Overland Park staff briefs committee on Metcalfe frequent-transit study and public outreach

City staff told the committee that a study of fast and frequent transit along Metcalfe Avenue is underway with Johnson County and an outside consultant, and that public outreach is beginning.

The presentation, shared with committee members on June 4, explained that the consultant’s survey is live and that staff will link the project page from the city website. "Their website went live today as well," staff said. The outreach plan includes on-route engagement when the consultant rides the bus and in-person events at the Overland Park Farmers Market on June 14.

Committee members asked whether the study could support eventual rail or streetcar service. A council member referenced the Vision Metcalfe plan and said the corridor’s long-term goal could include a streetcar-style alignment, but the staff representative and consultant framed the immediate study objective as evaluating "fast and frequent service"—initially higher-frequency buses with potential later upgrades. "As the study title suggests, this is about fast and frequent service," staff said.

Committee members also asked whether nearby employment centers such as Corporate Woods would be included; staff said comments can request additional connectors or circulator routes that link those centers to the primary route.

The committee noted timing: staff said recommendations are expected in the July to early August timeframe and that the study team hopes to identify options that could be operational in time for future events. Staff said other program elements—data collection, travel patterns, and tie-ins with existing transit corridors—will inform the final recommendations.

The committee requested continued updates on outreach and timing and confirmation when the city webpage is linked to the project site. Staff said the project website is live and they are "working to link to it."