Streetcars Coming and Going in 2016 It is anomalous that just as longstanding bar and restaurant, The Streetcar Named Desire, is closing its doors at year end, actual streetcars will start running past its current location. If you’ve noticed that construction on Main Street has made it harder to get around downtown, fear not, because it’s about to get a lot easier. Dormant since 1957, streetcars are coming back to Kansas City. Moving about in the heart of the city will be relatively hassle free as you will be able to hop on and off the free cars going from the River Market through the financial district, Power & Light, and the Crossroads, and finishing at Union Station. Concerns about parking and one way streets should be considerably fewer. The revitalization of streetcars in Kansas City began when voters approved funding for the project in December 2012. A year later, in 2013, pre-construction began with the actual construction beginning in May 2014. Excitement abounds as the cars passed their first test on November 6, 2015. Things are “on-track” for the cars to begin running in Spring 2016. 
Photo Credit to Railway Gazette
A far cry from their vintage counterparts, Kansas City’s new streetcars will be the CAF Urbos 3, which can be found around the world in cities like Sydney, Edinburgh and Seville. Modern and sleek, the cars will be a perfect addition to our thriving city. With sixteen stops, the downtown streetcar is just the beginning. Talks are already underway for a second phase, with the downtown line serving as the trunk. With all this convenience coming to Kansas City, there’s no better time to be downtown. When you try the new streetcar, be sure to get off at 9th and Main to visit us just one block away at 1000 Walnut.
