kcICON I-29/I-35 Interstate Connections Project
Transit Choices: What You Need to Know
Major traffic congestion can be expected along I-29/I-35 north of downtown Kansas City while the Missouri Department of Transportation constructs the new Christopher S. Bond Bridge (which will replace the Paseo Bridge) between now and 2011. The RTA has been working with MoDOT, the Mid-America Regional Council and the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority to improve your travel choices. Here are some ways you can be "part of the solution" to traffic congestion.
1. Ride public transit
Information about transit service is available by phone at 816-221-0660 (6 am to 7 pm weekdays, 8 am to 5 pm Saturdays).
Trip Planner: Use the online trip planner Google Transit to find a Metro route. Fill in your beginning location and destination, plus your time of travel, and display your transit options, including a map of the route.
Fare: The regular fare is $1.25. Transfers are free and good for two hours.
Monthly Pass: A monthly pass can be purchased from the KCATA (18th and Forest) or at several outlets for $40. Many employers offer monthly passes at a discount. Check with your human resources department. If your employer doesn't participate, learn about the program and contact the KCATA at 816-346-0274 and ask about TRIP, the Transit Rider Incentive Plan.
Major Transit Routes: The following routes from the Northland provide full-day service.
- Route 129 - KCI and Boardwalk Square to Downtown via I-29 and the Broadway Bridge. Major park-and-ride lots at Boardwalk Square and at 72nd and Prairie View.
- Route 142 - Boardwalk Square to downtown and Crown Center via Barry Road and North Oak. Major park-and-ride lots at Boardwalk Squre and Metro North Mall (north of the mall).
- Routes 38 and 133 - Antioch Shopping Center to Downtown via North Kansas City. Park-and-ride lots at Antioch Shopping Center and at 18th and Swift in North Kansas City.
- Route 173 - Ameristar and Harrah's Casinos to Downtown and Crown Center via Missouri 210, Chouteau, and Front Street.
- Route 121 - Antioch Shopping Center to 75th and Prospect, with connections to Downtown and other midtown locations via east-west routes that operate along Gardner, St. John, Independence Avenue, Truman Road, 18th Street, 27th Street, 31st Street, Linwood, 35th Street, 39th Street, 55th Street, 63rd Street.
- Other routes provide service from the Northland during peak hours, and KCATA is planning a new route from the Shoal Creek area to Downtown.
2. Join a carpool or vanpool
For many people, simply sharing the ride with a neighbor or co-worker can be the most effective way to ease congestion. Make your own arrangements, or take advantage of the free commuter matching service provided by the regional RideShare Program at Mid-America Regional Council, at 816-842-RIDE (7433).
3. Telecommute
Telecommute by working from home or a satellite office If your job permits it, by all means do it — a day at a time, or just an hour or two in the morning to postpone your trip and miss the peak of the morning rush.
4. Flextime
Flex your work hours to avoid morning and evening rush hours. If you're the boss, you have "special powers" to help reduce congestion by letting your employees flex their hours.
5. Schedule meetings at off peak times
That goes for other trips as well. In general, simply defer or avoid unnecessary trips across the river.
6. Ride your bike or walk to work
Even if you don't have to cross the river, walking or cycling helps reduce congestion on streets that others may be using as detour routes. Both the Metro and The JO offer convenient bike racks on buses.
7. Choose a detour route