Kansas City Toy Train Streetcar Extension Already Unsafe?!?

The toy train has always hosted downtown hobos and more than a few interesting characters . . . The next phase of the transit adventure will take it through rougher neighborhoods than the downtown entertainment district and that inspires more precautions.

Consider . . . Given that federal money is soon drying up . . . The scheme now confronts a critical grand opening of and extension that will determine public perception.

Make no mistake . . . 

Main Street Kansas City is often sketchy and more security guards for the toy train will have their work cut out out for them.

Meanwhile . . . 

A great deal of the development backing this operation is consists mostly of taxpayer-subsidized sketchy condos, high-profile stalled projects and very little small biz interest in taking part in the transit experiment.

Of course, we're obliged to share the bright side regarding more guards to make sure the hobos walk around for a couple of minutes during the Midtown round-trip . . .

"They're contracted with Titan, the same company that works with Union Station. They're armed and trained by the Kansas City Police Department to deescalate any situations.

"Donna Mandelbaum, KC Streetcar's communications director, said the guards are there to enforce the code of conduct.

"For example, riders are not allowed to smoke, bring on pets, or have weapons."

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . . 

KSHB: KC Streetcar Authority hires security team dedicated to help riders feel safe

Developing . . .