Messrs Bill George and Bill Nigro’s dream of launching a fleet of arts and entertainment shuttles to serve the party public is nearing reality…
“We don’t have it yet, but the Neighborhood Tourism Development Fund has granted us $100,000,” Nigro says. Our presentation to them was over the top, but the funny part was afterwards the first question was, ‘Did I hear you right? Did you guys offer to pay the money back?’ And I said, ‘Yes, it’s a new day in this town. Our city is broke and this is the way things should have been done years ago.'”
The plan: market free shuttles to and from area nightclubs and restaurants on weekends nights (the KC Strip) and circulate them between arts organizations during daylight hours (the KC Trip).
Next up?
“next we go back to the city for another presentation,” Nigro says. “The KC Strip is going to be the precursor for light rail in this town – if this works, the city can look at ways of initiating light rail”
Think of it as a recession buster, the pair say: “This is the only stimulous plan Kansas city’s got on the table right now,” Nigro adds. “The daytime part of the KC Trip to cultural centers is a huge bailout for all of our museums.”
KC Trippers would run Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and KC Strippers would operate Fridays and Saturdays from 6 p.m. to 3 a.m.
That said, another half million bucks is needed, but the game is finally afoot...
“They’d never given out a grant that big that I know of,” Nigro says.
So the Trips start when exactly?
“Sometime in the middle of this summer if the city helps us purchase some new trolly busses to mix in with the shuttle busses that Bill George already has,” Nigro says. “And we’d like Boulevard Brewing the wrap the first shuttle bus because it’s all about enjoying Kansas City’s finest food and drink – this isn’t about being a drunkfest. That’s why we want Jasper Mirabile to be one of our sponsors too, because he’s one of Kansas City’s most respected chefs.”
