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Economic conditions and potential stimulus funding have set regional transit planning on a parallel track from the route being taken just a year ago.

The change has come in the driving force to establish a comprehensive system.

The Mid-America Regional Council is now leading the effort, not a group of regional representatives who came together at a series of forums throughout the area in 2008.

For the Northland, though, an updated version of the Smart Moves proposal, like the other effort, could eventually lead to more buses on the streets.

The first phase of the updated Smart Moves proposal, which uses a series of buses targeted for specific uses, focuses on developing urban corridors. Phase II of the proposal would focus on the development of commuter and suburban corridors.

“The process is now moving along through MARC,” Clay County Presiding Commissioner Ed Quick said.

Quick sees buses, not light rail or commuter rail, as the best way to address the Northland’s needs, based in part on population density at this time.

“Logically, you can’t do a lot of things that sound real good,” he said. “You just can’t justify it.”

Quick cited several attributes of a bus-based system, including lower costs and the flexibility to add or change routes.

Bus routes could also reach out to Kearney and Smithville.

Platte County Presiding Commissioner Betty Knight said a regional transit system would need to be able to take people to the airport, businesses and hotels, not just to downtown Kansas City.

“I know Clay County needs that as well,” she said.

The needs could eventually be met through Smart Moves, which under the current scenario would be implemented through the use of TIGER (Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery) discretionary grants, according to www.kcsmartmoves.org.

Knight agreed, though, that there would still need to be a funding source to cover operational costs.

THE GOALS

- Provide services that are timely, reliable, convenient and safe

- Enhance connectivity within and between communities

- Create local community-based transit services to support economic and social needs

- Provide lifelong mobility options for non-drivers, choice riders, the elderly, low-income and disabled

- Support livable communities with walkable neighborhoods and access to transit services

Source: www.kcsmartmoves.org

Senior writer Mark Johnson can be reached at 781-4941 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

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