Update July 31, 2024: This podcast episode, the companion podcast episode, and the Transit Unplugged TV episode were honored with a Spotlight Award by the South West Transit Association. More info here: https://transitunplugged.com/transit-unplugged-2024-spotlight-award/
Frank White III is a strong advocate of Transit Oriented Development (TOD) and has a track record of making it happen. He oversaw TOD for Kansas City Area Transportation Authority (KCATA) before becoming CEO nearly two years ago, now faced with a fiscal cliff, Frank is pushing KCATA into the future of transit and TOD.
KCATA was one of the first systems to go fare free during the pandemic, but that decision to keep people riding has a clear cost--KCATA doesn't have farebox revenue to close funding gaps, but TOD could change that. Developing land managed by the agency could bring in not only more revenue for the agency, but also an economic boost for the region. Already the KCATA MAX BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) line is connecting parts of the city cut off from one another, and combined with KC Streetcar (a separate but cooperative agency), brings real economic development to both sides of the Kansas-Missouri border.
To make this all happen Frank has to undo decades of KCATA neglecting its role to manage and oversee transportation and development for the entire two-state, seven-county region. Listen to this conversation with Paul Comfort including a conversation on TOD while riding the MAX BRT line through the city.
Next week we stay in KC and learn about the streetcar system and how it's creating connections and economic opportunity in the city--including the Streetcar Cafe born on the streetcar line thanks to bringing people to the area.
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- Julie Gates, executive producer
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00:00 Frank White, III and KCATA
00:57 Inside the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority
01:44 Frank White III: From Marketing Director to CEO
02:56 Revolutionizing Public Transit in Kansas City
05:14 Navigating Financial Challenges and Fare-Free Transit
08:47 Empowering the Team and Defending Transit's Value
12:48 Exploring Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) in Kansas City
15:34 The Future of Transit: BRT Lines and Beyond
20:56 Wrap up with Paul Comfort
21:45 Coming up next week on Transit Unplugged
