Jump to content

Metro Transit (St. Louis)

Add links
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
(Redirected from St. Louis Commuter Rail)
For other systems of the same name, see Metro Transit (disambiguation).
Metro Transit
Metro Transit services: MetroBus and MetroLink
Overview
OwnerBi-State Development Agency
LocaleGreater St. Louis, Missouri–Illinois, U.S.
Transit typeBus
Light rail
Streetcar
Paratransit
Number of lines59 bus routes
2 light rail lines
1 streetcar line
Number of stations5,000+ (bus)
38 (light rail)
10 (streetcar)
25 (transit centers)
26 (park and ride lots)
Daily ridership64,600 (weekdays, Q3 2024)[1]
Annual ridership19,528,200 (2023)[2]
12,350 (2024, Loop Trolley)[3]
Chief executiveTaulby Roach
HeadquartersOne Metropolitan Square
211 North Broadway
St. Louis, Missouri, 63102, U.S.
Websitemetrostlouis.org
Operation
Began operationSeptember 20, 1949; 75 years ago (1949-09-20)
Reporting marksBSDA
Number of vehicles25 Siemens SD-400s
50 Siemens SD-460s
237 Diesel buses
24 Electric buses
123 Call-A-Ride vans
2 Gomaco Brill replica streetcars
1 MMTB W2-class streetcar

Metro Transit is an enterprise of the Bi-State Development Agency and operates public transportation services in the St. Louis region. In 2023, the system had an annual ridership of 19,528,200, or about 64,600 per weekday as of the third quarter of 2024.

History

[edit]
A #15 Hodiamont streetcar near Wellston in April 1963

The enterprise now known as Metro Transit was founded in 1963 when the Bi-State Development Agency, using a $22.5 million bond issue, purchased and consolidated 15 privately owned transit operators to sustain efficient and reliable public transportation in the region.[4][5] These services would operate under the Bi-State name until 2003, when the agency would begin operating as Metro. In 2015, the Bi-State Development name would be resurrected for the parent organization and the public transit enterprise renamed Metro Transit.[6]

The abandoned Wellston Loop station on the former Hodiamont Line in 2012

In the 1960s, after taking over the private operators, Bi-State consolidated bus lines and in 1966 shut down the St. Louis region's last streetcar service, the Hodiamont line. Its right-of-way was paved over and replaced with buses.[4] In 2018, Great Rivers Greenway began soliciting feedback for turning the 3.5-mile (5.6 km) former transit corridor into a greenway.[7][8]

In the 1970s, the system became one of the first in the United States to use buses equipped with wheelchair lifts.[4] In June 1973, with a financial crisis approaching, Bi-State threatened to end all bus service at the end of that month.[9] In response, the Missouri General Assembly passed the Transportation Sales Tax Act allowing St. Louis and St. Louis County to levy a half cent sales tax for public transportation.[10] With the additional funding, Bi-State lowered the bus fare from 40 cents to 25 cents.[4][9]

In the 1980s, Metro Call-A-Ride began demand response service to help people whose physical or cognitive disabilities prevented them from independently using regular fixed-route bus service. In 1986, Arts in Transit, Inc. was founded, which is a 501(c)(3) organization that ensures the integration of local art and design in the transit system.[11] In 1987, the East-West Gateway Council of Governments completed a study that recommended light rail with an integrated bus network as the next step forward for the St. Louis region’s public transit system.[4]

MetroLink at Central West End shortly after opening in 1993

Construction on the region's first light rail line began in 1990 by reusing former railroad rights-of-way including downtown subway tunnels and the Eads Bridge.[4] The first 13.9-mile (22.4 km) segment opened on July 31, 1993, between the North Hanley and 5th & Missouri stations. The remainder of this initial alignment was completed on June 25, 1994, when the extension to Lambert Airport Main opened. Three infill stations have been added to this original alignment. East Riverfront in 1994, Lambert Airport East in 1998, and Cortex in 2018.[12][13] In 2001, MetroLink doubled in length with a 17.4-mile (28.0 km) extension to Southwestern Illinois College in St. Clair County. Two years later, a 3.5-mile (5.6 km) extension brought service to Shiloh, Illinois.[12] In 2006, Metro opened the 8-mile (13 km) Cross County extension running from the Forest Park-DeBaliviere station to Shrewsbury, Missouri.[14]

Forsyth MetroLink station on the Cross County extension in 2023

After St. Louis County voters defeated Proposition M in 2008, Metro shelved all expansion plans and was forced to cut 24 Missouri bus routes.[15][16] In 2010, County voters passed Proposition A, a half cent sales tax increase, to restore service cuts and fund system expansion under the banner of Moving Transit Forward.[17][18] In 2013, the St. Louis County Council authorized loaning Metro $400 million of surplus Proposition A funds to pay off debt related to the Cross County extension.[19] In 2019, the State of Illinois provided the St. Clair County Transit District (SCCTD) $96 million in funding to extend MetroLink from Shiloh-Scott to MidAmerica St. Louis Airport in Mascoutah, Illinois. SCCTD began construction on the extension in 2023; Metro is expected to begin operating it in spring 2026.[20][21][22] In 2021, Metro introduced the region's first electric buses: 40-foot and 60-foot articulated models.[23]

In February 2022, Bi-State's board voted in favor of Metro taking over operation of the troubled Loop Trolley.[24] In August 2022, Metro reopened the trolley and received a $1.26 million grant from the East-West Gateway Council of Governments to operate the service on a seasonal schedule for the next several years.[25][26][27] In November 2024, Metro announced the Loop Trolley ended that season within budget and with a 44% increase in ridership.[28]

On July 26, 2022, a flash flood shut down MetroLink for nearly 72 hours and caused roughly $40 million in damage.[29][30] The flood damaged nearly 5 miles (8.0 km) of track bed, two elevators, two communications rooms, three signal houses and destroyed two MetroLink vehicles and a Call-A-Ride van.[31] By that September, normal Red Line service had resumed while restricted service continued on the Blue Line.[32] On July 31, 2023, Metro received $27.7 million in federal emergency disaster relief funding to help cover the cost of restoration.[33] In March 2024, Blue Line platform and speed restrictions were lifted after repairs on the last signal house were completed.[34]

