Kansas City doubles ridership

Since the 24 October Main Street extension of the Kansas City Streetcar the line has recorded its highest monthly patronage with 341 922 boardings, two-and-half times the ridership logged in November 2024. The extension added 3.5 miles (5.6km) of track and 16 stops to the original 2.2 mile (3.5km) line with passenger numbers rising from 4000 daily boardings to 10 000. Weekend patronage doubled from 7000 passenger trips/day to 14 000. Tom Gerend, Executive Director KC Streetcar said, ‘The response to the expanded Streetcar system has been extraordinary. Ridership has already exceeded system forecasts is is testament to the value of this newfound connectivity. We fully expect significant ridership growth as we move into 2026 and further demonstrate the value, opportunity and convenience the KC Streetcar can bring’. To keep pace with surging patronage the operation has expanded service from 3-4 cars in service to 7-8, with nine in use at peak periods. 

 

The KC Streetcar opened in May 2016 and is free to ride. Rolling stock is 14 CAF Urbos 3 low-floor trams (8091-14). There are plans to extend the line further to the Riverfront, location of the Kansas City Current soccer stadium.