This story is part of an ongoing series, On Track with KC. If you have questions about the extension of the streetcar, you can submit them here.
—
Every now and then, the Kansas City Streetcar sports a new look, typically highlighting the best of KC with wraps focused on Kansas City culture.
So what does it take to give the streets of KC a visual treat?
"Wrapping a streetcar is a lot of work. It takes many hours, many months and many people to make this happen," said Donna Mandelbaum, communications and marketing director of the Kansas City Streetcar Authority (KCSA). "But the end product really speaks for itself, and it's very exciting. A lot of times, we sit around and we say which one is our favorite wrap, and it's hard to pick."
Over the years, the streetcar line has proudly seen wraps highlighting the Kansas City Chiefs, Kansas City Current, Sporting Kansas City, Boulevardia and more.
However, what riders don't see is the meticulous wrapping process, which requires a detailed and precise operation.
Mandelbaum explained each wrap can take months to design, and printing the final design takes about two weeks. Once the prints are labeled and organized, a team is ready to install the wraps inside KCSA's downtown location.
The entire streetcar wrap process — from scaling designs to print and installation — is handled by Signco, a printing business based in Kansas City, Kansas.
Each streetcar is thoroughly washed before applying two different types of vinyl materials, ensuring that when riders step inside, they enjoy a clear view of the City of Fountains.
"It's a very precise art form, and it takes some, sometimes, some blow torches to make sure everything just seals correctly," Mandelbaum said.
The latest wrap is a nod to the Kansas City Current. The design was created by players whose names and passion for Kansas City and their team are proudly displayed inside and outside the streetcars.
"We've been partners with the Kansas City Streetcar for years. It's not the beginning of our partnership, we're just expanding it and expanding the number of streetcars we will have on the road, and that will bring fans to our matches each week," said Jocelyn Monroe, head of marketing for the Kansas City Current.
However, not everyone can be part of this unique moving billboard. The KC Streetcar Vehicle Wrap Sponsorship Program is a partnership between KCSA and a Kansas City community asset, such as an area sports team, landmark or organization. Specific requirements must be met, reviewed and approved by KCSA.
"We have these guidelines of who's eligible for a wrap, so the thought is, it's not going to be like a lawyer ad on the streetcar, but it's something that people get excited about," Mandelbaum said.
The streetcar will be a vital resource for people planning to attend Fan Fest for the upcoming FIFA 2026 World Cup. Mandelbaum said new wrap designs will greet World Cup crowds.
"So we're really excited to see what kind of cool things we have planned in 2026, when we have some new folks coming into town for the FIFA World Cup," Mandelbaum. "We're hopefully gonna see some new designs on the streetcar for that."
The new Kansas City Current wraps will stay on the streetcar line during the World Cup, exposing soccer fans from around the world to the momentum behind women's sports.
"We hope that fans who come in for the World Cup take time to get to know our players, to get to know our club, our super soccer fans, and to really come into the KC Current ecosystem," Monroe said.
—
KSHB 41 anchor/reporter Daniela Leon covers transportation-related issues in Kansas City. Share your story idea with Daniela.