are due to a reroute for construction of the Northwest 72nd St. Extension project, which is expected to last for more than a year.

New printed schedules will be available in schedule racks and online at http://www.kcata.org the week of March 15. For more information, call the Regional Call Center at (816) 221-0660 from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays.

136-Boardwalk/Antioch Connector Reroutes

Beginning Tuesday, March 6, 136-Boardwalk/Antioch Connector will reroute due to the construction on the Northwest 72nd St. Extension project. The reroute will last until construction is complete.

Northbound 136-Boardwalk/Antioch Connector will travel the regular route on Waukomis to 68th St., go east on 68th St., north on 169-Highway, west on Barry Rd., and north on St. Clair to resume the regular route.

Southbound buses will travel the regular route to Green Hills and Barry Rd., continue East on Barry Rd., south on 169-Highway, west on 68th St., and south on Waukomis to resume the regular route.

For route information, contact the Regional Call Center at (816) 221-0660, weekdays from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Sprint Center Reroutes

When Grand Boulevard between 13th and Truman Road is closed for major events at the Sprint Center, the following reroutes will be in effect:

#24-Independence: Eastbound buses will travel the regular route to 13th & Oak, go north on Oak, west on 11th, and north on Grand to resume the regular route.
Westbound buses will travel regular route.

#28-Blue Ridge: Northbound buses will travel the regular route to Truman & Grand, go east on Truman, and north on Oak, west on to 11th, north on Grand, east on 10th, and north on Oak to resume regular route.
Southbound buses will travel the regular route to 12th & Grand, continue east on 12th, south on Oak, west on Truman, and south on Grand to resume the regular route.

#37- Gladstone:  Buses will take the regular route to 13th & Oak, go north on Oak, west on 11th, and north on Walnut to resume the regular route.

#37XX-N. Broadway Express: Northbound buses will travel the regular route to Truman & Walnut, go east on Truman, north on Oak, west on 11th, and north on Walnut to resume the regular route.

#38-Meadowbrook, #38X-Meadowbrook Express: Southbound buses will travel the regular route to 12th & Oak, north on Oak, go west on 11th, and north on to Walnut to resume the regular route.

#53-Armour-Swope Park, #54-Armour-Paseo: Northbound buses will travel the regular route to Truman & Grand, east on Truman, north on Oak, and west on 11th to Walnut to resume the regular route.
Southbound buses will travel the regular route to 12th & Grand, go east on 12th, south on Oak, west on Truman, and south on Grand to resume the regular route.

#55-Rockhill: Northbound buses will travel the regular route to 13th & Oak, continue north on Oak, west on 11th, and north on Grand to resume the regular route.

#57-South Oak: Northbound buses will travel the regular route to Walnut & Truman, continue east on Truman, north on Oak, west on 11th, and north on Walnut to resume regular route.
Southbound buses will travel the regular route.

#69X-Liberty Express: Southbound buses will travel the regular route to 12th & Grand, go east on 12th, south on Oak, west on Truman, and south on Grand to resume the regular route.
Northbound buses will travel the regular route to Truman & Walnut, go east on Truman, north on Oak, west on 11th and north on Walnut to resume the regular route.
#71-Prospect: Northbound buses will travel the regular route to 13th & Oak, go north on Oak, west on 11th, and north on to Grand to resume the regular route.
Southbound buses will travel the regular route to 12th & Grand, go east on 12th, south on Oak, and east on Truman to resume the regular route.

#132-Gracemor, #133-Vivion/Antioch, #135-Winnwood/69 Highway: Southbound buses will travel the regular route to 11th & Grand, go west on 11th, and north on Walnut to resume the regular route.  From 8th & Grand to 11th & Walnut, buses will travel the regular route to 13th & Oak, go north on Oak, west on 11th and north on Walnut to resume the regular route.

#133X-Vivion/Antioch Express: Northbound buses will travel the regular route to 11th & Grand, go west on 11th, and north on Walnut to resume the regular route.
 
