KANSAS CITY

Transit Study Recommends New Express Bus Service to Kansas City International Airport

A recent regional transportation study has recommended the implementation of new express bus services to meet the rising demand for transportation to the Kansas City International Airport’s new single terminal. The study, conducted by regional transportation planners, identified two primary corridors that would benefit from the introduction of express bus services:

Key Corridors Identified:

The study identified the following two initial corridors for the new express bus service:

• Downtown Kansas City, Missouri: The service would offer pick-up and drop-off options at either Union Station or the Convention Center area.
• Johnson County, Kansas: The express bus route would potentially include a stop in Kansas City, Kansas, catering to passengers from Johnson County.

Planners estimate that the express bus service would need to operate for 18 hours a day, seven days a week, with a frequency of once every 30 minutes to effectively serve the commuters. The service could potentially extend to additional stops in areas like Lee’s Summit, Independence, Liberty, and Leavenworth in the future.

Cost Estimates and Funding:

According to the study, the upfront costs for implementing the new express bus service, including buses, signage, etc., are projected to range between $6 to $8 million. Additionally, annual operating costs are estimated to be in the range of $3 to $6 million, depending on the specific route chosen.

The most cost-effective and potentially high-demand route identified in the study is the one connecting Downtown Kansas City to the airport, with a stop at Union Station. The total cost to launch and operate this route is estimated to be approximately $51 million. In comparison, a route starting from Overland Park’s Convention Center, with a stop at Indian Springs in KCK, would cost nearly $80 million over a 10-year period.

Next Steps and Decision Making:

While the transit planners have completed the study and provided valuable insights, the ultimate decision on whether to proceed with the new express bus service and allocate funding for it rests with elected officials in the region. The recommendations from the study will play a crucial role in shaping future transportation options to and from the Kansas City International Airport.

Johnson County Board of County Commissioners’ Janeé Hanzlick expressed appreciation for the study results and highlighted the importance of the report in shaping transit services in the region. She emphasized that the insights from the study would inform the strategic planning process that Johnson County Transit is set to undertake.

Conclusion:

The transit study’s recommendations for new express bus services to the Kansas City International Airport come as a response to the growing demand for efficient and reliable transportation options to the airport. The proposed routes and potential stops aim to enhance connectivity across the region and provide convenient transit services for travelers and airport workers alike.

For more detailed information on the transit study and its findings, interested individuals can visit the Mid-America Regional Council’s website for comprehensive insights.