Section 1: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1.0     What is ?

MAX = Metro Area Express.  MAX is Kansas City's high tech Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, which started in July 2005.    The first MAX line runs over 70 blocks from River Market, Downtown Loop, Crown Center, Midtown to the Plaza.  Every other bus continues past the Plaza through UMKC to Waldo.  MAX has already proven it attracts new riders from tourists to adventurous suburbanites and many new to transit (newbies).  Ridership is up significantly along this line since MAX started.

 

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1.1    What are the Rapid Bus enhancements over traditional bus?

Similar to higher end light rail systems, new shelters have digital signs that display real-time arrival time of next bus and following bus, using GPS (Global Positioning System). The buses have some control of traffic signals and are able to hold green lights longer in order to stay on schedule. The buses have dedicated lanes in certain areas during rush hours. Voice announcements name each stop upon arrival. MAX buses run more often. Faster than local bus lines, except through the downtown loop. Cost only $21M for rapid bus instead of $300M-$700M for light rail - with nearly same effectiveness.

1.2     I'm not a transit newbie.  Just gimmee the basic rundown.

Fare	Standard fare is $1.25 (includes a 2 hour transfer ticket upon request).  A day pass is $3.  Kids under 5, free. Only 60 cents for kids 5-12, seniors and handicapped with card.  Ozone Alert days only 25 cents for all riders.
Passes	Daily passes are available from driver - insert $3 into collection box.  If planning to ride more than 2 times throughout the day, do the daily pass. Monthly passes may be purchased here.  Change cards can also be purchased if you don't have exact fare amount for one ride - use for future rides.  The ATA is also considering 3 and 7 day passes. More details.
Transfers	A transfer with basic fare can be requested from driver.  The transfer works on any MAX and most Metro buses within 2 hours of issued time.  Expire time is printed on transfer.
Hours of Operation	4am-12:30am  (varies by stop)
Schedule	Here are the timetables for each MAX stop - Weekdays, Saturdays, Sundays/Holidays or Smartphone version
Route Map	Here is a printable route map of the first MAX line.  Another version is here.  Details of Downtown, Crown Center, Midtown/Plaza.
Bicycles	Bikes are allowed on MAX.  There is a bike rack in front of the bus.  Instructions.
	Note:  If using popup blockers, hold Ctrl key before clicking on link.

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Section 2: Newbie Guide and Tips

2.0     Boarding a bus

MAX buses stop at shelters listed in the above route map.  The shelters have tall digital signs that display when the next and following bus arrive.  When the bus arrives, allow others to exit before entering. After boarding at the front of the bus, insert the fare in the fare box next to the driver and sit down.  The side seating along door side is for handicapped and seniors. 

2.1     Transfer Cards and Change Cards (optional)

When boarding the bus, you can optionally request a "transfer" from the driver if you plan to ride another bus within 2 hours.  The fare box will pop out a credit card-sized transfer with a magnetic strip.  The transfer may be used an unlimited number of times for 2 hours on any MAX or Metro bus in most of the system.  Swipe the card on the corner of the fare box with next use (don't insert back in slot).  A valid transfer acquired on a standard Metro bus will also work on MAX. The issued and expiration times are printed on the transfer.

"Change cards" allow you to purchase a card with a certain value, such as a $5 or $10 card.  This is useful if you don't have exact change when boarding. Inform the driver you'd like to purchase a change card.  Insert, say $5 or $10 into the fare box and it will deduct the value of the first ride and print a card showing your balance.  Each time used, the fare will be charged on the card and you'll receive a new card with the new balance.  You can also request a transfer after using the change card.  Careful: would be wasteful to use change card again if riding another bus within 2 hours - get a transfer card as well with each use of change card.  Note: Royals Express doesn't always allow purchasing change cards.

2.2     Requesting to stop

MAX does not automatically stop at every stop.  You need to be prepared to request a stop before it is announced.  There is a yellow pull cord along the windows to request a stop.  There is also a push button near the rear door.  Request a stop a block or so before the upcoming desired stop.  A digital sign above the driver will display, "Stop requested".