In March 2023, Bi-State's board approved a memorandum of understanding authorizing the Metro team to plan and develop the Green Line MetroLink expansion with the City of St. Louis.[35] That September, Bi-State's board approved a 4-year, $18.9 million contract with the joint venture Northside-Southside Transit Partners to provide consulting services for the design phase of the project.[36] In February 2024, East-West Gateway approved the updated locally preferred alternative along Jefferson.[37] In May 2023, Metro received a $196.2 million federal grant to purchase new light rail vehicles to replace the remaining SD-400 cars.[38] Six months later, Bi-State's board approved a contract with Siemens Mobility worth up to $390.4 million for as many as 55 battery-hybrid S200 light rail vehicles with delivery expected to begin in early 2027.[39][38][40]

In September 2024, turnstiles began initial operation at four Illinois stations as part of Metro's Secure Platform Plan.[41][42] Seven Missouri stations are slated for completion by early 2025[43] with the remaining stations and an upgraded fare collection system expected to be in place by early 2026.[44][45][46]

Services

[edit]

MetroBus

[edit]
Main article: MetroBus (St. Louis)
A MetroBus on Tucker Boulevard

Since 1963, Metro Transit has continuously provided bus service in the Greater St. Louis region. Metro currently operates 46 fixed bus routes in Missouri and 13 fixed bus routes in Illinois.[47] In September 2019, Metro launched Metro Reimagined, a restructuring of Missouri bus routes that increased frequency on busy routes and discontinued six low-ridership routes.[48][49] That same year, Metro also removed or relocated more than 360 of the system's 5,400 bus stops.[50] In June 2021, Metro introduced the region's first electric buses including 40-foot and 60-foot articulated models. The 60-foot articulated buses are used exclusively on the #70 Grand bus line, the region's busiest.[23]

In 2020, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic caused a sharp decline in MetroBus ridership and initiated a labor shortage that had reduced Metro's ability to offer comprehensive service to passengers.[51][52][53] In an effort to recruit more drivers, Bi-State's board signed a contract in August 2023 with Amalgamated Transit Union Local 788, which approved salary increases and a signing bonus.[54] By the end of 2024, MetroBus had increased its operator ranks from 556 to 642[55] allowing it to increase frequency or add service on 35 Missouri and 7 Illinois routes, including the addition of four new routes.[56][57][58][59][60]

[edit]
Main article: MetroLink (St. Louis)
An eastbound MetroLink train on the Blue Line

Since 1993, Metro Transit has operated light rail service in the Greater St. Louis region. Today, the system consists of two lines, the Red and Blue lines, with 38 stations and 46 miles (74 km) of track. It runs from St. Louis Lambert International Airport in northwest St. Louis County to Shiloh, Illinois near Scott Air Force Base in southeast St. Clair County. The Cross County extension opened in 2006 and introduced MetroLink service between Forest Park and Shrewsbury, Missouri. A 5.2-mile (8.4 km) extension of the Red Line from Shiloh-Scott to MidAmerica St. Louis Airport in Mascoutah broke ground in 2023 and is expected to be operational by 2026.[61][21][22] In Missouri, Metro and local leaders are planning the Green Line, an expansion that would run between North and South St. Louis.[62]

While officially light rail, MetroLink features many characteristics of a light metro or rapid transit service,[63] including a completely independent right of way, a higher top speed, and level boarding at all platforms.[64][65]

Metro Call-A-Ride

[edit]
Main article: Metro Call-A-Ride
A Metro Call-A-Ride van in 2011

Since 1987, Metro Transit's Call-A-Ride demand response service has provided alternative transportation to residents who have limited access to MetroBus or MetroLink and/or disabled residents who are unable to use those services.[66] In April 2023, in response to operator shortages, Metro announced that it would reduce its service area for Call-A-Ride, primarily in southwest and far north St. Louis County. These reductions in service have led to significant criticism for the transit agency.[67][68]

Via Metro STL

[edit]

Via Metro STL is an app-based, on-demand microtransit service provided by Via Transportation with Metro Transit. The service launched in June 2020 to serve exurban areas of St. Louis County with few bus stops and limited MetroLink service. It provides rides in three service zones; North, South and West.[69][70] In 2023, the service completed 271,402 rides.[71]

Loop Trolley

[edit]
Main article: Loop Trolley
The Loop Trolley on Delmar Boulevard in 2018

The Loop Trolley is a 2.2-mile (3.5 km) heritage streetcar line that runs from City Hall in University City to the Missouri History Museum and Forest Park in St. Louis. The 10 station line travels along Delmar Boulevard through the Delmar Loop and DeBaliviere Avenue between Delmar and Forest Park. Connections can be made to MetroLink at both the Delmar Loop and Forest Park–DeBaliviere stations.

On February 18, 2022, Bi-State's board voted in favor of Metro Transit taking over operations after several financial setbacks and closures.[24] In August 2022, Metro reopened the trolley and received a $1.26 million grant from the East-West Gateway Council of Governments to operate the service on a seasonal schedule for the next several years.[25][26][27] In November 2024, Metro announced the Loop Trolley ended that season within budget and with a 44% increase in ridership. Additionally, at its current service level further funding requests would not be necessary.[28]

Fares

[edit]
Ticket vending machines at Clayton in 2024

Metro Transit uses a proof-of-payment system, requiring riders to carry passes at all times. When boarding MetroBus, riders with valid passes present them to the operator and those without passes are able to pay exact change into the onboard farebox.[72] MetroLink passengers must have a validated pass and present it when asked by security personnel. Beginning in 2024, MetroLink will convert to a paid access system as part of its Secure Platform Plan.

