A group of planners and architects has put forth an alternative light rail proposal that they believe is more practical than a plan already approved by voters.
"A group of urban-core advocates is developing a light-rail plan it hopes will be more workable - and come sooner - than the plan approved by voters last fall.
The Urban Society of Kansas City, which includes architects, planners and others interested in urban-design issues, envisions a 5½-mile starter line from Third Street and Grand Avenue to Volker Boulevard and Troost Avenue east of the Country Club Plaza.
It would use a form of transit technology called "fast streetcar" that looks like light rail but runs at slower speeds.
The group wants a vote on the $150 million proposal this year and has vowed to launch a petition drive if the Kansas City Council balks at calling an election.
Urban Society members are hoping to use local funds rather than federal money, which could take eight to 10 years to secure. They say waiting a decade or more would put Kansas City further behind other cities when it comes to mass transit."
FULL STORY: Rethinking mass transit
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Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
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