NORTHEAST NEWS
July 11, 2012

Those frequenting the Metro and MAX bus routes will notice several changes.

The Kansas City Area Transportation Authority (KCATA) implemented the changes July 1 to 20 Metro and MAX routes, and will continue to implement more changes over the course of a year. A total of 54 routes will be affected.

The modifications are aimed at improving user friendliness and the efficiency of the transit routes.

“These changes will provide better service to the large majority of existing riders, attract new riders to the system and improve system productivity without increasing our budget,” KCATA General Manager Mark Huffer said.

Route changes affecting Historic Northeast include 24-Independence and 24X-Independence Express. 24-Independence will continue to use its current route, but scheduled times have been adjusted to improve transfer connections.

24X-Independence will change its route number and name to 15X-Truman Road Express. Scheduled times have changed. 15X will continue to offer four westbound and four eastbound trips during morning and afternoon rush hour and will serve the same stops as the former 24X. It will also have one trip from 9th and Grand to Highleah Apartments in the morning.

A complete list of changes to the Northeast routes can be found at www.kcata.org.

KCATA explained the changes resulted from a Comprehensive Service Analysis (CSA) that examined all bus routes in Kansas City, Mo. The CSA included a market analysis that assessed the demand for transit service throughout the city, a detailed evaluation of route performance and the development of alternative bus service scenarios.

KCATA also met with city officials as well as the public to receive additional feedback. Based on more than 700 public comments, KCATA modified a number of initial recommendations.

Huffer explained the need for the changes.

“Cities are dynamic places that are always changing, and this is the case in Kansas City,” Huffer said. “Throughout the city, population and employment have shifted. The places that residents, workers and visitors travel to and from have changed, as well as the number of people who travel between these areas.

“We need to make sure our service keeps up with the changes in the city.”