Kansas City, Missouri

==Transportation==
{{Main|Kansas City Metropolitan Area#Transportation|Kansas City Metropolitan Area}}

Originally, Kansas City was the launching point for travelers on the [[Santa Fe Trail|Santa Fe]], [[Oregon Trail|Oregon]], and [[California Trail|California]] trails. Later, with the construction of the [[Hannibal Bridge]] across the [[Missouri River]], it became the junction of 11 trunk railroads. More rail tonnage passes through the city than through any other U.S. city. [[Trans World Airlines]] (TWA) located its headquarters in the city, and had ambitious plans to turn the city into an air hub.

===Highways===
[[File:Alphamap.gif|thumb|Kansas City is a major meeting place for several of the nation's busiest highways.]]
Missouri and Kansas were the first states to start building interstates with [[Interstate 70]]. [[Interstate 435]], which encircles the entire city, is the second longest beltway in the [[Interstate Highway System]]. ([[Interstate 275 (Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana)|Interstate 275]] around [[Cincinnati, Ohio]] is the longest.) The Kansas City metro area has more limited-access highway lane-miles per capita than any other large US metro area, over 27% more than the second-place [[Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex]], over 50% more than the average American metropolitan area. From 2013 to 2017 the average commuting time was 21.8 minutes.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/kansascitycitymissouri/PST045218|title=U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts: Kansas City city, Missouri|website=census.gov|access-date=November 3, 2019|archive-date=May 13, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200513051925/https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/kansascitycitymissouri/PST045218|url-status=live}}</ref> The [[Sierra Club]] blames the extensive freeway network for excessive [[urban sprawl|sprawl]] and the decline of central Kansas City.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sierraclub.org/sprawl/report98/kansas_city.asp |title=1998 Sprawl Report- Sprawl – Sierra Club |publisher=Sierraclub.org |access-date=May 5, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120516193458/http://www.sierraclub.org/sprawl/report98/kansas_city.asp |archive-date=May 16, 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref> On the other hand, the relatively uncongested road network contributes significantly to Kansas City's position as one of America's largest [[logistics]] hubs.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kcsmartport.com/sec_news/media/documents/ShippingCentral.pdf |title=Shipping Central |website=Kcsmartport.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090325133930/http://www.kcsmartport.com/sec_news/media/documents/ShippingCentral.pdf |archive-date=March 25, 2009 }}</ref>

====Interstate highways====
Kansas City has a confluence of major U.S. [[Interstate Highway System|interstate highways]]: [[Interstate 29 in Missouri|I-29]], [[Interstate 35 in Missouri|I-35]], [[Interstate 49 in Missouri|I-49]], [[Interstate 70 in Missouri|I-70]], [[Interstate 435|I-435]], [[Interstate 470 (Missouri)|I-470]], [[Interstate 635 (Kansas–Missouri)|I-635]], and [[Interstate 670 (Kansas–Missouri)|I-670]].

====US highways====
Kansas City includes these US highways: [[U.S. Route 24 in Missouri|US 24]], [[U.S. Route 40 in Missouri|US 40]], [[U.S. Route 50 in Missouri|US 50]], [[U.S. Route 56 in Kansas|US 56]], [[U.S. Route 69 in Missouri|US 69]], [[U.S. Route 71 in Missouri|US 71]], and [[U.S. Route 169 in Missouri|US 169]].

====Missouri state highways====
[[Missouri State Highway System|State routes]] are [[Missouri Route 1|Route 1]], [[Missouri Route 9|Route 9]], [[Missouri Route 12|Route 12]], [[Missouri Route 45|Route 45]], [[Missouri Route 78|Route 78]], [[Missouri Route 92|Route 92]], [[Missouri Route 150|Route 150]], [[Missouri Route 152|Route 152]], [[Missouri Route 210|Route 210]], [[Missouri Route 269|Route 269]], [[Missouri Route 283|Route 283]], [[Missouri Route 291|Route 291]], and [[Missouri Route 350|Route 350]]. [[Missouri supplemental route]]s are Route AA, Route D, Route K, Route V, and [[Bannister Road|Route W]].<ref name=rm21atlas>{{cite map | publisher= Rand McNally|title = 2021 Road Atlas|map =Missouri |year = 2020|scale = [1:253440] |page =58 |inset = Kansas City & Vicinity |isbn = 978-0-528-02243-2}}</ref>

====Other routes====
Other routes include the [[Chicago–Kansas City Expressway]] and the [[Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail]].