Metro also accepts some fares from Madison County Transit (MCT) on its services. MCT's 2-hour regional pass is accepted as full fare on MetroBus and MetroLink and its senior/ADA passes qualify as reduced fare on Metro services. In addition, Metro's 2-hour pass/transfer is valid for a single bus trip on MCT with no additional charge.[73]

Residents called to jury duty in Metro's service area may travel on MetroBus and MetroLink free of charge.[73]

Metro Transit Fare Structure
Metro Fare Type Mode Current Fare
Cash Base Fare Bus $1.00
Cash Base Fare Rail $2.50
Cash (Reduced Fare)* Bus $0.50
Cash (Reduced Fare)* Rail $1.25
2-Hour Pass/Transfer† Bus/Rail $3.00
2-Hour Pass/Transfer (Reduced Fare)*† Bus/Rail $1.50
2-Hour Pass (from Lambert Airport)† Bus/Rail $4.00
(10) 2-Hour Passes† Bus/Rail $30.00
One-Day Adventure Pass Bus/Rail $5.00
Weekly Pass Bus/Rail $27.00
Monthly Pass Bus/Rail $78.00
Monthly Pass (Reduced Fare)* Bus/Rail $39.00
Combo Pass Bus/Rail $98.00
University Semester Pass Bus/Rail $175.00
Metro Call-A-Ride Call-A-Ride $2.00
* Reduced fares require a Metro reduced fare permit[73]

† Two-hour passes can only be purchased as a mobile fare option on the Transit app[73]

Fleet

[edit]
See also: List of Metro Transit (St. Louis) yards and depots

Buses

[edit]

Metro Transit operates 261 vehicles for MetroBus, including 237 35- and 40-foot low-emission, low-floor diesel buses made by Gillig; 10 electric 40-foot Gillig buses; and 14 electric 60-foot articulated New Flyer XE60 buses. Electric buses are charged overnight at the Brentwood and DeBaliviere garages, while in-service charging is at the North Broadway Transit Center.[74][75][76] Each MetroBus vehicle has a two-bike bike rack, available first-come, first-served.[77]

Metro also operates 123 Call-A-Ride vans.[75]

All MetroBus and Call-A-Ride vehicles have an accessible lift or ramp and include priority seating.[78]

Trains

[edit]
An SD-400 train set with the old livery

At its largest, Metro Transit operated a fleet of 87 Siemens light rail vehicles for MetroLink, including 31 SD-400 cars and 56 SD-460 cars.[79] As of 2023, Metro operated 25 SD-400s and 50 SD-460s.[47] Two SD-460s were destroyed in a July 2022 flash flood.[80][81] Metro services trains at its Ewing and 29th Street rail yards. All light rail vehicles are accessible and include priority seating and spaces for those using mobility devices. Riders may walk bicycles onto the rear of the first train car and the front and rear of the second car.[82][83]

In May 2023, Metro received a $196.2 million federal grant to purchase a fleet of new Siemens S200 light rail vehicles to replace the remaining 25 SD-400 cars.[84] Six months later, Bi-State's board approved a contract with Siemens Mobility worth up to $390.4 million for as many as 55 battery-hybrid light rail vehicles to replace aging rolling stock.[85][86] The onboard traction batteries would allow a train to travel 5 miles (8.0 km) without overhead catenary wire.[86][87] Delivery of the new vehicles is expected to begin in 2027.[40][84] Meanwhile, Metro is refurbishing many of the remaining SD-460 cars for continued use.

Metro currently operates three vehicles for the Loop Trolley: two Gomaco-built Brill-replica streetcars that came from Portland, Oregon, and one W2-type streetcar used in Melbourne, Australia, and Seattle.[88][89] All three vehicles were modified for wheelchair accessibility to meet ADA regulations before entering service.[90]

Liveries

[edit]

Metro Transit has a similar livery across all of its services except its battery-electric buses and the Loop Trolley. In 2019, Metro began phasing in a new livery for its vehicles.[91] Previously, MetroLink vehicles had a white base with a red stripe running horizontally beneath the windows that turned into a dashed blue stripe near each operator cab. The front included Metro's "M" logo centered between vertical blue, red, and white lines. MetroBus and Metro Call-A-Ride were similar, except the red stripe continued around the rear of the vehicles.

A MetroLink train with the new livery

The new livery is made up of a blue base with white accents. On MetroLink, the stripe was moved further below the windows so the word "metro" could be inlaid within it and the tops of the cars were painted black. Metro Call-A-Ride uses this same design. MetroBus includes two large white circles on either side of the bus. The horizontal stripe has been eliminated, save for a small portion on either side of the word "metro." All three services retained Metro's "M" logo on the front of their vehicles.[91]

Metro's battery-electric buses are a shade of lime green on the front and rear with shades of blue in the center accented by a green leaf pattern. A white stripe runs horizontally near the base with the word "metro" and an image of a power plug inlaid within it. This livery is part of a partnership with Ameren Missouri.[92]

In January 2024, the agency announced that it would cease to sell advertising that covers the exterior of buses and trains, citing aesthetic reasons. The 144 exterior advertisement spaces had generated up to $1.5 million annually through contractor Vector Media but had also drawn complaints.[93]

Organization

[edit]
One Metropolitan Square, Metro Transit's headquarters

Leadership

[edit]

Metro Transit's executive leadership is made up of President and CEO Taulby Roach and Chief Operating Officer Charles A. Stewart. As an enterprise of the Bi-State Development Agency, Metro's leadership answers to Bi-State's Board of Commissioners.[94] As of 2024, the agency had roughly 2,000 employees.[95]

Security

[edit]

Security for the Metro system is provided by contracted uniformed police and Metro's own security guards. Known as "bumblebees" for their neon-yellow and black uniforms,[96] Metro security guards enforce fare collection and other rules, patrol trains, and help passengers. The system also has contracts for officers with the St. Louis County Police Department, the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Department and the St. Louis City Sheriff’s Department.[97]

Security features in vehicles, stations and transit centers include lights, closed-circuit television monitoring, emergency telephones, police and security patrols, and radio communication between operators and MetroBus and MetroLink control centers.[97]

Kevin Scott is the General Manager of Security for Metro Transit.[94]

Funding

[edit]

Metro's operating budget is funded by sales taxes from the city of St. Louis and St. Louis County and the St. Clair County Transit District. Other funds come through federal and state grants and fare-paying passengers.[98][99] Metro's operating budget in FY2025 is $328,980,534 in addition to a 3-year capital budget of $1,037,311,983.[100] Combined sales tax appropriations between the three supporting jurisdictions is estimated at $312 million in FY2025 with federal grant revenue estimated at $4.2 million and Missouri state funding estimated at $750,000.[100][101][102] Passenger revenue is estimated at $21.8 million.[103]

In 1973, the Missouri General Assembly passed the Transportation Sales Tax Act which allowed St. Louis, St. Louis County and Kansas City to levy up to a half cent sales tax for public transportation.[9][10] In 1981, the Illinois General Assembly passed the Local Mass Transit District Act allowing counties to levy up to a quarter cent sales tax for public transportation.[9][104] Additional ballot initiatives are listed in the table below:

