Kansas City, Mo. | Oct. 24, 2018 – The Federal Transit Administration (FTA), Kansas City Area Transportation Authority (KCATA) and the City of Kansas City, Mo., will break ground on the Prospect MAX Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project with a ceremonial groundbreaking at 10 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 25, at 12th and Charlotte streets (southeast corner). The location is the future home of the East Village Transit Center, which is part of the $55.8 million Prospect MAX BRT project that will bring enhanced transit service to Prospect Avenue.
Prospect MAX BRT will be the third Bus Rapid Transit line to serve the Kansas City region. The Prospect MAX BRT route will cover nearly 10 miles from Downtown Kansas City to 75th Street with stations every four to six blocks. The new BRT line will enhance the transit experience for existing riders by offering more frequent service, traffic signal priority, fewer stops, free public WiFi and uniquely branded red buses.
Event speakers include K. Jane Williams, FTA acting administrator; Sly James, mayor, Kansas City, Mo.; and Robbie Makinen, KCATA president and CEO. The FTA approved nearly $30 million for the project.
“The U.S. Department of Transportation, under the leadership of Secretary Elaine L. Chao, supports Kansas City and KCATA as they work to bring more efficient bus services to connect residents to work, school, and other destinations,” said Williams.
Prospect MAX BRT hopes to achieve the same economic development successes seen on the Main MAX and Troost MAX lines. When construction is done, the Prospect MAX corridor will have improved streets, sidewalks and traffic signals, and a better pedestrian experience.
“We’re so grateful for the support of the Federal Transit Administration and the City for making transformational projects like this possible,” said Makinen.
The first major construction project of the Prospect MAX BRT line is the East Village Transit Center. It will be the region’s premiere mobility hub, offering improved daily connections for thousands. Its unique features include level boarding, interactive real-time signs and smart kiosks, enhanced pass purchasing, indoor seating and an enhanced security presence. The transit center will provide improved regional access for those working, living or playing downtown with convenient connections to RideKC’s regional transit services for pedestrians, bicyclists, those using electric scooters and passengers transferring between routes.
MAX is RideKC’s brand of Bus Rapid Transit. KCATA operates two MAX BRT lines: Main MAX (opened 2005) and Troost MAX (opened 2011). Prospect MAX is projected to be complete in the fall of 2019.