===Airports===
[[File:Kci.JPG|thumb|[[Kansas City International Airport]]]]
[[Kansas City International Airport]] (airport code MCI) was built to TWA's specifications to make a world hub.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://flykci.com/newsroom/press-kit/backgrounder/|title=Backgrounder|website=Kansas City International Airport|access-date=October 8, 2019|archive-date=May 5, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210505072244/https://flykci.com/newsroom/press-kit/backgrounder/|url-status=live}}</ref> Its original passenger-friendly design placed each of its gates 
{{convert|100|ft|m}} from the street. Following the [[September 11, 2001 attacks]], it required a costly overhaul to conform to tighter security protocols from the [[Transportation Security Administration]]. In March 2023, a new $1.5 billion terminal opened on the site of the old Terminal A.<ref>{{Citation|title=KCI Airport New Terminal Two Year Terminal A Demo Anniversary Time Lapse|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V7reDz0J1R8| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/V7reDz0J1R8| archive-date=December 11, 2021 | url-status=live|language=en|access-date=August 14, 2021}}{{cbignore}}</ref> Designed by [[Skidmore, Owings and Merrill]], it is a single, advanced technology terminal with 39 gates, eventually planned to entirely replace remaining Terminals B and C.<ref>{{Cite web|title=A KC Welcome Right Out of the Gate|url=https://www.buildkci.com/|access-date=August 14, 2021|website=Build KCI|language=en-US|archive-date=August 14, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210814041321/https://www.buildkci.com/|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[Charles B. Wheeler Downtown Airport]] (airport code MKC) was TWA's original headquarters and houses the [[Airline History Museum]]. It is still used for [[general aviation]] and airshows.

===Public transportation===
Like most American cities, Kansas City's mass transit system was originally rail-based. From 1870 to 1957, Kansas City's streetcar system was among the top in the country, with over {{convert|300|mi|km}} of track at its peak. The rapid sprawl in the following years led this private system to be shut down.

Amtrak currently operates two routes via Kansas City, the Southwest Chief to Chicago or Los Angeles, and the Missouri River Runner to St. Louis.

====KCATA RideKC====
On December 28, 1965, the [[Kansas City Area Transportation Authority]] (KCATA) was formed via a bi-state compact created by the Missouri and Kansas legislatures. The compact gave the KCATA responsibility for planning, construction, owning and operating passenger transportation systems and facilities within the seven-county area.

====RideKC Bus and MAX====
[[File:RideKC Bus.jpg|thumb|A newly branded RideKC Bus]]
In July 2005, the KCATA launched Kansas City's first [[bus rapid transit]] line, the [[Metro Area Express]] (MAX). MAX links River Market, Downtown, [[Kansas City Union Station|Union Station]], Crown Center, and Country Club Plaza.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.kcata.org/maps_schedules/max/ |title=Maps and Schedules |publisher=KCATA |access-date=March 16, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100420042341/http://www.kcata.org/maps_schedules/max |archive-date=April 20, 2010 |url-status=dead}}</ref> MAX operates and is marketed more like a rail system than a local bus line. A unique identity was created for MAX, including 13 modern diesel buses and easily identifiable "stations". MAX features (real-time [[global positioning system|GPS]] tracking of buses, available at every station), and stoplights automatically change in their favor if buses are behind schedule. In 2010, a second MAX line was added on Troost Avenue.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.kcata.org/light_rail_max/max_and_bus_rapid_transit/ |title=Light Rail and MAX |publisher=KCATA |access-date=March 16, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100115112506/http://www.kcata.org/light_rail_max/max_and_bus_rapid_transit/ |archive-date=January 15, 2010 |url-status=live}}</ref> The city is planning another MAX line down Prospect Avenue.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kcata.org/light_rail_max/prospect_ave_study|title=Prospect Ave. MAX {{!}} Light Rail and MAX|publisher=KCATA|access-date=May 9, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160602120949/http://www.kcata.org/light_rail_max/prospect_ave_study|archive-date=June 2, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>

The Prospect MAX line launched in 2019 and Mayor [[Quinton Lucas]] announced the service would be fare-free indefinitely.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.masstransitmag.com/technology/fare-collection/news/21127532/mo-prospect-max-bus-service-will-be-farefree-indefinitely-for-riders|title=MO: Prospect MAX bus service will be fare-free indefinitely for riders|last=Rice|first=Glenn|date=February 28, 2020|website=Mass Transit Magazine|access-date=March 1, 2020|archive-date=May 5, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210505043353/https://www.masstransitmag.com/technology/fare-collection/news/21127532/mo-prospect-max-bus-service-will-be-farefree-indefinitely-for-riders|url-status=live}}</ref>