Sales tax ballot initiatives
Ballot measure Year County Sales tax Result
Transportation Sales Tax Act[10] 1973 City of St. Louis 0.5% Passed
1973 St. Louis 0.5% Passed
Local Mass Transit District Act[104] 1981 St. Clair 0.25% Passed
Proposition M[105][9][106][107][108] 1993 St. Clair 0.5% Passed
1994 City of St. Louis 0.25% Passed
1994 St. Louis 0.25% Passed
1996 St. Charles 0.5% Failed
1996 St. Charles 0.5% Failed
1997 City of St. Louis 0.25% Passed†
1997 St. Louis 0.25% Failed
1997 Madison 0.5% Failed
2008 St. Louis 0.5% Failed
Proposition A[106] 2010 St. Louis 0.5% Passed
Proposition 1[109] 2017 City of St. Louis 0.5% Passed
† [110]

Projects in progress

[edit]

MidAmerica Airport extension

[edit]

In 2019, the St. Clair County Transit District was awarded $96 million in Illinois infrastructure funding to build a 5.2-mile (8.4 km) extension of the Red Line from Shiloh-Scott to MidAmerica St. Louis Airport in Mascoutah.[111] This extension will include two 2.6-mile (4.2 km) segments, a double-track and a single-track segment, along with a station at the airport.[112] Construction on the extension began in 2023 with Metro expecting to begin operations in early 2026.[113][21][22]

[edit]
A sign at Clayton in 2024 detailing upcoming station work

In 2023, Metro began a system-wide rehabilitation program that will last several years.[114] That spring, Metro began rehabilitating the downtown subway tunnels,[115] including the Laclede's Landing, Convention Center, and 8th & Pine stations.[116][117] Elsewhere, catenary wire, curve tracks, platforms, retaining walls, staircases, and system conduit are to be upgraded or replaced.[118][114]

Beginning in 2025, Metro will start rehabilitating the Union Station tunnel[119] with rehabilitation of the Cross County tunnels beginning in 2026.[120] The latter will include the renovation of the Skinker and University City–Big Bend subway stations and the construction of a storage siding near the Richmond Heights station.[120][121] In 2026, Metro expects to complete upgrades to the Supervisory Control Automated Data Acquisition (SCADA) and Public Address/Customer Information (PA/CIS) systems.[122] The upgraded SCADA/PA/CIS will operate as an integrated system that monitors and controls operations and will allow Metro to provide real-time arrival information to passengers, such as live displays at stations.[123]

Secure Platform Plan

[edit]

In 2024, Metro Transit began adding turnstiles at all MetroLink stations as part of its $52 million Secure Platform Plan (SPP). Stations will also receive a new fare collection system, more fences, passenger-assist telephones, and more than 1,800 cameras to be monitored at a center opened in November 2022 at Metro's Central Garage.[45][124]

The SPP will be implemented in three "packages" with full operation expected to begin in 2026.[46] In September 2023, Bi-State awarded a $6.4 million contract to Millstone Weber LLC for the first package covering four Illinois stations.[125] The gates at these first four stations began operating in September 2024.[42][41] However, due to delays in implementing a new fare collection system, Metro staff will operate the fare gates manually at first.[46] The second package covers seven Missouri stations and is also slated for completion by early 2025.[43] The remaining stations and the upgraded fare collection system are expected to be operational by early 2026.[44][45][46]

Projects in planning

[edit]
[edit]
Main article: Green Line (St. Louis MetroLink)
Green Line project logo

MetroLink's proposed North-South light rail line would lack the rapid transit-like characteristics of the Red and Blue lines, resembling instead other U.S. on-street light rail lines, such as those in Houston or Phoenix. The new line has been named the Green Line[126] and would connect to the Red and Blue lines with an infill transfer station.[127][128]

This 5.6-mile (9.0 km) line would serve about 10 stations between Chippewa Street in South St. Louis and Grand Boulevard in North St. Louis running primarily on Jefferson Avenue. It would provide a fixed rail upgrade to Metro's #11 (Chippewa) and #4 (Natural Bridge) bus routes.[129] In September 2023, Bi-State Development's board approved a 4-year, $18.9 million contract with the joint venture Northside-Southside Transit Partners to provide consulting services for the design phase of the project.[36] In February 2024, the East-West Gateway Council of Governments approved the updated locally preferred alternative along Jefferson.[37] The 2023 design study estimates 5,000 daily boardings, $8-9 million in annual operating costs, and $1.1 billion in capital costs.[37]

An extension of the Green Line into North St. Louis County had been explored. In 2023, four alternatives were proposed that would have continued the line from the Grand/Fairground station along Natural Bridge Avenue toward the county.[130] By 2024, County leadership had rejected all four routes primarily due to the unfunded 3-mile (4.8 km) gap between the Grand/Fairground station and the county line.[131] Additionally, concerns were raised about federal funding, ridership, right-of-way constraints and other factors.[131] Instead, county leaders are exploring alternatives for North County such as light rail branching off the existing Red Line near the University of Missouri–St. Louis, rapid bus service or a hybrid of the four 2023 alternatives.[131]

Previous proposals

[edit]

Many of these services were proposed after the passage of Proposition A in 2010 when Metro Transit released its 30-year plan, Moving Transit Forward.[132] Most are defunct; regional leaders have said their priorities are the proposed MetroLink extensions in the city of St. Louis and North St. Louis County.[133]

[edit]
Further information: MetroLink (St._Louis) § Previous proposals

Moving Transit Forward identified five potential MetroLink extensions as part of its long-range plan: North-South, Daniel Boone, MetroSouth, MetroNorth, and Madison County.[134] While the first phase of North-South is in design, no others have moved beyond the initial study phase because of uncertainties about funding, ridership potential, community support, and other factors.[135][136][137]

Bus Rapid Transit

[edit]

Moving Transit Forward also identified five potential bus rapid transit lines. Four would have run along highways that connect downtown St. Louis to its suburbs: I-44 to Eureka, I-64 to Chesterfield, I-55 to South County, and I-70 to St. Charles County. A fifth line would have run along Grand Boulevard in St. Louis.[134]

Commuter rail

[edit]

Initially, two long-distance commuter rail lines were proposed as part of Moving Transit Forward. Both would have run from the Gateway Transportation Center in downtown St. Louis to Alton, Illinois, and the Pacific, Missouri area.[134] Both routes carry existing Amtrak service. Neither has been studied for local commuter rail service.

