Prospect Ave. MAX

KCATA is proposing enhanced transit service along Kansas City’s Prospect Ave. corridor from downtown to south Kansas City.

For more information, see the Frequently Asked Questions. A draft Planning Assessment Report [PDF]  with more detailed information is also available.

The Prospect Corridor is served by KCATA’s second busiest route, 71-Prospect, with about 6,000 passengers on a typical weekday. The transit service enhancement under consideration is the establishment of MAX service, bus rapid transit (BRT). Ridership significantly increased and remains strong on KCATA MAX routes on Main St., launched in 2005, and Troost Ave., which began in 2011.

Information about proposed station locations, possible amenities, benefits and project timelines are available in this document [PDF] and below.  

The presentation made to the March 2015 meeting of the Prospect Advisory committee is available online [PDF]. 

About MAX and the Project

MAX is KCATA’s Bus Rapid Transit (BRT).

BRT:

• Is used around the world to enhance transit service in high density corridors
• Is similar to rail transit service in terms of convenience and reliability, but at a fraction of the cost
• Combines a robust service plan with a capital improvement plan

KCATA currently has two MAX routes: Main Street MAX Orange Line and Troost MAX Green Line.

Features of MAX:

• Frequent service: all day and to late night
• Transit priority
• Transit stations, not just stops – higher visibility
• Fewer stations – like rail – makes the service faster and more reliable
• Unique identity and brand

About the Project

Prior studies have identified MAX as the preferred approach to better transit on Prospect Avenue.

This study will determine the feasibility and funding requirements to bring MAX service to Prospect.

This is a Planning Study to answer the following questions:

• Is MAX right for Prospect Avenue?
• What will stations look like?
• What will the service look like?
• What will it cost?
• What are the benefits?
• How could it be funded?

The Study is underway now. A second Public Meeting was held in March 2014 to review findings gather more feedback. Findings have been submitted to KCATA Board of Commissioners and Kansas City City Council.

Prospect MAX Development Schedule

• 2013-14 – Planning phase
• 2014 – Complete planning and begin design

If funding is secured:

• 2016 – 2017 – Engineering / Design
• 2017 – Construction / Procurement
• 2018 – Operations begin

Project History

The Jackson County Commuter Corridors US-71 Transit Study identified MAX on Prospect as the locally preferred alternative for a major transit enhancement in the US 71/Prospect Ave. corridor. MAX service on Prospect would include enhanced passenger stations, electronic real-time bus arrival signs, distinctive new buses and faster, more reliable service.

Study partners include the City of Kansas City, Mo., Jackson County, and the Mid-America Regional Council.

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