KC transit future

As the mayor pointed out, this city has been working on light rail for 20 years. Emanuel Cleaver called it “touristy frou frou,” as the federal gravy train left the station, Kay Barnes’ plan sank of its own weight and the Mid-America Regional Council has sat at the bus stop since 2003. If Kansas won’t sign on to MARC’s regional bus plan, why will it sign on to a regional light-rail plan?
Mayor, the people voted for light rail. A grass-roots reaction to the lack of leadership on the issue has resulted in a noble but imperfect plan. Losing patience, the people set a deadline for the city, which doesn’t afford four or five years to work out a regional plan. Without real action on light rail, any pleas to save the bus service before some of its funding is diverted may fall on deaf ears.
Chad Schofield
Kansas City