RideKC Looks At Possible Public-Private Partnership Methods for KC Streetcar Extension

The Kansas City Streetcar Authority, in partnership with the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority, issued a Request for Information (RFI) for innovative project delivery methods to support the extension and operations of the KC Streetcar.

Together, the KCSA and KCATA are engaged in the process of evaluating innovative project delivery opportunities and various public-private partnership delivery models for a KC Streetcar extension. This will aid in the eventual selection of a final delivery and financing model for the KC Streetcar extension. Additional local partners including the city of Kansas City, Missouri, and Port KC will also advise on the local process.

“We know there is international interest in Kansas City’s streetcar expansion initiative and a number of innovative strategies emerging across the country that may make sense for Kansas City,” said Tom Gerend KCSA executive director. “Our intent is to solicit the industry’s input to see if there is a better, faster, or more cost-efficient way to bring these plans to fruition.”

The purpose of this RFI is to generate information that may help confirm and/or refine assumptions regarding innovative delivery and financing options to support streetcar extension. This RFI is intended solely to obtain such information and assist the RideKC team on an administrative level.

“We want to explore every option that the industry has to offer and we want to feel confident that we are making decisions based on the very best information," said Robbie Makinen, KCATA president & CEO. "We are building a comprehensive transportation system for the next 50 years, not the last 20.”

Currently, two independent KC Streetcar extension planning efforts are underway:

• 0.75 mile Riverfront Extension via the Grand Avenue Viaduct to Berkley Riverfront
• 3.5 mile Main Street Extension from Union Station to the University of Missouri, Kansas City Volker Campus.

RideKC is looking for information on project delivery options including operations, maintenance and finance methods that are related to a combined (two-part) extension, inclusive of both Riverfront and Main Street, or information that is specific to an individual extension (Riverfront or Main Street).

The timeline for this activity is:

• Issue Request for Information: January 18, 2018
• Questions from interested applicants to the RideKC team: February 5, 2018
• Request for Information responses due back to the KC Streetcar office, via electronic mail, on March 2, 2018 at 10:00 a.m.