One state is painting red lines indicating transit only lanes. It is in Kansas City in Kansas state in which transit lanes devoted to Streetcars and RideKC buses are being created so as to give preference to these Streetcars and RideKC busses. The state has taken to painting red lines along Main Street. As per the KC Streetcar Main Street Extension, this initiative is designed to calm down car traffic and promote the faster movement of public transportation whilst ensuring pedestrian safety. Perhaps the picture that is being painted in this state is that smoother transport flow is necessary.
Looking deeper into the red painted transit lanes in this state
It is the Main Street in Kansas that is undergoing a visual transformation. The six lane roads that citizens have become accustomed to have been changed. The layout on the road is simpler. There is a vehicle lane in each direction along with respective turn lanes, and clearly established transit-specific lanes.
According to Tom Gerend, Executive Director of the KC Streetcar Authority, red is indicative of transit only lanes. Should citizens forgot that red means transit lanes, there are accompanying signs and symbols used particularly for KC Streetcars and RideKC buses.
Between 51st Street and Pershing Road, drivers need to move carefully to avoid entering protected lanes. Entering these lanes could mean gaining a $50 fine and having the car towed.
What transit line rules means for Kansas City?
In Kansas City, the town is not being painted red to just signify transit lanes. According to Ordinance 250275, it is an offense to park or even drive in these transit only lanes. At present, the state is not as strict on these rules as the state is allowing citizens to have some time to get used such new rules. Education will occur first and then enforcement will commence. After which, driving in these lanes will be a strict offense.
Safety and sustainability is the core focus in this state. In fact, it is believed that the new transit law will make rides more predictable. Reducing emissions and slowing down traffic is also predicted as more of the state citizens may opt for public transportation. Perhaps people will use their private vehicles less with this new transit rule in place.
Kansas City making transit lanes a state priority
The Main Street Extension project seems to be the initial transit infrastructure in this state that reflects the growing priority of transit lanes throughout the city.
Transit lanes were also trialed in New York City, San Francisco, and Washington as well but none of the other states looked at this option at scale. New York has even taken to ban certain vehicles since traffic laws and regulations are constantly under review.
A road redesign reflects the state’s commitment to go big on transit since the state recognizes over 15 million riders have used the KC Streetcar since its debut in 2016. Could Kansas City be going big on transit lanes to ensure more citizens rely on KC Streetcars and to ensure a climate-friendly state?
Understanding the lane revolution happening in Kansas City
According to Kansas City’s official website, the inclusion of red lanes will occur in other cities too so as to reduce traffic congestion and carbon emissions in the process. While the lane revolution is on the agenda in Kansas City, ensuring citizens are well educated about this transition is also underway.
Education campaign plans are ongoing and will be guided according to rider’s feedback. Before the October 24 extension opening, stricter enforcement will follow so the streets don’t seem too unfamiliar for citizens.
Kansas may be successful if they can prove transit-first streets are becoming inevitable. Red lanes in this state will ensure a greener future for al citizens. There is still some time before full adoption of these red lanes will occur, nevertheless, time is needed for citizens to get used to the changes. For citizens driving in the Minnesota state may also seem unfamiliar as road rules have been revolutionalized making the state feel unrecognizable. All types of revolutions on the roads will take some time for citizens to get used to.
