Streetcar Grand Opening: A Day in Pictures

The Kansas City Streetcar opened May 6, 2016. Here are some sights from the Grand Opening Celebration at Union Station, and along the line.

Let's celebrate!

KCATA CEO Robbie Makinen with his son Michael, City Councilman Jermaine Reed (center), and KCATA Board Vice President Daniel Serda. 

John Donnell, age 102, is a retired streetcar operator. Donnell was joined by his daughter on the first trip from Union Station.

People all along the streetcar line were excited to see passengers on the line. 

Streetcar swag was available at the festival.

Kansas City's own Running Superman came out for the Grand Opening and waited for his turn to ride.

Despite long lines, people were excited for their chance to ride the streetcar. 

Mayor Sly James selected a few people from the crowd to join him on the inaugural streetcar ride.

Robbie Makinen welcomes Carolyn Flowers, Acting Administrator of the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), and John Nations, President  & Chief Executive Officer of Bi-State Development of the Missouri-Illinois District, to Kansas City.

Former U.S. Senator and Rosa Parks Award Winner Kit Bond joins Makinen before the ceremonies.

A group of students from Academie Lafayette claims their seats for the ceremony. They attended the Grand Opening as part of their civics curriculum.

Mokhtee Ahmad, Regional Administrator for Region 7, Federal Transit Administration, following a ride on the streetcar. 

The Grand Opening weekend included a carnival, fireworks, live music, neighborhood parties and more.