If uncertain or unfamiliar with the area, a better way is to pull the cord shortly after the bus leaves or passes the stop preceding your desired stop.  Some drivers announce the next stop shortly after leaving the previous one - pull cord at that time. There is also a route map above your head where ads are placed. (Attention ATA:  Please have the voice system announce next stop when leaving previous stop instead of the drivers, who are not consistent.)  

2.3     Exit from the rear

Always exit from the rear as it will speed up others boarding at the front of the bus.  The ATA does not promote this but should. (Attention ATA: It would be nice if the voice system announced, "Please exit from the rear door" after announcing the name of the stop. It doesn't have to be enforced, just suggested. Most city bus systems do have signs that state 'always exit from rear'.)  

The rear door does not automatically open and you need to push it when the green light comes on.  If the light does not turn on, speak out 'Back Door' to the driver to open the back door.  Push firmly to open. 

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2.4    What can/cannot be taken on the bus?

• You cannot take open liquid containers on the bus but can have soft drinks with lid/straw, coffee with a sip top, bottled water with a cap.  Most drivers are picky about open drinks on the bus and may not let you on.

• Iggy is checking on pets, probably not unless caged.  Guide dogs are allowed.

• The buses are equipped for easy loading on a wheelchair, much better/faster than old buses.  Front row seats lift up for rolling in wheelchair.

• You can take luggage, bags and groceries on board of course.

• Don't know official rules about eating on bus.  Iggy has done simple hand food.  Ask driver when boarding.

• Bikes are allowed.  Racks are on the front of the bus.   Instructions.

2.5     Explore the rest of The Metro bus system

At each MAX stop that has connections, there is a schedule of connecting bus lines on the tall MAX digital sign next to the shelter.  In some cases, the sign has a route map of major connecting buses as well.  To the right is a standard Metro Stop sign.  Most standard Metro bus stops do not have shelters except where several lines meet. The sign will list lines that stop at the sign.  MAX stops have shelters as shown above (Section 1.1) as well as these signs.  If the sign does not show MAX, MAX will not stop there. Don't limit yourself to MAX.  Once comfortable with MAX, try using The Metro bus system to other parts of the city as well. The Metro is a fairly large system.  For example, check out the wide range of ethnic restaurants and earthy stores on West 39th by taking the West bound "39 bus" across the street from the 39th/Main MAX stop. Or to get to the 18th/Vine jazz district, take MAX to the 12th/Grand MAX stop, hop on the South/East bound "108 bus" to The Vine.  To get to the Casinos, take MAX to the Crown Center (Westin) or Convention Center (Marriott) stop, walk in front of the hotel and pickup the Casino Cruiser 173 bus (map, schedule).  Check the system map for other destinations. Break your car dependent routine, get some natural exercise and discover the city on foot via transit.

2.6    The 57 bus line also generally runs along MAX

The "57 South Oak" bus, displayed on the digital sign in front of the bus, is a local bus along generally the same line as MAX.  MAX is an express bus that only stops at major points along the line.  The 57 bus is a local bus that stops at more intersections, including most MAX stops. Give it a shot if the 57 arrives before the next MAX bus.  It may take longer as it might stop more often, unless your destination is less than 10-15 blocks away.  The 57 is actually faster through the downtown loop than MAX but frequency is less. Iggy just takes whichever shows up first if going through downtown.  Here is a 57 route map, which generally runs along the same line as MAX,  but not exactly.

2.7     What if I use MAX but am out and about late at night after MAX hours?

Grab a cab.  There are 600 taxicabs registered in KCMO and many more in the metro.  Sometimes you can hail a cab in active pedestrian areas but you could also walk to a major hotel or call for one on your cellphone.  Iggy keeps a few cab numbers stored in his phone and can often have a cab within a few minutes. Could be 10+ minutes if a big convention active.   May as well store these in your cellphone now...

Yellow 816.472.0089 (sometimes long hold); Checker 816.444.4444; Crown 816.753.9300;  Others

Only some drivers take credit cards so if you don't have cash, ask dispatcher to send one with credit card reader.

