ROLLING TO THE RIVER: KC STREETCAR RIVERFRONT EXTENSION GRAND OPENING CELEBRATION DETAILS

Posted on: May 06, 2026

KANSAS CITY (May 6, 2026):  Ten years ago today, the downtown KC Streetcar route opened up for passenger service. In less than two weeks, Kansas City will open the second extension of the streetcar system with the connection to the riverfront. All are welcome to join at Berkley Riverfront on May 18 to commemorate the extension opening with a community-wide celebration and picnic.

The $62M, 0.7-mile Riverfront Extension expands the KC Streetcar line, linking the River Market to Berkley Riverfront and creating new connections between neighborhoods, businesses, and destinations. This milestone investment continues to build the streetcar system as the backbone of Kansas City’s growing regional transit network. The project also includes the debut of the CPKC Pavilion, the new terminus of the Riverfront Extension. This signature structure elevates the KC Streetcar’s Riverfront stop into an iconic end-of-line experience, featuring a striking metal canopy, sculptural lighting, and enhanced spaces for boarding and waiting. The pavilion includes three real-time arrival displays and decorative concrete finishes, creating a welcoming gateway to Berkley Riverfront.

The celebration will begin with an Official Grand Opening Ceremony at 11:00 a.m. at the Riverfront streetcar stop. The event will feature remarks from representatives of the Federal Transit Administration, Mayor Quinton Lucas, City Councilmembers, state and local elected officials, project partners, and community stakeholders.

“Since its opening 10 years ago, the Kansas City Streetcar system has carried millions of riders, spurred billions in development activity, and reconnected Kansas Citians and our visitors with efficient, reliable, free, and safe fixed rail transit through the core of our city,” said Mayor Quinton Lucas.  “The new streetcar connection to the riverfront links the riverfront's transformational urban redevelopment and recreation amenities with our vibrant, growing urban core.  I am proud to celebrate an important next phase in Kansas City's transit and development transformation with future east-west spurs to come,"  Mayor Quinton Lucas continued.

“The Riverfront Extension represents the next chapter in Kansas City’s investment in connected, accessible transit, and it’s the result of strong collaboration among our project partners who share a vision for the city’s future. Opening this line returns us to the riverfront—where Kansas City first began— and is a powerful reflection of the momentum we’re building together,” said Tom Gerend, Executive Director, KC Streetcar Authority.

"Kansas City is quickly becoming a world-class connected riverfront for all, and everyone will soon be able to enjoy it,” said Jon Stephens, Port KC President and CEO. “The Berkley Riverfront is about to debut the KC Streetcar Riverfront Extension to go along with a new bike-pedestrian bridge in the coming days. What an exciting time it is for Kansas Citians and visitors from everywhere to experience our beautiful riverfront as it enters this new phase!”

Following the ceremony, the Riverfront Extension will officially open for full passenger service. At that time, the public is invited to hop on the streetcar from any stop between UMKC and the Riverfront and experience the newly expanded route.

Grand Opening Ceremony
Monday, May 18 | 11:00 a.m.
Location: Riverfront Streetcar Stop

Community Celebration and Picnic
Monday, May 18 | 12:00 – 2:00 p.m.
Location: North of the Riverfront Streetcar Stop

Entertainment Highlights

Made Possible by Community Support
The community celebration is made possible through the generous support of project partners and sponsors, including Radmacher Brothers Excavating, HDR, HNTB, Herzog Transit, Inc., Kansas City Area Transportation Authority, Port KC, Burns & McDonnell, CAF, RS Electric, Mass Electric, Parson + Associates, and others.

All events are free and open to the public. Additional details, including event schedules and rider information, are available at: https://kcstreetcar.org/rfe-grand-opening/. 

Celebrating Art & Design
The KC Streetcar Authority once again partnered with the Kansas City Art Institute (KCAI) Micro Agency class to create the official Riverfront Extension Grand Opening poster. As part of a competitive process, twelve students developed original designs, with one student's artwork selected as the commemorative piece for this historic occasion. This collaboration is part of KCAI’s Sponsored Studio program, which connects students with real-world design challenges and community partnerships. The selected poster will be available during the community celebration.

Years in the Making
Planning for the Riverfront Extension began in 2016, with construction officially breaking ground in March 2024. The project extends the streetcar line north from the River Market across the Grand Boulevard Bridge to Berkley Riverfront.

“This significant investment—totaling millions of dollars—not only delivered critical infrastructure but also supported thousands of jobs throughout the construction process,” said Bridgette Williams, Chair of the KCATA Board of Commissioners. “KCATA is proud to have served as both the project manager and federal grant recipient for this streetcar extension.”

Construction was led by Radmacher Brothers Excavating (RBE), supported by a team including RS/WITEC JV, Delta Rail, Wilson & Company, PM Dynamics, Boundary & Construction Surveying, IBC, Grey Diamond, Realm Construction, Hayes Drilling, Welch Erosion Control, and Parson + Associates.  The project was delivered through a partnership between the KC Streetcar Authority, Kansas City Area Transportation Authority (KCATA), Port KC, and the City of Kansas City, Missouri. The $62 million extension was funded through a combination of federal and local sources.

The Riverfront Extension includes key construction elements such as:

Contact:
Stay informed about the Riverfront May 18th Grand Opening details by visiting https://kcstreetcar.org/rfe-grand-opening/ or following the KC Streetcar on all social media accounts.  For questions, contact Donna Mandelbaum with the KC Streetcar Authority at 816.877.3219 (cell) or email at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address). The KC Streetcar is online at www.kcstreetcar.org and on Bluesky, Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok.