Amtrak’s River Runner begins expansion ahead of Kansas City World Cup games

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Amtrak’s Missouri River Runner line added more railcars on Monday ahead of the first World Cup games in the state.

The Missouri River Runner line runs from St. Louis to Kansas City and includes stops in Hermann, Jefferson City, Sedalia and Warrensburg. The first World Cup game in Kansas City is at 8 p.m. Tuesday at Arrowhead Stadium (which is being referred to as Kansas City Stadium by FIFA).

Missouri Department of Transportation spokesperson Taylor Brune said the state is seeing increased ridership in Jefferson City “on some of the trains corresponding with matches and activities in Kansas City.” The train’s capacity is increased by 25%.

An April press release says the expansion will last until Sunday, July 12.

Business Class tickets for the early train on Tuesday were sold out in Jefferson City, according to AMTRAK’s website.

The World Cup website for Kansas City shows the city’s game schedule is as followed:

• 8 p.m. Tuesday, June 16: Argentina vs. Algeria
• 7 p.m. Saturday, June 20: Ecuador vs. Curacao
• 6 p.m. Thursday, June 25: Tunisia vs. Netherlands
• 9 p.m. Saturday, June 27: Algeria vs. Austria
• 8:30 p.m. Friday, July 3: Round of 32 game
• 8 p.m. Saturday, July 11: Quarterfinal game