i don't know if that's an overriding concern with anyone that i've discussed the streetcar with
I've heard it at least a dozen times.... Usually the conversation is around how much is that going to cost me to ride... I say it's free... Response... Oh great homeless will ride it all day.
my gripe is that I think that if there truly is a need for accessible public transport in downtown, a bus system would be much more effective.
disclaimer: I ride in a bus every day.
there already is a bus system
Remind me why a streetcar is beneficial then?
well i think there are several benefits to having another means of transportation.
1. it's free to ride
2. the bus route that operates on the streetcar route (the MAX) is always extremely full. (i take it to work every day when it's not crazy cold out, although i have this week and it's still packed)
3. the streetcar will run late at night, unlike the bus
4. this does not benefit me (the midtown resident), but i think it will be great for visitors to downtown, who want to get from crown center to pnl / river market. people from out of town do not use the bus.
5. river market to crown center (and eventually to midtown) is and always will be the densest part of kc; makes sense to have a permanent option in addition to the bus.