Visitors to Kansas City have a new and speedy way to get around town. MAX, Metro Area Express, began operation in July 2005.

The new bus rapid transit line connects the River Market , Downtown , Crown Center and the Plaza with fast, frequent and easy-to-use service. The Kansas City Area Transportation Authority and the City of Kansas City, Missouri, developed the new system.

Unlike normal bus service, MAX operates on exclusive lanes along certain segments of the route. The system has traffic-signal priority if MAX is behind schedule. MAX also has fewer designated stops than normal bus service, streamlining transport between the designated areas.

Easy identifiable traffic shelters are located along the route with real time digital displays indicating next bus arrival time and connecting service. Because of the frequency of MAX, passengers have to wait no longer than ten minutes during peak periods and 20 minutes most other times.