By Paul Thompson

Northeast News

April 28, 2016

KANSAS CITY, Missouri – The KCMO City Council gathered at Union Station on Thursday, April 28 at 1:30 p.m. to take a test run of the new KC Streetcar.

The streetcar completed it’s 2.2 mile route in just over twenty minutes, with Council members Jermaine Reed, Scott Taylor, Alissia Canady, Lee Barnes, Jr., Scott Wagner, and Jolie Justus on board. Councilman Quinton Lucas also appeared at Union Station, but did not stick around for the trip.

During the ride, 3rd District Councilman Reed discussed the potential economic benefits the new streetcar line could have on the city at large, as well as in his district.

“It’s extremely gratifying; It really speaks to the kind of innovation that continues to take place,” said Reed of the streetcar’s completion. “What’s important to me is how we forward into the next phases and extend this to the east. How do we extend this to the communities where people live and work, as well?”

Reed pointed out the $1.7 billion in investments that have been completed or announced in the KC Streetcar Transportation Development District since voters approved the project in 2012. He further stated his belief that once members of the public see the development projects and ride the streetcar for themselves, there will be greater support throughout the metro for extending the route.

“One of the things that I realize about Kansas City is that we must see it, touch it, and feel it. When those things start happening, people will start to buy in,” said Reed. “It’s almost like going to a department store and trying on a new outfit; you want to be able to make sure it fits you properly. I think this is very much the same.”

The official grand opening for the streetcar will take place on Friday, May 6, beginning at 10:00 a.m. with a special ceremony featuring Kansas City Mayor Sly James. The ceremony will be followed with the opening of public streetcar services, as well as a two-day celebration that will span the length of the streetcar’s route.