Testing of the KC Streetcar’s Extension to UMKC Nears Completion

  The UMKC Streetcar stop is nearing completion, and simulated streetcar runs along its new path have already been taking place. 

  According to the Kansas City Streetcar Authority, this is part of a suite of federal oversight tests, including “comprehensive testing of vehicles, tracks, substations, and systems…along the extension.” 

“This phase of testing will be followed by extensive operator training, covering every aspect of the streetcar’s operation on the new extension,” says a media release from January 22nd, when testing first began. “During this stage of testing, streetcar operators will undergo extensive training and familiarization with the new route to prepare for passenger services later in 2025.”

According to multiple media releases, the KCSA still plans to meet their completion deadline of Oct. 24, of this year, saying it is,

“It’s been a long project,” said Donna Mandelbaum, the media representative for the KCSA This is three and a half miles and it’s more than just tracks in the ground. There’s lots of improvements that have been going on.”

These improvements include traffic signal replacements, electrical system improvements, street painting and street landscaping, according to the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority (KCATA) and the KCSA. 

This also includes a new rail maintenance garage near 38th St. and Baltimore Avenue that was completed earlier this month, according to KSHB 41.

“Also, we’ll have better connections to our bus routes,” said Mandelbaum, “so we’ll get people from down south or east and west that will connect to the streetcar from different bus routes.”

 One such connection will be the new Plaza Transit Center, which will merge the streetcar with existing bus routes that stop there.

Mandelbaum listed a few further expansions to the line.

“We do have three streetcar studies underway right now, one is called NorthRail, which will go into North Kansas City…an East/West transit study with the KCATA…and we are about to start an 18th St. streetcar study,” said Mandelbaum.

UMKC students are anticipating the extension’s opening. Student Erik Mason says, “I would use it to go down to the city market on the weekends, and take it to work.” 

Mandelbaum also announced exclusively to Roo News that students can expect on-campus celebrations once the extension opens. 

“We are coordinating with UMKC to throw a couple of parties on your campus that will be free and open to the public,” said Mandelbaum. 

The university and Streetcar Authority will make an official announcement with more information soon. 

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