The Kansas City Streetcar Authority is hoping to add two new cars to the near one-year-old line after ridership has far exceeded expectations.
It would cost about $11 million for both cars.
They say ridership has nearly tripled their initial projections, and it will take more streetcars to keep up with demand.
"We thought we'd have an average of 2,700 riders a day. Now we're averaging close to 5,000," said Donna Mandelbaum, with the Kansas City Streetcar Authority.
According to Mandelbaum, part of the new streetcar order will be paid for in cash while some will need to be funded via loan.
"We have reserves in our funding from the transportation development district that will go to help fund that as well as borrowing future money from that same account," she said.
It's also not a quick order. Getting the two new cars will take two years.
"They have to be manufactured specifically for what Kansas City needs," said Mandelbaum.
She also still feels strongly the new cars will be worth the wait.
"With over $1.8 billion in private development since the announcement of the streetcar, I think it really is proven to be a success," Mandelbaum said.
The City Council still has to vote on the addition of the two new cars. If it is approved, it only will cover the current route. Any expansion will require the purchase of more cars.
Editor's Note: A previous version of this story said it would cost $11 million per streetcar. It will cost $11 million for the 2 new streetcars in total.
