Four Missouri cities are offering visitors and residents new ways of getting around town, bringing new excitement to familiar destinations. Kansas City, St. Louis, Springfield, and St. Charles have all recently expanded transportation options to include streetcars, trolleys, and pedal-trolleys to their already expansive transit systems.
In Kansas City, the KC Streetcar is an updated and modern version of the streetcars from the 1950s that takes passengers along a 2.2-mile route from Union Station to River Market. The streetcar is free for passengers to ride and connects riders with many districts in the Downtown area including Crossroads Arts District, Power & Light District, and the North Loop.
The Loop Trolley Company in St. Louis is working to bring back the historic trolley line along Delmar Boulevard and DeBaliviere Avenue. The trolley will connect riders from the Loop Entertainment District in University City to the Missouri History Museum in Forest Park along the 2.2-mile fixed route. The trolley is expected to begin service in early Fall 2017.
In Historic St. Charles, a trackless trolley car will provide seasonal service to visitors March through December. The trolley makes a 30-minute loop connecting riders to the St. Charles Convention Center, Ameristar Casino Resort Spa, Main Street St. Charles, Frenchtown and Mark Twin Village. The trolley will be free to riders and will make visiting multiple spots in St. Charles easier for visitors.
The Trolley Bike in Springfield has been helping riders explore downtown in a unique way by allowing riders to pedal their way to various bars and restaurants in the area. The trolley seats up to 14 people and comes with a conductor and an electric motor assist for pedaling uphill. Riders are also able to bring their own drinks and snacks along for the ride. Renting the Trolley Bike for two hours will cost around $300.
For more information about these new ways to get around in Missouri, visit:
KC Streetcar Authority: kcstreetcar.org
The Loop Trolley Company: looptrolley.com
St. Charles Trolley: stcharlescitymo.gov
The Trolley Bike: thetrolleybike.com