#142-North Oak: Northbound buses will travel the regular route to Truman & Grand, go east on Truman, north on Oak, west on 11th and north on Walnut to resume the regular route.
Southbound buses will travel the regular route to 12th & Grand, go east on 12th, south on Oak, west on Truman, and south on Grand to resume the regular route.

#152-Lee’s Summit/Raytown Express, #170-Blue Springs Express, #471-71 Highway Express: In the morning, buses coming into downtown will travel the regular route to 12th & Grand, continue east on 12th, south on Oak, west on Truman, and south on Grand to resume the regular route.
In the afternoon, buses leaving downtown will travel the regular route to Truman & Grand, go east on Truman, north on Oak, and west on 11th, and north on Grand to resume the regular route.

For route and schedule information, contact the Regional Call Center at (816) 221-0660, weekdays from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.

KCATA Holds Forums On Route Recommendations

KCATA Holds Public Forums On Comprehensive Service Analysis Route Recommendations

Helpful links:
Recommended Changes
About the Comprehensive Service Analysis

In an effort to improve service, meet ridership demands and operate more efficiently using existing resources, the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority (KCATA) has developed service change recommendations for more than 50 Metro bus routes. In late 2011, KCATA sought and reviewed customer comments about the proposals. The initial recommendations are available for review online. Service changes are scheduled to begin in April 2012 and phased in throughout 2012.

Customer participation has been important in developing the final route recommendations. KCATA received more than 500 comments through a series of seven public forums, mail, online and phone.

The recommendations are the result of findings related to the Comprehensive Service Analysis (CSA), conducted by Nelson Nygaard, a national firm that specializes in transit planning and conducting CSAs for transit agencies. The CSA extensively evaluated transit services KCATA currently operates in Kansas City, Mo. Phase I of the study was three-fold:

1. Customers were asked to participate in a preference survey conducted online and on board buses in the fall of 2010 to understand priorities and preferences for different types of service, and when and where service should be available. Results of the preference survey are available online (PDF format).
2. The market analysis examined conditions and developments in Kansas City such as population shifts, employment and local travel patterns that have had an impact on transit services. The market analysis and a summary presentation are available online in PDF format.
3. Standards and criteria were established to assess how to best design and determine transit service levels so that service better matches demand. The service guidelines are available online (PDF format).

For further information, contact the Regional Call Center at 816-221-0660 weekdays from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.

201-Downtown Airport Adds Evening Trip

New Schedule: Weekday

Effective Monday, Nov. 7, 201-Downtown Airport will add a later trip in the evening to better serve customer who need service after 5 p.m. from offices at the Wheeler Downtown Airport.

The last southbound 201 will depart the Downtown Airport at 6:01 p.m. and arrive at 10th & Main MetroCenter at 6:11 p.m. 

The last northbound 201 will leave 10th & Main at 6:11 p.m. and arrive at the Downtown Airport at 6:19 p.m.

All other trip times on 201 remain the same.

The new schedule is available online. Printed schedules will not be distributed at this time. Please retain this bulletin for future notice.

For route and schedule information, contact the Regional Call Center at (816) 221-0660, weekdays from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.

53, 54, 55, and 71 Change Schedules North of 11th

NEW SCHEDULES:
53-Armour-Swope Park and 54-Armour-Paseo: Weekday Schedule
55-Rockhill: Weekday Schedule
71-Prospect: Weekday Schedule - Saturday Schedule

Effective immediately, 53-Armour-Swope Park, 54-Armour-Paseo, 55-Rockhill, and 71-Prospect will change their schedules slightly due to a traffic change on McGee. In downtown, McGee has been changed to a two-way street, and buses can no longer layover at 8th & McGee.

On northbound and southbound trips, times for stops north of 11th Street will change by a few minutes.  Times south of 11th Street will stay the same.  Buses will lay over when they are southbound on Grand, between 9th and 10th streets. There will be no change to 71-Prospect’s Sunday service or to 53-Armour-Swope Park and 54-Armour-Paseo’s weekend service.

New schedules will be available on buses and in schedule racks the week of August 15. New schedules will be online at http://www.kcata.org by August 1.

