public transit

The Kansas City Streetcar Authority typically charges local organizations thousands of dollars to sponsor decorations for its vehicles. But rather than being paid for by Mattel or Warner Bros. Pictures, the hot pink and reference-filled “Dream Streetcar” came out of the agency’s mostly tax-funded budget.

As Kansas City gears up for the 2026 World Cup, some residents are concerned that the metro’s public transit system can’t keep up with a rapidly growing city. KCATA CEO Frank White III speaks about how the transportation authority is preparing.

The KCATA says Kansas City, Missouri, residents will no longer subsidize the costs to run buses through the surrounding suburbs. That's meant a dramatic increase in costs to individual cities — pushing many municipalities like Gladstone and Liberty to cancel their bus service entirely.

Officials say if the current 0.375% sales tax is renewed, it will generate more than $400 million over the next decade for the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority.

Journalists at the Marion County Record worked late into the night to publish their first issue since the widely criticized raid of their office by local police. Plus: Senior Kansans who want to live out their golden years in the rural towns where they grew up face the growing issue of how to get around.

Kansas City was once home to a robust streetcar system. Then, the arrival of the car caused it, along with most other American cities, to plan cityscapes for automobiles. As Kansas City works on extending its solo streetcar line, one transit historian says it's time for cities like ours to give residents significantly more options.

Michael Graham, the former chief financial officer of Kansas City's transit agency, filed a lawsuit alleging that he was pushed out after sounding the alarm about the organization's finances.

Iris is an on-demand ride service app like Uber or Lyft. Scheduled to begin operating on March 15, it is designed to address long-standing dissatisfaction among Northland residents with limited public transit options.

Rural America is not known for its public transportation. But as its residents get older faster than their urban counterparts, the need is increasing. Some communities are finding ways to provide rides.

Kansas City officials unveiled the budget for the 2023-2024 fiscal year on Thursday. The city will spend even more on police than the 25% of its general fund required after Missouri voters passed Amendment 4 in November.

KCATA's development arm aims to create walkable, mixed-use neighborhoods with easy access to public transit. But some Kansas City leaders are concerned about the agency's use of tax incentives — and lack of affordable housing requirements.

A Kansas City design firm is using artwork and nature to prioritize people instead of cars at intersections across the metro. The goal is to reduce pedestrian injuries and fatalities.