The KC Connection – Or How Your Stalwart Adventurers Valiantly Test the Streetcar Extension

After three years of street construction, including the maze of orange cone dispersants, Kansas City’s streetcar extension to the Plaza recently opened. With customary dignitaries, confetti and exploding aerial color bombs (one might have thought it was a baby gender reveal), the street cars could now roll past Union Station all the way to the Plaza and UMKC.

To help keep our band of merry readers informed, Cutest and I road-tested a north-bound street car from the Plaza. Combined with being new and a sunny November Saturday, our car was standing room only. Riders, from smiling kindergarten kids to gray haired grandparents, seemed to be in a jovial mood, as if they were on a new ride at Disneyland. A crowded and rather slow ride. A man who looked to be much older than us offered Cutest his seat. She declined graciously but I know what she was thinking.

We opted to disembark at 43rd and Main, which was the closest to our destination of Trapp and Company, a longtime flower, home decor, gift, and clothing destination. Particularly at Christmas time, Trapp’s is a fun place to shop. It is chock full of wintertime gift ideas and decorations. To assist our holiday joy, free samples of chocolate rum, prosecco and gingerbread cookies were available that afternoon. We oohed and ahhed and bought. 

Then with our purchases encased in their signature blue bags, Cutest and I walked south about three blocks to the nearest streetcar platform to catch a returning car.

So what did we learn from our initial Plaza test run? Number one: Crossing Main to get to your final destination can be exciting. A designated traffic-lit crosswalk may not always be close to where you want to go.  This means either putting your head on a swivel and being sure your shoe laces are tied so you can dash across the road, or walking another block or two to a certified cross walk that will guide you across a little more safely.

Number two: Waiting platforms are very basic. Short wooden benches, no heaters and minimal protection from the wind. They are definitely designed so you do not linger.

Number three: Allow plenty of time to reach your destination. From the time we walked the five blocks from our condo to the platform, waited for the next street car (they arrive every 12 to 15 minutes barring incidents from careless auto drivers) and then rode the streetcar to its second stop from the Plaza, it took an estimated time of over thirty minutes.

Number four: If walking more than a few blocks is taxing for you, then drive or take an Uber.

Riding the rails makes you feel more connected to the city, its people and our visitors. By planning ahead and having a flexible schedule, you will enjoy this free in-town-adventure.  

(Not all adventures have to be big you know.)