ORDINANCE NO. 250275
title
Sponsor: Mayor Quinton Lucas and Councilmember Eric Bunch
Amending Chapter 70, Code of Ordinances, by enacting a new Section 70-571 for the purpose of authorizing the establishment of or removal of transit-only lanes to be utilized exclusively for mass transit vehicles such as streetcars and buses.
body
WHEREAS, the use of dedicated transit-only lanes is crucial for promoting the efficient and reliable operation of public transportation systems, ensuring timely and equitable access for all commuters, and reducing traffic congestion; and
WHEREAS, it is in the public interest to implement measures that prioritize public transit and protect the integrity of these designated lanes for the exclusive use of authorized transit vehicles, ensuring that transportation resources are used efficiently for the benefit of the community; and
WHEREAS, City Council passed Resolution No. 230625 on August 3, 2023, directing the City Manager to coordinate with the Kansas City Area Transit Authority and the Kansas City Streetcar Authority to produce design alternatives for transit exclusive lanes to be considered for incorporation in the streetcar extension from Pershing Road to 51st Street and requiring a report back to City Council within 90 days and expressing Council’s support for a vehicular design speed no greater than 30 miles per hour along the expanded Streetcar route; NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF KANSAS CITY:
Section 1. That Chapter 70, Code of Ordinances of the City of Kansas City, Missouri, is hereby amended by enacting Section 70-571, Transit-Only Lanes, to read as follows:
Sec. 70-571. Transit-Only Lanes.
(a) The director is hereby authorized to establish or remove transit-only lanes in such places and in such manner as the director determines to be of the greatest benefit and convenience to the public. The director is authorized to promulgate regulations which may be necessary for effecting the purposes of this section.
(b) Transit-only lanes shall serve as dedicated lanes reserved exclusively for public mass transportation vehicles such as buses and streetcars.
(c) Transit-only lanes shall be designed and constructed following specific design standards including lane width, signage, and pavement marking.
(d) A person may not operate or park a passenger car, truck, motorcycle, moped, bicycle, motorized bicycle or any other motor vehicle in, on or across a designated transit-only lane except:
(1) To enter or leave a driveway, building, alley, or turn lane; or
(2) To enter or leave an on-street parking space; or
(3) To cross the street or streetcar tracks at authorized crossings; or
(4) For a bus, to enter or leave a bus stop.
(e) Anyone found to be in violation of this section shall be punished by a fine of not less than $50.00 and the vehicle may be towed at the owner’s expense.
(f) In all cases a person may not walk or drive on or cross a transit-only lane under this section without first yielding the right-of-way, if necessary, to avoid collision or interference with bus or streetcar traffic.
end
______________________________________________________
Approved as to form:
______________________________
Dustin E. Johnson
Associate City Attorney