Major cabstands:  W Plaza - in front of Cinemark Theaters; E Plaza - Cheesecake Factory or Marriott at 45th/Main MAX stop; Westport - at Pennsylvania in front of Kelly's; Crown Center - in front of Hyatt and Westin hotels;  Downtown Loop - in front of 12th/Wyandotte Marriott or 10th/Main transit center.

(Attention ATA:  Please work with cab companies to park at major MAX stops or cruise the line after MAX hours.  Have digital sign at MAX stops display that it is a cab stand after hours.)

2.8     How can I help promote/support MAX and using transit?

• Email others about www.kcmax.info.  Provide a link to this site from your website or blog.
  

• If you own a business/restaurant along MAX, place an ad inside MAX buses and note which stop to take, direction to walk.  And/or in your Star/Pitch ads, print the nearest MAX stop name along with address - note direction to walk.
  

• If you work along MAX, check if your employer provides discounted monthly ATA passes.  Request if not and explain they do not need as many parking spaces if subsidizing monthly bus passes.  Ask employer to promote MAX or even this site on internal news sites.
  

• Move to the urban core near a MAX stop and use it often.  Urban pedestrian living w/out depending on a car is golly gee neato Beaver Cleaver!

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Section 3: Practical MAX Uses

 3.0    Why pay for downtown parking?

Yo yo yo all you car dependent peoples... if going to a large downtown event, you can avoid downtown parking.  Actually, most street parking is free downtown after 5PM but for large events, it will be difficult to find parking near the event. Park for free in City Market or 3rd/Grand MAX stop, along Main in Midtown (Home Depot/Costco lot at Linwood MAX stop) or on the East side of the Plaza.  Use MAX to your downtown event or destination.  Take your time afterwards to explore amenities near where you parked.  If you live along MAX, don't drive and drive. Do the MAX.

Other practical uses for tight parking situations:
- For Plaza Arts Fair, T-Day Lighting Ceremony and other large events, park at Linwood/Main MAX stop (Home Depot/Costco) or Waldo 74th/Wornall MAX stop and take MAX to Plaza.
- Do same for Madrid Theatre, Unicorn Theatre or Grand Emporium, which have almost no parking.  Park at Linwood/Main MAX stop and take MAX to 39th/Main stop.
- For Liberty Memorial/Crown Center festivals, park and ride at Linwood/Main stop or the dedicated lot at 3rd/Grand MAX stop.  Could also take the "57 bus" that also stops at those MAX stops.
- For Xroads First Fridays arts fests, park at Linwood/Main Home Depot lot and take MAX (or the 57 bus) to CrossRoads 19th/Main stop.

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3.1     If looking to live in the urban core, consider living near a MAX stop

- You'll have access to many amenities in the urban core (River/Crown/Plaza/Waldo) without needing a car.
- For those buying, property values will likely appreciate faster near a MAX stop than a typical bus stop.
- No need to worry about drinking and driving if dining or visiting any bars in districts along MAX.
- When you have transit as an option to/from home/work, having a car is a luxury, not a necessity. 
- If living/working in urban core, do bus, reduce pricey gas.  Iggy only puts 3-4,000 miles a year on car, most traveling elsewhere.
- And Iggy sez überkudos to you for living and supporting the return of the city core.

3.2     Select jazz/blues/live music/nitelife near MAX stops (under construction)

MAX Stop
City Market - Kabal (dance music); Winslows BBQ (blues); Cup & Saucer (acoustic/folk/jazz ).  Walk West to 3rd/Delaware)

8th/Grand - NV (electronic/dance music) is NE of stop.

11th/Main - John's Deck (bluesy rock). Walk NW towards Broadway to Majestic (jazz), Phoenix (jazz), .  Walk to 12th/Grand and take 108 South/Eastbound bus to 18th/Vine jazz district.

19th/Main  - Tootsies/DB Warehouse/Natasha (cabaret/drag/gay); Jilly's (altie/rock), The Brick (modorock), YJs (altie). 1924 Main - excellent restaurant.  40-60 Xroads galleries in the area.  Map of Xroads.  Pics of gallery scene.