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Transit Ridership Report Third Quarter 2024" (PDF). American Public Transportation Association. November 20, 2024. Retrieved November 23, 2024.
  2. ^ "Transit Ridership Report Fourth Quarter 2023" (PDF). American Public Transportation Association. March 4, 2024. Retrieved September 5, 2024.
  3. ^ "Loop Trolley ends season operating within budget and with 44 percent increase in ridership". November 11, 2024. Retrieved November 12, 2024.
  4. ^ a b c d e f "History". Metro Transit – Saint Louis. Archived from the original on September 14, 2023. Retrieved September 14, 2023.
  5. ^ Leiser, Ken (April 3, 2013). "Metro celebrates 50 years of bus service". STLtoday.com. Retrieved November 21, 2024.
  6. ^ Jerry (August 14, 2015). "Bi-State Development Reaffirms its Unique Role With an Updated Look". Metro Transit – Saint Louis. Archived from the original on September 14, 2023. Retrieved September 14, 2023.
  7. ^ "Hodiamont Greenway". Great Rivers Greenway. Retrieved November 21, 2024.
  8. ^ "Greenway on the Hodiamont Tracks". DTLS Landscape Architecture. Retrieved November 21, 2024.
  9. ^ a b c d e "A History of Transit Sales Tax Initiatives: City of St. Louis – Gateway Streets". Retrieved November 19, 2024.
  10. ^ a b c "Section 94.605 - Tax, how imposed - rate of tax - boundary change, procedure - effective date for tax or its abolition - city or county clerk's duties, Mo. Rev. Stat. § 94.605 | Casetext Search + Citator". casetext.com. Retrieved November 19, 2024.
  11. ^ "About". Arts in Transit, Inc. Archived from the original on September 14, 2023. Retrieved September 12, 2023.
  12. ^ a b "UrbanRail.Net > North America > USA > Missouri > St. Louis Metrolink". www.urbanrail.net. Archived from the original on October 1, 2023. Retrieved September 14, 2023.
  13. ^ "Soon-to-open Cortex MetroLink Station is more than just another stop, say regional transit leaders". STLPR. Archived from the original on October 1, 2023. Retrieved September 14, 2023.
  14. ^ "St. Louis Metro to Launch MetroLink Extension August 26". February 2, 2017. Archived from the original on February 2, 2017. Retrieved September 14, 2023.
  15. ^ "How Prop M went off the track -- and what Metro plans to do about it". STLPR. November 26, 2008. Retrieved April 26, 2024.
  16. ^ Flinchpaugh, Brian (November 11, 2008). "Transit users ponder future after Prop M's failure". STLtoday.com. Archived from the original on September 14, 2023. Retrieved September 14, 2023.
  17. ^ "Major Endorsement from St. Louis Voters for Transit Improvements". The Transport Politic. April 7, 2010. Archived from the original on September 14, 2023. Retrieved September 14, 2023.
  18. ^ "Metro Begins Removing Temporary Bus Stop Covers". Metro Transit – Saint Louis. Retrieved June 3, 2024.
  19. ^ "St. Louis County Council Approves Economic Development Merger, $400 Million Loan To Metro". STLPR. June 19, 2013. Retrieved March 19, 2024.
  20. ^ Schlinkmann, Mark (June 14, 2019). "Illinois to pay for long-sought MetroLink extension to MidAmerica Airport". STLtoday.com. Archived from the original on September 14, 2023. Retrieved September 12, 2023.
  21. ^ a b c Cella, Kim (November 1, 2023). "Construction Underway on MetroLink Extension Project in St. Clair County". St. Clair County Transit District. Archived from the original on November 7, 2023. Retrieved November 7, 2023.
  22. ^ a b c "Construction underway on 5-mile MetroLink extension from Scott AFB to MidAmerica Airport". STLPR. December 28, 2023. Archived from the original on February 4, 2024. Retrieved February 5, 2024.
  23. ^ a b Lindsey (June 29, 2022). "Celebrating 1 Year of Electric Buses". Metro Transit – Saint Louis. Archived from the original on September 28, 2023. Retrieved September 18, 2023.
  24. ^ a b Schlinkmann, Mark (February 19, 2022). "Bi-State board agrees to take over, restart Loop Trolley". STLtoday.com. Archived from the original on September 14, 2023. Retrieved September 12, 2023.
  25. ^ a b Schlinkmann, Mark (August 4, 2022). "Loop Trolley set to resume service Thursday morning after years shut down". STLtoday.com. Archived from the original on September 20, 2022. Retrieved September 20, 2022.
  26. ^ a b Schlinkmann, Mark (September 2022). "Loop Trolley to get $1.26 million after regional board approves federal grant". STLtoday.com. Archived from the original on September 12, 2022. Retrieved September 20, 2022.
  27. ^ a b "STL Loop Trolley". STL Loop Trolley. Archived from the original on November 10, 2022. Retrieved September 12, 2023.
  28. ^ a b Zotos, Alexis (November 11, 2024). "Loop Trolley ends season operating within budget and with 44 percent increase in ridership". www.firstalert4.com. Retrieved November 18, 2024.
  29. ^ Lindsey (August 16, 2022). "MetroLink Flood Damage Update". metrostlouis.org. Archived from the original on September 12, 2022. Retrieved September 12, 2022.
  30. ^ Schrappen, Colleen (August 21, 2022). "MetroLink to resume full service, but cost for flood repairs could double". STLtoday.com. Archived from the original on September 12, 2022. Retrieved September 12, 2022.
  31. ^ Wanek-Libman, Mischa (July 29, 2022). "Metro St. Louis estimates flood damage between $18-$20 million". Mass Transit. Archived from the original on February 19, 2024. Retrieved February 19, 2024.
  32. ^ Jerry (September 1, 2022). "MetroLink Changes Starting September 5: Blue Line Service to Operate Between Shrewsbury and Forest Park". Metro Transit – Saint Louis. Retrieved March 18, 2024.
  33. ^ Schlinkmann, Mark (August 1, 2023). "Metro gets nearly $28 million in federal aid to cover repairs after 2022 flood". STLtoday.com. Archived from the original on September 5, 2023. Retrieved September 5, 2023.
