The KC streetcar Main Street extension opened on Oct. 24 with a new stop on campus, raising questions regarding campus safety.
Malia Pope, a third-year film and media major, said she felt very safe when using this new transportation.
Pope said she uses the streetcar “at least three times a week,” for both school and work.
She said that despite mostly riding the streetcar alone, she feels safe since she stays alert and doesn’t go very far.
“I don’t have concerns about it, but obviously, since it’s free, it’s also open to people that you might not think are the safest,” said Pope.
The UMKC Police Department said that as of right now, they “do not anticipate any major changes to current police or security operations,” however, they are working closely with KCPD to ensure safety for students.
According to KCPD, there have been no significant police reports, but there has been an increase in riders who refuse to leave the car at the end of the route, which is required.
As a result, UMKC police plans to “continue to monitor how the new transportation access may impact campus foot traffic and will make operational adjustments as needed to ensure the continued safety and well-being of the university community.”
Pope thinks the measures campus security is taking currently prove effective for now and sees the new streetcar as beneficial for students and the KC community.
In comparison, freshman and music education major Kendall Heckman said she believes there is “an increase in unhoused individuals since the opening of the streetcar.”
Heckman works at Pizza 51 at the corner of 51st and Oak Street, just down the street from the Streetcar station.
She reported that the restaurant has created a “buddy system” after the extension opened, as the business noticed an increase in unhoused individuals nearby or on the premises of the restaurant.
“With daylight savings time happening recently, I have been on high alert when I walk back to my dorm after work or even walking back from the dining hall after dinner,” Heckman said.
She did mention that she’s noticed police presence, which made her feel more secure “in case something were to ever happen.”
“I do feel like there are positives to it,” Heckman said in response to whether she felt the streetcar is worth the ride. “It’s free and great for those who want to save money or need transportation.”
But Heckman’s concerns still linger: “At the end of the day, this isn’t downtown Kansas City, but I feel that the streetcar has caused some problems for safety on campus.”
Erin G • Nov 9, 2025 at 1:54 pm
As a parent of a UMKC freshman we are very concerned and are already aware of 3 instances that have occurred. Our daughter also works at Whole Foods and we no longer feel safe with her returning to her dorm at night. There needs to be a constant police presence in that area.