31st/Main - Walk E a couple blocks to Velvet Dog, Buddha Bar, Empire Room, Sol Cantina (martini strip).  El Torreon punk space a couple more blocks down 31st to Gilham.

Linwood/Main - Davey's Uptown (altie/rock)

39th/Main  - Grand Emporium (blues/rock), Harlings (blues), events at Madrid Theatre. Walk S then W on Westport past Broadway to Blayney's (blues), McCoy's (mixed), Hurricane (rock) and many bars/ethnic restaurants.  Could also take W bound 39 bus (Plaza bound) to get to Westport or take 39 bus (KU Med bound) bus to all the bars/ethnic restaurants on W39th.

43rd/Main  - The Levee (blues, mixed) is just W off stop on 43rd.

45th/Main  - Jardines (jazz - Iggy's top pick for tourists) just S of stop down Main, Museum District is to East of stop down 45th.

47th/Plaza Stop - Walk W to Blondie (überlounge); reVerse (wine/cocktails/small plates, yum, acoustic sometimes); Club at Plaza III (jazz), Tomfooleries (blues, acoustic), O'Dowds (blues/irish/acoustic), Fred P Otts (rock?)

Don't drink and drive.  Do the MAX.

More blues clubs.  More jazz clubs.  KC Star local entertainment calendar.  Email Iggy with suggestions.

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4.0     Iggy's wish list for the ATA

It is acceptable to have things to fix, given how new the system is, but every effort should be made to fix the major issues ASAP.

Must Fix/Maintain:  (update - many actually seem to be improving!)

• Number one daily priority must be to keep buses on schedule. MAX buses bunch up together sometimes.

• How to keep buses on schedule:  Always have an extra bus waiting at the 3rd/Grand stop. If bus is behind schedule, next in queue leaves on schedule.  If bus arrives on time, it is on the queue ready to leave on schedule if bus behind is off schedule.  Costs a little more but KC deserves an effective transit system, not a cheap one.  Redundancy and contingency plans are necessary to maintain quality.

• Not all digital signs at shelters always work.  Keep these maintained.

• Test accuracy of real-time information often.  Keep it tuned properly.

• Ensure all buses control streetlights. 

• Coordinate timing of feeder lines as well as timing of 57 line as often it appears same time as MAX.

• Keep system maintained as the service is described.  The ATA should have an internal Service Level Agreement with public expectations and deliver the service as spec'd.  Audit often to ensure SLA is being met.

Other Fixes/Improvements:

• Have voice system announce next stop soon after leaving/passing previous stop.

• Have voice system announce, "Please exit from rear" after naming stop.

• Sell ads to businesses/restaurants along MAX to post inside the bus, noting which stop to take and direction to walk.

• Work with cab companies to cruise MAX line after hours.  Have digital sign at stop display that it is a cab stand after hours.

Significant Improvements: (for next budget cycle)

• Add ticket vending machines at a few major stops that sell daily, 3-day, weekly and monthly passes.

• Get rid of some of the downtown stops and simplify the route.  Use the removed stops for spare equipment.  MAX is unacceptably slower than traditional bus through downtown.  Iggy ends up taking the 57 to/from City Market instead.

• Add more frequency.  There's an obvious 10-minute service need for weekday lunchtime.  Also 10-15 minute on Fri/Sat nights.

• Seek other ways to fund transit improvements.  Drop least used Metro lines and focus on MAX.

• Adding more MAX lines in urban core would be ideal.  Seek Fed support for lines on Troost, Independence Ave, 39th and State Line/ SW Blvd.  Master plan to build out to burbs in 5-10 years.

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Service Frequency

Source: KC ATA www.kcata.org
 

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This guide is Treo and smartphone friendly. See the schedules formatted for PDAs.  Bookmark this site (www.kcmax.info) on your smartphone's web browser for future reference on the streets of KC.  Iggy might add route maps for connecting lines to be downloaded on smartphones. Stay tuned and visit often. 

Iggy

This site is not sponsored or endorsed or approved by the KC ATA.

Visit the KC ATA at www.kcata.org for official information.

Visit KC Skyscrapers for other city and development information.

Page last updated:  06/09/2007