====RideKC Streetcar====
[[File:Streetcar 10main.jpg|thumb|KC Streetcar departing the Library stop, heading north to the River Market]]
On December 12, 2012, a ballot initiative to construct a $102 million, {{convert|2|mi|adj=on}}, modern [[KC Streetcar]] line in downtown Kansas City was approved by local voters.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.bizjournals.com/kansascity/news/2012/12/12/kansas-city-voters-approve-streetcar.html|title=Kansas City voters approve streetcar plan|newspaper=Kansas City Business Journal|access-date=January 26, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130730051350/http://www.bizjournals.com/kansascity/news/2012/12/12/kansas-city-voters-approve-streetcar.html|archive-date=July 30, 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> The streetcar route runs along Main Street from [[River Market]] to [[Union Station (Kansas City, Missouri)|Union Station]]; it debuted on May 6, 2016.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kansascity.com/news/local/article76034492.html|title=Crowds jam streetcars in Kansas City return|website=kansascity|access-date=May 7, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160507115829/http://www.kansascity.com/news/local/article76034492.html|archive-date=May 7, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> A new non-profit corporation made up of private sector stakeholders and city appointees – the [[Kansas City Streetcar Authority]] – operates and maintains the system. Unlike many similar systems around the U.S., no fare is to be charged initially.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.bizjournals.com/kansascity/news/2012/09/26/kansas-city-streetcar-rides-will-be-free.html |title=Kansas City streetcar rides will be free |newspaper=Kansas City Business Journal |access-date=January 26, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121112043708/http://www.bizjournals.com/kansascity/news/2012/09/26/kansas-city-streetcar-rides-will-be-free.html |archive-date=November 12, 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref> Residents within the proposed Transportation Development District are determining the fate of the KC Streetcar's southern extension through Midtown and the Plaza to [[University of Missouri–Kansas City|UMKC]]. The Port Authority of Kansas City is also studying running an extension to [[Berkley Riverfront Park]].

====RideKC Bridj====
In 2015, the KCATA, Unified Government Transit, Johnson County Transit, and IndeBus began merging from individual metro services into one coordinated transit service for the metropolitan area, called RideKC. The buses and other transit options are branded as RideKC Bus, RideKC MAX, RideKC Streetcar, and RideKC Bridj. RideKC Bridj is a micro transit service partnership between Ford Bridj and KCATA that began on March 7, 2016, much like a [[taxicab]] service and with a [[mobile app]]. The merger and full coordination is expected to be complete by 2019.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kcata.org/news/ride_kc_bridj_begins_service_march_7|title=Ride KC: Bridj Begins Service March 7|publisher=Kansas City Area Transportation Authority|access-date=May 9, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160510082640/http://www.kcata.org/news/ride_kc_bridj_begins_service_march_7|archive-date=May 10, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>

====Intercity transit====
Intercity bus services to Kansas City are provided by [[Greyhound Lines]] and [[Jefferson Lines]] at the [[Kansas City Bus Station]]. [[Amtrak]] also serves the city at [[Kansas City Union Station|Union Station]] via the [[Southwest Chief]] and [[Missouri River Runner]].

===Walkability===
A 2015 study by [[Walk Score]] ranked Kansas City as the 42nd most walkable out of the 50 largest U.S. cities.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.walkscore.com/MO/Kansas_City |title=2015 City and Neighborhood Rankings |publisher=Walk Score |year=2015 |access-date=August 24, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150906150703/https://www.walkscore.com/MO/Kansas_City |archive-date=September 6, 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref> As a whole, the city has a score of 34 out of 100. However, several of the more densely populated neighborhoods have much higher scores: Westport has a score of 91, the Downtown Loop has a score of 85, the Crossroads scored 85, and the Plaza scored 83.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.walkscore.com/MO/Kansas_City|title=Kansas City neighborhoods on Walk Score|website=Walk Score|access-date=May 9, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160416085712/https://www.walkscore.com/MO/Kansas_City|archive-date=April 16, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> Those ratings range from "A Walker's Paradise" to "Very Walkable". In April 2017, voters approved an $800 million general obligation bond, part of which is designated for sidewalk repairs and creating complete-streets.

===Modal characteristics===
According to the American Community Survey, 81.6 percent of working Kansas City residents commuted to work by driving alone, 7.9 percent carpooled, 2.7 percent used public transportation, and 1.7 percent walked to work. About 1.5 percent commuted by other means, including taxi, bicycle, or motorcycle. About 4.6 percent of working Kansas City residents worked at home.<ref>{{cite web|publisher=Census Reporter|title=Means of Transportation to Work by Age|access-date=May 6, 2018|url=https://censusreporter.org/data/table/?table=B08101&geo_ids=16000US2938000&primary_geo_id=16000US2938000|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180507003324/https://censusreporter.org/data/table/?table=B08101&geo_ids=16000US2938000&primary_geo_id=16000US2938000|archive-date=May 7, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2015, 11.4 percent of Kansas City households were without a car, which was virtually unchanged in 2016 (11.3 percent). The national average was 8.7 percent in 2016. Kansas City averaged 1.58 cars per household in 2016, compared to a national average of 1.8 per household.<ref>{{cite journal|title=Car Ownership in U.S. Cities Data and Map|journal=Governing|url=http://www.governing.com/gov-data/car-ownership-numbers-of-vehicles-by-city-map.html|access-date=May 4, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180511162014/http://www.governing.com/gov-data/car-ownership-numbers-of-vehicles-by-city-map.html|archive-date=May 11, 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref>