Going Green – Sustainable BMP Design Features
Implementing the MAX service on Troost not only sparked transit-oriented economic development opportunities but ridership also increased, thus further reducing greenhouse gases and pollution by reducing the number of vehicles on the road each day.
From the beginning, the KCATA sought to make Troost MAX an environmentally friendly route to enhance the corridor and enrich the community. Each of the MAX stations contains sustainable design elements that reduce energy consumption, use renewable resource materials and reduce impervious pavement. Additional streetscape improvements calm traffic, increase pedestrian safety, add green landscape, and treat stormwater runoff.
The Park & Ride facility located at 31st & Troost was the largest pervious concrete pavement project in Kansas City and includes a large downstream rain garden. Significant input was solicited from transit users, stakeholders, and neighborhood organizations during the planning and design process. As a result, the improvements made a major contribution to the beautification of the corridor as well as pedestrian safety through upgrades to traffic and pedestrian signals as well as new intersection curb extensions.
Troost MAX included some of the first installations of rain gardens in the public right-of-way in Kansas City. The efforts of various Kansas City authorities as well as elected officials allowed many of these public improvements to be realized. Troost MAX is a strong example of successful private-public cooperation and coordination and has enhanced the corridor in a way that has bridged communities and encouraged economic redevelopment.