Riverfront Station Proposal

[langosta]

Overview

• New intermodal transit center located at 1st/Grand built to exceed LEED platinum certification.
• Replaces all existing urban transit centers, creating a single transfer point for all modes.
• Elevated local connections, ground-level long-distance connections – an easy spatial indicator.
• Full glass canopy at street level (local bus, light rail, taxi) and covered platforms at ground level (heavy rail, intercity bus) and to provide protection from the elements.
• Green roof – atop ground level facility and at grade with Grand – containing seasonal passenger amenities and outdoor waiting area, creating a "green" transit plaza.
• 24-hour daily/monthly pass vending machines.
• Consolidated local/long-distance and arrivals/departures screens throughout the facility.
• Auction 3rd/Grand and 10th/Main properties to highest bidder for mixed-use purposes only.
• High redevelopment potential for adjacent surface lots in the north loop.
• Naming rights and exclusive amenities contracts (ATM, etc.) should be negotiated to generate additional revenue.

Light rail

• Access at grade with reconstructed Grand Avenue Viaduct directly south of new river crossing.
• Escalator/elevator access to commuter and intercity rail platforms as well as intercity bus bays.
• Future bi-directional streetcar loop connection running along 3rd, Wyandotte, 12th, and Locust streets (public-private partnership); alternative route to use recommendation from Sasaki Plan or start with free rubber tire trolley variable service.

Local bus (KCATA, The JO)

• Curb-side bays providing at-grade connection to light rail from points east and west.
• All BRT routes would terminate or connect at the station (Prospect, Troost, State, Metcalf).
• Level boarding platforms.

Commuter rail

• Access at grade with KCS tracks along 1st Street using existing tracks.
• Provides weekday, limited weekend, and special events connections to Olathe, Grandview, Parkville, Liberty, Independence, Sports Complex, and Lee’s Summit.
• Level-boarding platforms.
• Free transfer to light rail.

Airport express

• Premium non-stop KCI access from new station that stops at all three terminals.
• Free transfer to light rail with same-day ticket.

Intercity rail (Amtrak)

• Reroute Amtrak at grade along 1st Street using existing KC Southern tracks.
• Connections to Jefferson City, St. Louis, Chicago, Albuquerque, and Los Angeles.
• Level-boarding platforms (with one long enough to accommodate the Southwest Chief).
• Multiple QuikTrak ticketing kiosks.
• Free transfer to light rail with same-day ticket stub.

Intercity bus (Greyhound, Jefferson Lines, Megabus, El Conejo)

• Use area at ground level behind levee and below existing Grand Avenue Viaduct for bus bays.
• New Grand Avenue Viaduct on-ramps to allow fast highway connections via Front Street.
• Connections to Columbia, St. Louis, Chicago, Wichita, Tulsa, Des Moines, Omaha, Minneapolis, Denver, and beyond.
• Free transfer to light rail with same-day ticket.

Bike trails

• Direct connection with levee trail system with interactive system map.
• Bike lockers for long-term storage.
• Free transfer to light rail with same-day bike locker, valet, or rental receipt.
• Innovative extras like shower facilities, on-site maintenance, rentals, and valet.

Pedestrian

• Adjacent cap over I-70 along east and west edges of Grand Boulevard to ensure a pedestrian friendly connection to the loop.
• Enclosed connections between all transit modes.
• Walking distance map to cultural amenities within 1 mile of station.
• New pedestrian access to Riverfront Park.

Auto

• Small multi-level garage for car-sharing services and limited long-term paid parking for intercity travel (not a park-and-ride).

Taxi

• Adjacent taxi and pedicab stand with attendant and/or 24-hour call box.

Marine

• Renovate existing boat slip (and/or build new dock for larger craft) west of ASB Bridge.
• Alternative to connect with boat accommodations in Riverfront Park proposal.
• Weekend or special event water taxi service to casinos, Parkville, etc.

Bring back visionary Dave

[DaveKCMO]

Someone shoot 2008 Dave for pushing a loop! But seriously, thanks for digging that up. It all still holds, except for the streetcar loop (our streetcar became what was a big chunk of that light rail alignment).