  34. ^ "Upcoming Schedule Changes". Metro Transit – Saint Louis. Retrieved March 18, 2024.
  35. ^ Vallely, Jerry (March 24, 2023). "Memorandum of Understanding Approved for Bi-State Development Team to Plan, Design and Develop Jefferson Alignment MetroLink Expansion". BSD. Archived from the original on September 14, 2023. Retrieved September 12, 2023.
  36. ^ a b "Board of Commissioners 9/22/23" (PDF). Bi-State Development Agency. pp. 196–197. Archived (PDF) from the original on September 26, 2023. Retrieved September 26, 2023.
  37. ^ a b c Cella, Kim (February 28, 2024). "East-West Board Adopts Jefferson Ave. Alignment as the Locally Preferred Alternative for Light Rail Expansion in Northside-Southside Corridor". Citizens For Modern Transit. Retrieved February 28, 2024.
  38. ^ a b Schlinkmann, Mark (May 5, 2023). "Feds give Metro $196 million grant for new MetroLink cars". STLtoday.com. Archived from the original on February 25, 2024. Retrieved May 17, 2023.
  39. ^ Schlinkmann, Mark (November 29, 2023). "Bi-State board OKs $390 million contract for new MetroLink cars". STLtoday.com. Archived from the original on February 5, 2024. Retrieved February 5, 2024.
  40. ^ a b "Light Rail Vehicle (LRV) Replacement". Metro Transit – Saint Louis. Retrieved November 28, 2024.
  41. ^ a b "Secure Platform Plan – Phase I". Metro Transit – Saint Louis. Retrieved November 28, 2024.
  42. ^ a b "St. Louis Metro installs MetroLink security gates to access station platform at Emerson Park MetroLink Station". Mass Transit. September 12, 2024. Retrieved November 18, 2024.
  43. ^ a b "Secure Platform Plan – Phase II". Metro Transit – Saint Louis. Retrieved November 28, 2024.
  44. ^ a b "Secure Platform Plan – Phase III". Metro Transit – Saint Louis. Retrieved November 28, 2024.
  45. ^ a b c "New Fare Collection System". Metro Transit – Saint Louis. Retrieved November 28, 2024.
  46. ^ a b c d Fenske, Sarah (October 17, 2024). "MetroLink gates are up, but fare cards to open them won't be ready for a year". www.stlmag.com. Retrieved November 18, 2024.
  47. ^ a b "System Profile". Metro Transit – Saint Louis. Archived from the original on September 14, 2023. Retrieved September 14, 2023.
  48. ^ "New MetroBus Service Plan". Metrostlouis.org Site. Archived from the original on December 13, 2019. Retrieved January 24, 2020.
  49. ^ "Metro Finalizes Plan To Overhaul Bus Service In Missouri; Rollout In September". STLPR. Archived from the original on September 16, 2023. Retrieved September 15, 2023.
  50. ^ Jerry (July 23, 2019). "MetroBus Stop Update: Nearly 80 Stops Will Remain". Metro Transit – Saint Louis. Retrieved June 1, 2024.
  51. ^ Currier, Joel (March 21, 2020). "Metro reduces bus, MetroLink service amid COVID-19 outbreak". STLtoday.com. Retrieved September 18, 2023.
  52. ^ Amand, Amanda St (March 26, 2020). "Not enough drivers means delays for some Metro bus routes". STLtoday.com. Retrieved September 18, 2023.
  53. ^ Post-Dispatch, Namratha Prasad St Louis (September 18, 2023). "Some Metro drivers make more than $40,000 in overtime pay amid labor shortage". STLtoday.com. Retrieved September 18, 2023.
  54. ^ Post-Dispatch, Namratha Prasad St Louis (September 18, 2023). "Some Metro drivers make more than $40,000 in overtime pay amid labor shortage". STLtoday.com. Archived from the original on February 24, 2024. Retrieved September 18, 2023.
  55. ^ Schlinkmann, Mark (November 27, 2024). "With bus driver numbers increasing, Metro to again expand service next week". STLtoday.com. Retrieved November 28, 2024.
  56. ^ Schlinkmann, Mark (January 5, 2024). "Metro to increase bus runs on 17 routes as driver ranks increase". STLtoday.com. Retrieved February 6, 2024.
  57. ^ Cella, Kim (January 5, 2024). "Jan. 15 Service Change Increases Frequency on 17 Routes". Citizens For Modern Transit. Retrieved November 18, 2024.
  58. ^ Troxell, Karen (May 24, 2024). "Metro Transit Quarterly Service Change Set for June 17 Includes Increase in Service Levels". Citizens For Modern Transit. Retrieved November 18, 2024.
  59. ^ Troxell, Karen (August 22, 2024). "September Metro Transit Service Change Includes Increase in Service on Several Routes". Citizens For Modern Transit. Retrieved November 18, 2024.
  60. ^ Troxell, Karen (September 18, 2024). "December's Metro Transit Service Change Set to Impact 19 MetroBus Routes in the Region". Citizens For Modern Transit. Retrieved November 18, 2024.
  61. ^ Menn, Mackenzie (November 21, 2022). "MetroLink Expansion in Illinois is on Track". St. Clair County Transit District. Archived from the original on January 30, 2023. Retrieved January 30, 2023.
  62. ^ Vallely, Jerry (June 10, 2022). "Northside-Southside MetroLink Corridor Study Agreement Approved". BSD. Archived from the original on September 11, 2022. Retrieved September 11, 2022.
  63. ^ Track Design Handbook for Light Rail Transit. Transportation Research Board. 2012. ISBN 978-0-309-25824-1. Archived from the original on February 25, 2024. Retrieved September 15, 2023.
  64. ^ "Joint International Light Rail Conference" (PDF). Onlinepubs.trb.org. p. 671. Archived (PDF) from the original on May 25, 2013. Retrieved July 25, 2022.
  65. ^ Henry, Lyndon (2006). Sharing of Rail Transit Infrastructure by Streetcars and Larger Light Rail Vehicles: Design and Operational Issues. ISBN 978-1-931594-23-3. Archived from the original on January 24, 2020. Retrieved September 15, 2023.
  66. ^ "Metro Call-A-Ride". Metro Transit – Saint Louis. Archived from the original on September 18, 2023. Retrieved September 15, 2023.
