SAE Tomorrow Today

326. How Kansas Is Reshaping Multimodal Transportation

In this episode, Matt Messina, Chief of Multimodal Transportation for the Kansas Department of Transportation, discusses how Kansas is planning and implementing multimodal solutions ahead of the Kansas City Chiefs' stadium move and the 2026 World Cup. He emphasizes early integration of transit, bike‑share, and pedestrian infrastructure, including secure bike parking and potential bus‑only lanes, to reduce car dependency and improve safety at large events. Messina also outlines the $1.5 million public‑transportation commitment tied to the stadium deal, the fast‑track bridge repairs that will consider bike and pedestrian access, and the department’s expanded public‑engagement tools that let residents provide feedback digitally. Throughout, he highlights the shift toward inclusive, data‑driven planning that balances automotive needs with sustainable, multimodal options.