KC Streetcar Starts Rolling to the River on May 18

For immediate release: Tuesday, April 21, 2026

KC Streetcar today announced that the Riverfront Extension will officially open for passenger service on Monday, May 18, 2026, following a press conference and community celebration at 11 a.m. on the riverfront.

The completion of this $62 million, 0.7-mile streetcar extension marks a major milestone in Kansas City's continued investment in transit, connectivity, and riverfront revitalization. All are welcome and encouraged to attend the May 18 press conference and be among the first to experience the new riverfront connection. More details about the press conference and subsequent community celebration will be shared closer to the opening date. Stay connected on the Grand Opening festivities at https://kcstreetcar.org/rfe-grand-opening/

"The Riverfront Extension connects neighborhoods, opens the river to more Kansas Citians, and shows what's possible when we invest in smart, sustainable transit," said Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas. "From UMKC to the riverfront, the KC Streetcar keeps weaving our city together, and the extension is the latest proof that we're committed to making Kansas City more accessible for all."

The KC Streetcar Riverfront Extension connects the existing 5.7 mile streetcar route to Kansas City's riverfront, beginning at 3rd Street and Grand Boulevard in the River Market, crossing the existing Grand Boulevard Bridge, and extending to the midpoint of Berkley Riverfront. This extension will seamlessly connect riders from University of Missouri-Kansas City on the southern end to the riverfront on the northern end, with all streetcar trips bound for the riverfront.

"We are reconnecting our riverfront for the next generation" said Tom Gerend, Executive Director, KC Streetcar Authority. "This streetcar extension represents our intentional return to where it all started and will serve as the new northern terminus for the 6.5 mile transit spine connecting our growing riverfront to downtown, UMKC ,and everything in between."

"The KCATA is proud to have served as both the project manager and federal grant recipient for this important streetcar extension," said Bridgette Williams, Chair of the KCATA Board of Commissioners. "This significant investment-totaling millions of dollars-not only delivered critical infrastructure but also supported thousands of jobs throughout the construction process. The northern extension of the main line represents a vital link in our regional transit system, especially as Kansas City prepares to welcome hundreds of thousands of visitors."

The Riverfront Extension is currently in the Pre-Revenue Operations phase, the final step before safely opening the system to the public. This phase includes continued testing of the system as well as training of all streetcar operations staff. During this phase, streetcars are actively running along the extended route, including movements between 3rd Street and Grand Boulevard and across the Grand Boulevard/Berkley Parkway bridge.

The Riverfront Extension construction team is led by local contractor Radmacher Brothers Excavating (RBE). The RBE team includes a RS/WITEC joint venture, Delta Rail, Wilson & Company, PM Dynamics, Boundary & Construction Surveying, IBC, Grey Diamond, Realm Construction, Hayes Drilling, Welch Erosion Control, and Parson + Associates.

The Riverfront Extension includes key construction elements such as:

• 76 new overhead catenary system (OCS) poles, ranging from 28 to 54 feet high
• Approximately 12,000 feet of OCS wire
• One new Traction Power Sub-Station (TPSS)
• More than 8,300 feet of new track installed
• 296 posts with nearly 2,200 linear feet of chain

Important Safety Reminder:

As operators undergo familiarization training on the route, the public is reminded to use caution when traveling near the extension route. Drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians should remain alert for streetcar activity. Pedestrians and cyclists should not access the Grand Boulevard/Berkley Parkway bridge. A safe and accessible alternative route is the Town of Kansas Bridge.

Other Riverfront Developments:

"Everything is coming together for Kansas City with a truly world-class connected riverfront," said Jon Stephens, Port KC President and CEO. "The possibilities are becoming reality with Berkley Riverfront welcoming a new bicycle-pedestrian bridge to go along with the streetcar extension as Kansas Citians and visitors will soon be able to enjoy our thriving riverfront like never before."

The Riverfront is stepping into a new era of multi-modal accessibility, with the Grand Boulevard Bike and Pedestrian Bridge also set to open to the public in early May. This Kansas City-led project adds a dedicated pathway to the existing Grand Boulevard Bridge for pedestrians, bicyclists, and other non-motorized travel. The bridge will create a safe, continuous connection between the River Market and the Berkley Riverfront Park area, separating pedestrian and bicycle traffic from vehicles and the KC Streetcar Riverfront Extension.

Inspired by the movement and flow of the Missouri River, the architecturally striking CPKC Pavilion will transform the KC Streetcar's Riverfront Stop into an iconic terminus experience by featuring an artistic metal canopy, sculptural lighting, and enhanced passenger boarding and waiting areas. All elements symbolize Kansas City's deep connection to the river. Designed by a local team led by Burns & McDonnell and Zahner, this end-of-line streetcar stop with three real-time arrival signs and artistic decorative concrete finishing will serve as a welcoming front door to Berkley Riverfront, CPKC Stadium, and future riverfront developments.