  67. ^ Schrappen, Colleen (September 17, 2023). "Call-A-Ride's struggles leave disabled St. Louis-area passengers in the lurch". STLtoday.com. Archived from the original on September 20, 2023. Retrieved September 18, 2023.
  68. ^ Stefanescu, Victor (June 22, 2023). "Call-A-Ride riders say service cuts hurt, ask Metro to rethink St. Louis-area's plan". STLtoday.com. Archived from the original on September 25, 2023. Retrieved September 18, 2023.
  69. ^ "Via Metro STL". Metro Transit – Saint Louis. Archived from the original on September 28, 2023. Retrieved September 17, 2023.
  70. ^ Lindsey (June 29, 2022). "Via Metro STL Celebrates 2 Years of Service". Metro Transit – Saint Louis. Archived from the original on September 28, 2023. Retrieved September 17, 2023.
  71. ^ "Board of Commissioners Meeting February 2024" (PDF). Bi-State Development Agency. p. 301. Archived (PDF) from the original on February 16, 2024. Retrieved February 16, 2024.
  72. ^ "MetroBus". Metro Transit – Saint Louis. Archived from the original on February 4, 2024. Retrieved February 17, 2024.
  73. ^ a b c d "Fares & Passes". Metro Transit – Saint Louis. Archived from the original on February 17, 2024. Retrieved February 17, 2024.
  74. ^ Lindsey (June 29, 2022). "Celebrating 1 Year of Electric Buses". Metro Transit – Saint Louis. Archived from the original on September 28, 2023. Retrieved September 18, 2023.
  75. ^ a b "System Profile". Metro Transit – Saint Louis. Archived from the original on September 14, 2023. Retrieved September 14, 2023.
  76. ^ Lindsey (March 23, 2022). "Metro Transit Awarded $4M Grant to Expand Electric Bus Program". Metro Transit – Saint Louis. Archived from the original on October 2, 2023. Retrieved October 16, 2023.
  77. ^ "Bike & Ride". Metro Transit – Saint Louis. Archived from the original on February 12, 2024. Retrieved February 12, 2024.
  78. ^ "Accessibility". Metro Transit – Saint Louis. Archived from the original on February 12, 2024. Retrieved February 12, 2024.
  79. ^ "Siemens AG - Projects". February 7, 2007. Archived from the original on February 7, 2007. Retrieved October 16, 2023.
  80. ^ Thomas, Jasmine (May 5, 2023). "Metro Transit Awarded $196.2 Million Federal Grant for New MetroLink Train Cars". Metro Transit – Saint Louis. Archived from the original on December 9, 2023. Retrieved October 16, 2023.
  81. ^ Lindsey (August 16, 2022). "MetroLink Flood Damage Update". Metro Transit – Saint Louis. Archived from the original on September 12, 2022. Retrieved October 16, 2023.
  82. ^ "Accessibility". Metro Transit – Saint Louis. Archived from the original on February 12, 2024. Retrieved February 12, 2024.
  83. ^ "Bike & Ride". Metro Transit – Saint Louis. Archived from the original on February 12, 2024. Retrieved February 12, 2024.
  84. ^ a b Schlinkmann, Mark (May 5, 2023). "Feds give Metro $196 million grant for new MetroLink cars". STLtoday.com. Archived from the original on February 25, 2024. Retrieved May 17, 2023.
  85. ^ Schlinkmann, Mark (November 29, 2023). "Bi-State board OKs $390 million contract for new MetroLink cars". STLtoday.com. Archived from the original on February 5, 2024. Retrieved February 5, 2024.
  86. ^ a b May, Tiana (March 14, 2024). "US: 55 Siemens LRVs Ordered for St. Louis". Railway-News. Retrieved March 14, 2024.
  87. ^ BATRAK, OLEKSANDR (March 14, 2024). "Siemens Mobility will supply trams to St. Louis". Railway Supply. Retrieved March 14, 2024.
  88. ^ "TriMet sells heritage trolleys to St. Louis". Railway Age. December 13, 2013. Archived from the original on December 16, 2018. Retrieved October 16, 2023.
  89. ^ "Seattle's old waterfront streetcars will live on - in different ways". January 25, 2016. Archived from the original on January 25, 2016. Retrieved October 16, 2023.
  90. ^ "Worldwide Review [regular news section]". Tramways & Urban Transit. UK: Light Rail Transit Association. May 2016. p. 193.
  91. ^ a b Vallely, Jerry (December 13, 2019). "A New Look for Metro Transit Vehicles". Metro Transit. Archived from the original on November 7, 2023. Retrieved October 16, 2023.
  92. ^ "Electric Buses". Metro Transit – Saint Louis. Archived from the original on May 19, 2023. Retrieved October 16, 2023.
  93. ^ Schlinkmann, Mark (January 4, 2024). "Metro yanks ads on buses, train cars. They're not 'aesthetically pleasing.'". St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Archived from the original on January 4, 2024. Retrieved January 4, 2024.
  94. ^ a b "Leadership". Metro Transit – Saint Louis. Archived from the original on November 7, 2023. Retrieved October 24, 2023.
  95. ^ Cella, Kim (February 7, 2024). "NEWLY RELEASED REPORT REVEALS OVERALL ECONOMIC IMPACT OF TRANSIT IN MISSOURI AT $4.05 BILLION ANNUALLY". Citizens For Modern Transit. Archived from the original on February 16, 2024. Retrieved February 16, 2024.
  96. ^ Tribune, Editorial Board Star. "EDITORIAL | The safety-first effort in St. Louis: 'We had a problem to solve'". Star Tribune. Archived from the original on January 14, 2024. Retrieved February 12, 2024.
  97. ^ a b "Safety & Security". Metro Transit – Saint Louis. Archived from the original on September 18, 2023. Retrieved September 15, 2023.
  98. ^ Agency Overview Archived September 24, 2010, at the Wayback Machine
  99. ^ "Bi-State Development Agency of the Missouri-Illinois Metropolitan District, d.b.a.(St. Louis) Metro" (PDF). National Transit Database Agency Profiles. Federal Transit Administration. Archived (PDF) from the original on February 12, 2019. Retrieved May 29, 2018.
  100. ^ a b "Bi-State Development Operating & Capital Budget Approved by Key Funding Partners". Metro Transit – Saint Louis. Retrieved November 21, 2024.
  101. ^ "FY2025 Operating & Capital Budget" (PDF). Bi-State Development Agency. January 16, 2024. p. 12. Retrieved November 21, 2024.
