Transit service upgrades planned for several major Smart Moves corridors
STATE AVENUE CORRIDOR
Unified Government Transit - The Unified Government is working to implement a transit solution in the State Avenue corridor. Phase 1 of an alternatives analysis in 2008 established the need for upgraded transit services in the corridor. The corridor is anchored by the downtown Kansas City, Kan., and downtown Kansas City, Mo. And the Village West entertainment and retail activity center is located on the west end of the corridor. In 2009, the Unified Government expects to see $1.8 billion in new development under construction in the Village West area. Phase I recommended a bus rapid transit (BRT) alternative with characteristics similar to the Main Street MAX route.
Phase II of the alternatives analysis will soon begin. In this phase, consultants will create a service plan for bus rapid transit on State Avenue. This includes a detailed route alignment and station facility design. Once Phase II is complete, the county plans to apply for federal funding from the Federal Transit Administration as a Very Small Starts project. In addition, Phase I recommended that a service plan for enhanced transit service in the city be created to support services in the State Avenue corridor.
TROOST CORRIDOR
Kansas City Area Transportation Authority (KCATA) - The KCATA and Kansas City, Mo, expect to begin operation of a new bus rapid transit service along Troost Avenue. Details coming soon.
METCALF/ SHAWNEE MISSION PARKWAY CORRIDOR
Johnson County Transit - The JO, in cooperation with the cities of Mission and Overland Park, is studying appropriate transit solutions for the Metcalf and Shawnee Mission Parkway corridors. This study builds off of previous work conducted by Mission on the East and West Gateway studies and Overland Park for the creation of Vision Metcalf.
The Vision Metcalf plan is a guide for development and redevelopment designed to allow the corridor to support alternatives to the single occupant vehicle. This means increasing housing along the corridor and pedestrian connections through developments and across Metcalf. As the corridor redevelops, planners see the creation of more urban, walkable neighborhoods. Other northeast Johnson County communities also support increased transit through their communities to support redevelopment and to strengthen the attractiveness of communities that are already accessible and have denser residential developments.
This study should conclude in early 2009 and The JO, along with its planning partners, intends to seek funding sources to help implement the study's findings.
Map of Metcalf/Shawnee Mission Parkway Transit Study area (pdf)