World Cup Boosts KC Streetcar to Record Ridership Milestone
WHO:
KMBC - Mayor Quinton Lucas stated, "During the World Cup, Kansas City moved like the city we've always known ourselves to be."
KSHB 41 Kansas City - Tom Gerend is the executive director of the KC Streetcar Authority.
WHAT:
KMBC - The KC Streetcar completed 838,926 trips during the World Cup, marking the busiest period in its history.
KSHB 41 Kansas City - The streetcar broke its four-week ridership record and recorded the five highest ridership days in its history during the World Cup.
KSHB 41 Kansas City - The highest ridership day was on July 11, with nearly 56,000 passengers.
KSHB 41 Kansas City - Average daily ridership was 27,059, increasing to 33,689 on Fan Festival days.
KSHB 41 Kansas City - Approximately 75% of all June trips were to destinations other than the Fan Festival.
WHERE:
KMBC - The events took place in Kansas City, Missouri.
KSHB 41 Kansas City - Popular areas for streetcar trips included Union Station and Crown Center, along the downtown loop and Midtown.
WHEN:
KMBC - The four-week period for ridership data was from June 11 to July 11.
KSHB 41 Kansas City - The final World Cup match in Kansas City occurred on July 11.
WHY:
KMBC - Mayor Quinton Lucas emphasized the importance of investing in transit for the success of the streetcar during the World Cup.
KSHB 41 Kansas City - The KC Streetcar Authority aimed to provide a seamless experience for riders during the World Cup.
HOW:
KSHB 41 Kansas City - KC Streetcar operated nine to 12 streetcars during festival hours and extended service hours to accommodate fans.
KSHB 41 Kansas City - Wait times averaged five minutes or less, and there were no major safety incidents reported.
(UPDATED July 22, 2026 01:27 UTC)
During the World Cup, Kansas City saw an unprecedented surge in streetcar ridership, with the KC Streetcar completing 838,926 trips, marking its busiest period ever. The highest ridership day occurred on July 11, when nearly 56,000 passengers took advantage of the service, which included extended hours and an average wait time of five minutes or less. Mayor Quinton Lucas highlighted the significance of investing in transit to enhance the experience for fans, as the streetcar broke its four-week ridership record and recorded the five highest ridership days in its history.