  102. ^ "FY2025 Operating and Capital Budget" (PDF). Bi-State Development Agency. January 14, 2024. p. 13. Retrieved November 21, 2024.
  103. ^ "FY2025 Operating and Capital Budget" (PDF). Bi-State Development Agency. January 14, 2024. p. 11. Retrieved November 21, 2024.
  104. ^ a b ""Local Mass Transit District Act"". Illinois General Assembly. Retrieved November 19, 2024.
  105. ^ a b "A History of Transit Sales Tax Initiatives: St. Louis County – Gateway Streets". Retrieved November 19, 2024.
  106. ^ "A History of Transit Sales Tax Initiatives: St. Charles County – Gateway Streets". Retrieved November 19, 2024.
  107. ^ "A History of Transit Sales Tax Initiatives: Madison County – Gateway Streets". Retrieved November 19, 2024.
  108. ^ Faulk, Mike (April 4, 2017). "MetroLink yes, soccer stadium no, and a win for St. Louis County police". STLtoday.com. Archived from the original on September 28, 2023. Retrieved September 17, 2023.
  109. ^ The 1997 Proposition M in St. Louis City was dependent on the passage of a similar proposition in St. Louis County. Consequently, the sales tax was not collected until St. Louis County passed Proposition A in 2010.
  110. ^ Schlinkmann, Mark (June 14, 2019). "Illinois to pay for long-sought MetroLink extension to MidAmerica Airport". STLtoday.com. Archived from the original on November 2, 2021. Retrieved September 20, 2022.
  111. ^ "Trajectory for Transit in 2022 Points to Need for Continued Collaboration". January 19, 2022. Archived from the original on February 3, 2022. Retrieved February 2, 2022.
  112. ^ "When will MetroLink extension to MidAmerica Airport be complete? How much will it cost? - MidAmerica St. Louis Airport (BLV) | Mascoutah, IL". flymidamerica.com. July 14, 2021. Archived from the original on September 20, 2022. Retrieved September 20, 2022.
  113. ^ a b "Infrastructure Projects". Metro Transit – Saint Louis. Retrieved November 28, 2024.
  114. ^ "Downtown Tunnel Repairs and Fire Suppression Upgrades". Metro Transit – Saint Louis. Retrieved November 28, 2024.
  115. ^ "8th & Pine Station Enhancement Project". Metro Transit – Saint Louis. Retrieved November 28, 2024.
  116. ^ "Convention Center Enhancement Project". Metro Transit – Saint Louis. Retrieved November 28, 2024.
  117. ^ "MetroLink | General Maintenance". Metro Transit – Saint Louis. Retrieved November 28, 2024.
  118. ^ "Union Station Tunnel Rehabilitation". Metro Transit – Saint Louis. Retrieved November 28, 2024.
  119. ^ a b "Cross County Tunnel Remediation". Metro Transit – Saint Louis. Retrieved November 28, 2024.
  120. ^ "Richmond Heights Turnout". Metro Transit – Saint Louis. Retrieved November 28, 2024.
  121. ^ "MetroLink Software Enhancements". Metro Transit – Saint Louis. Retrieved November 28, 2024.
  122. ^ "New MetroLink Customer Information System". Metro Transit – Saint Louis. Retrieved November 28, 2024.
  123. ^ "Secure Platform Plan Project". Metro Transit – Saint Louis. Archived from the original on September 25, 2023. Retrieved September 15, 2023.
  124. ^ Jerry (September 26, 2023). "Contract Awarded for First Construction Package of MetroLink's Secure Platform Plan". Metro Transit – Saint Louis. Archived from the original on September 26, 2023. Retrieved September 26, 2023.
  125. ^ "Board of Commissioners Special Meeting" (PDF). Bi-State Development Agency. March 15, 2024. p. 108. Retrieved March 15, 2024.
  126. ^ "Claiming It Would "Divide Us", Stenger Opposes North-South Rail Transit – NextSTL". June 20, 2016. Archived from the original on November 8, 2020. Retrieved September 12, 2023.
  127. ^ "Northside-Southside TAA" (PDF). East-West Gateway Council of Governments. Aecom. Archived (PDF) from the original on September 11, 2022. Retrieved September 12, 2023.
  128. ^ "Northside-Southside TAA" (PDF). East-West Gateway Council of Governments. Aecom. Archived (PDF) from the original on September 11, 2022. Retrieved September 12, 2023.
  129. ^ Schlinkmann, Mark (February 18, 2023). "Bi-State reveals possible North County MetroLink routes". STLtoday.com. Archived from the original on September 29, 2023. Retrieved September 12, 2023.
  130. ^ a b c Schlinkmann, Mark (June 6, 2024). "New St. Louis MetroLink line connecting to North County may not happen". STLtoday.com. Retrieved November 18, 2024.
  131. ^ "Moving Transit Forward" (PDF). Metro Transit. Archived (PDF) from the original on October 13, 2022. Retrieved September 12, 2023.
  132. ^ Schlinkmann, Mark (November 17, 2021). "St. Louis County back in picture for north-south MetroLink expansion". STLtoday.com. Archived from the original on September 11, 2022. Retrieved September 11, 2022.
  133. ^ a b c "Moving Transit Forward" (PDF). Metro Transit. p. 37. Archived (PDF) from the original on October 13, 2022. Retrieved September 25, 2023.
  134. ^ "East-West Gateway Board Defers Selection of MetroLink Alternative for Metro South Study Area" (PDF). East-West Gateway. November 3, 2004. Archived from the original (PDF) on May 15, 2013. Retrieved September 29, 2010.
  135. ^ "Madison County Light Rail Feasibility Study Final Report" (PDF). East-West Gateway Council of Governments. pp. ES-5–ES-7. Archived (PDF) from the original on September 25, 2022. Retrieved September 25, 2023.
  136. ^ Uptergrove, Kate (July 7, 2015). "St. Louis County to explore MetroLink expansion; St. Charles County says no". MidRiversNewsMagazine.com. Archived from the original on September 25, 2022. Retrieved September 25, 2022.
[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Bi-State Development Agency.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Metro_Transit_(St._Louis)&oldid=1264900178#Commuter_rail"