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The KC Streetcar is putting a temporary pause on service routes for about a month.
Sunday was the last day you could ride the streetcar from Union Station to the River Market and vice versa.
A spokesperson with KC Streetcar explained service has to stop for about four weeks to tie in the lines to the Country Club Plaza.
"This construction activity for the next several weeks represents a key step in extending the KC Streetcar system and bringing enhanced transit access to more of Kansas City," said Director of Communication Donna Mandelbaum. "We appreciate the public's patience as we work to deliver a stronger and more connected KC Streetcar transit system."
Drivers in the metro should expect some delays on Main Street:
- Main Street southbound between Pershing Road and 20th Street will remain open during construction.
- Main Street northbound between Pershing Road and 20th Street closed Sept. 23 and is expected to reopen once work is complete.
- 20th Street at Main Street closed Sept. 30 for approximately 2-3 weeks.
- Sidewalks and pedestrian access will remain open.
- No parking along Main Street between 20th & Pershing during this time.
KSHB 41 News caught up with riders in the River Market to see how they were feeling about the service disruption.
From first-time passengers to streetcar veterans, Kansas Citians said they are sad the streetcar will be suspended for a few weeks but are excited for what comes next.
"It's going to hurt, it's going to hurt the people," said long-time rider Cathy Clark. "Couple weeks, it's going to be hard. But as a city, we'll be able to work past it."
Three Ride KC buses will substitute for the streetcar. Like other Ride KC buses, the streetcar line replacement will also be free.
"These buses will not be taken from existing bus routes but will serve as a standalone bus route," Mandelbaum said.
Some riders said they aren't afraid of a detour.
"It's kind of a bummer that the streetcar is going to be down because we love using it, but I think scootering is going to be the way to go, for sure," said Kansas Citian Allison Norton.
It's all in the name of progress to connect the current route with the Main Street extension.
"That, I really can't wait for," Norton said. "We're on the Plaza all the time, so it will make things a lot easier."
But progress may present some problems for regular City Market-goers.
"It’s very nice to just walk to the streetcar and come here (city market) directly, and now I’m going to have to find some parking; it will be a bit inconvenient," said rider Lexie Mathis. "I'm terrible at parallel parking, so I will be a bit nervous for that."
Businesses along the tracks, like Opera House CAFE, see quite a few passengers pop in.
"I think the streetcar definitely brings in so much business for us, like more than anyone would realize," said employee Athena Caffrey.
Caffrey hopes that foot traffic stays high throughout the construction.
"The parking down here is kinda crazy, so it might affect business. I hope it doesn't," Caffrey said.
Still, she believes the temporary disruption will be worth it in the end.
"Kansas City really feels like it's sort of up and coming these past couple of years," Caffrey said. "I feel like the streetcar is kind of tying it all together."
While streetcar service is suspended, all employees will work as ambassadors on the route.
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