For route and schedule information, contact the Regional Call Center at (816) 221-0660, weekdays from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., or visit us at http://www.kcata.org. 

State Ave. Connex Open House

Join Us!

Learn more about the State Avenue Connex Transit Improvement Project at the second open house any time from 3 to 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, August 10, 2011, in the Unified Government Neighborhood Resource Center (4601 State Avenue, Suite 84) in Kansas City, Ks. The center is located in the lower level of Indian Springs Mall. Access is available from the southeast entrance.

Transit service is available on routes 101-Minnesota/State Ave., 102-Central (UGT) before 4 p.m., 102-Central (The Metro) after 4 p.m., 106-Quindaro and 107-7th St./Parallel.
For route information, log on to http://www.kcata.org or call 816-221-0660 from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays.

Questions?
Keith Sanders, Project Manager
Kansas City Area Transportation Authority
816-346-0359
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
http://www.kcata.org

Emerick Cross, Interim Transit Manager
Unified Government Transit
913-573-6784
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
http://www.wycokck.org

Day Pass Offers Unlimited Rides for $3

For customers making two or more trips on The Metro and MAX, a Day Pass is an easy way to pay your fare and ride all day.

When buying a Day Pass, first tell the bus operator you want a Day Pass, and then put $3 cash into the farebox. The Day Pass offers unlimited rides, expires at midnight and there’s no need for a transfer. Reduced farecards cannot be used with a Day Pass.

The Day Pass is good on all Metro and MAX routes except the commuter express routes: 152-Lee’s Summit-Raytown Express, 170-Blue Springs Express and 69X-Liberty Express.

For route and schedule information, call the Regional Call Center at (816) 221-0660, weekdays from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., or log on to http://www.kcata.org.

Union Station’s Carriage Pavilion Closed

The Metro Reroutes Buses Due To Closure of Union Station Carriage Pavilion

Effective immediately, the Carriage Pavilion on the west side of Union Station will be closed to traffic. Repairs are needed on the drive on the west side of Union Station. The following buses will be rerouted:

27-27th Street: Route 27 will travel the regular westbound route to Pershing & Grand, go north on Grand, west on 20th St., south on Main, and east on Pershing to resume the regular eastbound route. Route 27 will stop at the MAX station at Union Station before turning left on Pershing. The bus will lay over on Pershing east of Grand and will use Pershing & Grand as a timepoint, instead of Carriage Pavilion.

69X-Liberty Express, 152-Lee’s Summit/Raytown Express, 170-Blue Springs Express, and 471-71 Hwy. Express: These routes will remain on Pershing and will not use the drive to the Carriage Pavilion.
Buses will stop at the Metro stop on Pershing at Kessler.

123-23rd Street: Buses will remain on Pershing and will not use the drive to the Carriage Pavilion. Route 123 will lay over on Main north of 27th, and this stop will replace the Carriage Pavilion timepoint.

247-Westside MetroFlex:  Route 247 will not enter the drive for the Carriage Pavilion at Union Station.

For route and schedule information, contact the Regional Call Center at (816) 221-0660, weekdays from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.

KCATA Is Making Connections

KCATA Is Now Making Connections Online!

Did you know Metro customers would soon be asked to participate in an onboard survey on Metro service? Were you aware the highly anticipated Troost MAX route is slated to open this year? Are you up-to-date on the latest in potential state funding for Metro operations?

Not unless you’ve signed up to receive Making Connections, the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority’s new online newsletter.

Making Connections was recently launched and mailed to more than 3,000 Metro customers, connecting them to the latest in Metro news—from service, promotions and programs, as well as local, state and national transit news.

The newsletter will be emailed monthly, unless breaking transit news warrants intermittent release.

Be among the first to get Making Connections directly on your computer or mobile device.

Signing up is simple with this link. Answer the questions and in seconds you’re on the list to be in the know.

Also, you’ll have easy access to archived Making Connections newsletters. The first issue is currently available. Go ahead. Take a look.  Then be sure to sign up and receive your issue starting this month.

For more information, e-mail us at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or call (816) 221-0660.