KCMO begins on-demand ride service starting in Northland
The new cars are wrapped and ready to go. | Photo via Kansas City
Kansas City leaders announced a new ride service called Iris, which will provide on-demand pick-ups and drop-offs through app-based technology.
“This is the future of transit,” City Manager Brian Platt said. “No more is it a fixed route that moves along a certain path at a certain time.”
The new technology has two big purposes:
Better connect people to existing public transit (filling in coverage gaps)
Provide flexible shuttle services to specific destinations
"[It’s] responsive and reactive,” Platt said. “It’s like Uber or Lyft or any kind of ride-share service you get now, except at a lower cost at a higher scale.”
Mayor Quinton Lucas called Iris “truly transformative in transit.” We love a good alliteration. | Photo by KCtoday
The reason
Some KCMO residents don’t have easy transit options. Leaders discussed how transportation accessibility has been a major concern for Northlanders.
“Many of our neighborhoods, my own neighborhood, virtually has no bus services.” Deb Hermann, CEO of Northland Neighborhoods, Inc., said.
The roll-out
Iris goes live for residents north of the Missouri River on Wednesday, March 15. Leaders plan to expand coverage south through the Plaza by Thursday, April 27 (aka the NFL Draft). The goal is to encompass the whole city by the end of July.
Users will have 24-hour access to rides. Officials said pick-up and drop-off sites will never be more than a quarter-mile away.
The service can also provide new routes for specific events — think: festivals, sporting events, and the World Cup.
Here’s what Iris looks like in the App Store (Android coming soon). | Screenshot by KCtoday
The details
Cost for riders:
From pick-up to transit hub | Free
From pick-up to other stop | $3
From one zone to another | $4
To destinations (KCI, Zona Rosa, etc.) | $10
Cost for the city: $8 million, annually
Drivers: Licensed zTrip employees will operate purple, branded Iris vehicles
Wait time: Maximum 20 minutes
Accessibility: Options for wheelchair lifts and bike storage
Precedent: Platt initiated a similar service in during his previous role in Jersey City, resulting in “incredible success.”
Fan Fest at Hoops Central | Wednesday, March 8-Sunday, March 12 | Times vary | Kansas City Power & Light District, Between Baltimore and Grand Blvd. and 12th St. and Truman Rd., Kansas City, MO | Free | Head to Power & Light for college basketball tournament festivities, including pep rallies, watch parties, contests, live music, and a special performance by the one and only Shaquille O’Neal.*
Thursday, March 9
Salsa Dancing Lessons | Thursday, Mar. 9 | Times vary | Weston Wine Company, 540 Main St., Weston, MO | $15 | This beginners lesson is geared for folks who have never touched salsa dancing in their lives (but want to get into the groove).
Forbidden Broadway: The Next Generation | Thursday, March 9-Sunday, March 12 | Times vary | Starlight Theatre | $32-$62 | Poke fun of your favorite musicals through this satirical Broadway roast.
Friday, March 10
Ribbon Cutting: 11Worth Station Brewhouse | Friday, Mar. 10 | 4-4:30 p.m. | 11Worth Station Brewhouse, 518 Shawnee St., Leavenworth, KS | Grab a sneak peak (sip?) at this new craft beer spot before its grand opening celebration on St. Patrick’s Day.
80s Ladies Night at Crown Center Ice Terrace | Friday, Mar. 10 | 6-10 p.m. | 2425 Grand Blvd., Kansas City, MO | $8-$13 | Bust out the leg warmers, crimp the hair, and jam out to 80s hits with your radical gal pals.
Saturday, March 11
Zombie Leprechaun Bar Crawl | Saturday, Mar. 11 | 2-5 p.m. | Historic Downtown Independence Square, 106 S. Liberty St., Independence, MO | $20-$30 | Hop around downtown Independence with exclusive drink specials and swag for the first 200 attendees.
We have a calendar filled with events and activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.
The Chiefs officially released defensive end Frank Clark “The Shark” after four seasons and two Super Bowls together. The two sides reportedly couldn’t come to a contract agreement; his departure frees up $21 million. Clark amassed 127 tackles with KC, including 23.5 sacks. 🏈 (Arrowhead Pride)
Development
Developers submitted a plan for 252 new apartments in south Kansas City. Kittle Property Group proposed seven buildings — at Old Santa Fe Road and 93rd Street — including units with 1-4 bedrooms. If approved, the project would be part of 900 units planned for the area. (Kansas City Business Journal)
Announced
The Kansas City Jazz Orchestra announced ticket sales for Riff Generation’s new 2023 concerts. The combo features seasonal musicians in residency and celebrates KC’s original jazz style. Concerts are April 7, May 12, and June 9. 🎷
Ranked
Alexa, play “Happy” by Pharrell Williams. We’re just matching vibes with Overland Park, which was named the No. 4 happiest city in America by Wallethub. The platform used 30 metrics, and OP ranked especially well in community + well-being. (Shawnee Mission Post)
Any Mass Street maniacs out there? Lawrence ranked No. 2 for men’s college basketball fans, according to Wallethub. The winner? Durham, North Carolina, home of Duke University. 🏀
Cause
Craft Putt — at 11440 W. 135th St., Overland Park, KS — will host its second Battle of the Breweries, a mini golf tournament + fundraiser benefiting MOCSA. Local breweries will compete, and the public can come support their favorite business. The games begin at 6 p.m. on Thursday, March 23. ⛳️
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Welcome back to book club 📚
KCtoday March Book Club: ‘My First Name is Coach’
Here’s a story about a legendary Northland coach. | Photo via Janine Kluckhorn
It’s basketball season, and did you know KC is home to some top-tier talent? No, not KU, Mizzou, or K-State — this one scores a little closer to home.
Here’s a word from Janine Kluckhohn — a local book influencer known as @downtogetthefictionon — on “My First Name is Coach: Stories From a Life Well-Lived.”
“From a humble beginning as an only child raised in Jameson, Missouri to being inducted into five different Hall of Fames, Coach Larry Holley’s life can be described in many ways — but well-lived may be the most perfect way [...] This collection of stories gives you a glimpse into how this small-town boy became a hero to so many people!
His time as the head coach at William Jewell College was marked by adversity, unprecedented success, and an unwavering commitment to his players and the community.
And to think you could get it for just 80 cents. | Photo by Reader Bryan Wolkey
Remember our story on the Voo Lounge opening in the Historic Muehlebach Hotel? On our Instagram video, Reader Bryan W. commented that he had a menu from when the space was previously called “The Haberdashery.” We asked if he’d send a picture, and he came through. Any one notice what’s for dessert?
Editorial:Bella Rainey, Travis Meier, Josh Kranzberg, Emily Shea, Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto, Dayten Rose, Sarah Leonhardt, Katie Smith | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.
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