The city of Kansas City, Mo., is moving into the testing phase for its Kansa City (KC) Streetcar light-rail project while the city of Tyler, Texas, begins to evaluate short- and long-term light-rail service possibilities.
KC Streetcar
The KC Streetcar has launched into the systems integrated testing phase of its Main Street Extension project, which will work to establish a 3.5-mile expansion of streetcar services from Main Street through Midtown and to the University of Missouri-Kansas City.
KC Streetcar notes that this extensive testing phase is essential to ensure the safety, reliability, and readiness of the new streetcar route. Testing will begin with clearance checks and progress to fully integrating all new systems. This testing phase will be followed by extensive operator training, covering every aspect of the streetcar’s operation on the new extension.
“This is an exciting milestone for Kansas City as we take another significant step toward extending the reach of our world-class streetcar system,” said Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas. “The start of testing on the Main Street Extension is a testament to the hard work and dedication of so many who have brought us to this point. Once complete, this expansion will connect more neighborhoods, provide even greater access to opportunities and continue to position Kansas City as a leader in modern, sustainable transit. I look forward to the day when we welcome passengers to experience this incredible addition to our city.”
The integrated testing process began with clearance testing using a specially designed cart to replicate the streetcar’s dynamic envelope. This helps to ensure sufficient clearances along the entire route, including platforms, overhead traffic signal mast arms and nearby signage. KC Streetcar says that with these verifications complete, streetcars can now be introduced to the route, operating under full electrical power to conduct comprehensive functional evaluations.
“This is an exciting chapter in Kansas City’s transit history,” said KC Streetcar Authority Executive Director Tom Gerend. “This is one step closer to achieving Kansas City’s vision of connecting communities through equitable and efficient public transit.”
Over the coming months, comprehensive testing of vehicles, tracks, substations and systems will take place along the extension. Key testing components include platform interface, train control system validation, train to wayside communication interface, track switch operations, ride quality checks, speed tests and more. KC Streetcar will advise motorists and pedestrians in its community to exercise caution during this testing period. Pedestrians should use designated crosswalks and motorists are advised to stay alert for changes in traffic control around the area. Additionally, motorists are advised not to park in the designated streetcar transit lanes or on the streetcar tracks. Anyone found parking in those areas will be ticketed and towed.
Timeline and next steps
The current phase will be followed by the pre-revenue, or pre-passenger, operations phase. In this stage of the project, streetcar operators will undergo extensive training and familiarization with the new route to prepare for passenger service later in 2025.
Construction is being led by the KC Streetcar Constructors, a joint venture between Herzog Contracting Corp. and Stacy and Witbeck and supported by Burns & McDonnell and JE Dunn Construction. The project is overseen by the joint partnership of the city of Kansas City, Mo., the KC Streetcar Authority. The extension is fully funded with federal Capital Investment Grant funds and new local funding approved through the voter-approved Transportation Development District.
City of Tyler
The Tyler Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) began conducting a light-rail study as part of its 2024-2025 Unified Planning Work Program. To support this endeavor, the Tyler City Council approved a $150,000 contract with Kimley-Horn to develop the study.
The city says its light-rail study will focus on short-term and long-term rail service possibilities. This includes evaluating limited trolley service on existing rail lines as a preliminary measure and long-term connections to the proposed high-speed rail service along the I-20 corridor.
“The light-rail study will help us modernize transportation options in the Tyler area, allowing more connectivity and sustainable development,” said MPO Director Michael Howell.
The Tyler Area MPO coordinates transportation planning for the greater Smith County, Texas, area. The MPO is guided by a Transportation Policy Committee that includes representatives from Smith County, Tyler, surrounding cities, the Texas Department of Transportation and the Northeast Texas Regional Mobility Authority.
Eman Abu-Khaled | Associate Editor
Eman Abu-Khaled is a graduate of Kent State University with a bachelors in journalism. She works through Endeavor Business Media with Mass Transit as an associate editor. Abu-Khaled brings a fresh perspective to the visual side of journalism with an interest in video and photography work.
