Transit Expansion and Advancements, Coupled with Ridership Increases and Service Improvements, Sparking Distinct Levels of Optimism for Bi-State Region
The trajectory of public transit in the bi-state region was discussed during Citizens for Modern Transit’s (CMT) “Talking Transit” event, hosted via Zoom on Tuesday, Jan. 14. Dozens of CMT members, elected officials, stakeholders, transit riders and others attended the virtual forum to learn the latest about the St. Clair County MetroLink expansion to MidAmerica St. Louis Airport (BLV), the St. Louis MetroLink Green Line, fleet upgrades, technology advancements, ridership increases, service improvements and more. Click here to access a recording of the discussion or view below.
The panel discussion featured Patrick Judge, Principal of Gonzalez Companies and project manager for the Illinois Light Rail Transit project; Taulby Roach, President and CEO of Bi-State Development; Charles Stewart, Chief Operating Officer for Metro Transit; and SJ Morrison, Managing Director of Madison County Transit. The conversation was moderated by Kimberly Cella, Executive Director of Citizens for Modern Transit.
Judge kicked off the conversation by detailing the significant movement made on the 5.2-mile extension of the MetroLink light rail system in St. Clair County, Ill., from the existing Shiloh-Scott Transit Center to MidAmerica St. Louis Airport in Mascoutah. Ariel views of construction work were shared, and the latest timeline was discussed. Construction is scheduled to be completed in 2026, followed by testing and startup, with the official opening of revenue service slated for late Spring to early Summer 2026. The extension project will include a new MetroLink station directly across from the BLV passenger terminal and parking lot on Airport Boulevard, a 0.3-mile extension of Rieder Road from Wherry Road to Scott Air Force Base’s Cardinal Creek Gate, a new 2.4-mile access roadway from Rieder Road to Airport Boulevard, and a 5-mile expansion of the MetroBikeLink bike trail that will run adjacent to the new alignment. A total of $129 million in funding for this project was secured through the Illinois Department of Transportation’s transit funds. Remaining costs will be funded locally through St. Clair County Transit District and Bi-State Development.
Roach then provided an update on the proposed 5.6-mile, new urban alignment known as the St. Louis MetroLink Green Line. According to Roach, the alignment would run on Jefferson Avenue, from Natural Bridge to the north, all the way down to Chippewa Street to the south; feature 10 transit stops and a new transfer station connecting existing MetroLink Red & Blue Lines; and help rebuild the city in a way that is conducive to a new design paradigm. The project is moving towards 30% design completion and is under federal environmental review. Nearly 60 public outreach engagement events have been held since May 2024, allowing area residents to weigh in on the proposed project. Additional public meetings are slated through spring 2025. The revised cost estimate will be determined by next spring or summer so that a highly competitive application can be submitted to the federal government in hopes of securing federal funding to cover 50 to 60% percent of the estimated $1 billion project cost.
Stewart continued the conversation by providing an overview of all the advancement underway through Metro Transit. The aging MetroLink light rail vehicle fleet will be replaced in the coming years by new MetroLink train cars. The fleet is modern, state-of-the-art and spacious. Each includes an Onboard Energy Store System, allowing trains to operate up to five miles independent of overhead power and Platform-Sensing Assistance that ensures station platforms are adjacent to doors. The fleet also features HVAC units, smoke detectors, heated floors, rearview and sideview cameras, digital information signs and audio announcements, fully enclosed operator cabs and designated bicycle spaces. The first new train will be ready go into service in 2027. Stewart also provided updates on progress underway to add more electric vehicles to the MetroBus fleet. According to Stewart, the Brentwood Garage electric fleet is currently operating 14, 60-foot-long new Flyer Articulated Battery Electric Buses and 10, 40-foot-long GILLIG Battery Electric Buses. The electrification of the DeBaliviere Garage is underway for 10, 40-foot-long hybrid diesel-electric GILLIG buses that are on order and scheduled for production later this year.
Stewart also touched on the new Fare Collection Program that is underway. New Masabi JustRide fare validators have been installed on MetroBus and will be activated in Spring 2025, while Masabi JustRide platform validators for MetroLink will be installed in late 2025. Assembly of the prototype for the new Indra ticket vending machines (TVMs) is in progress, and installation of those new TVMs is expected in late 2025. An RFP for new fareboxes for MetroBus has been released, and proposals are due in mid-February. A new Metro “Ride-On” app will also be available, offering an electronic ticketing option to riders.
On the security front, work to install secure platforms at MetroLink stations is moving forward. Construction has been completed and gates are now in use at Emerson Park, Jackie Joyner-Kersee Center, Washington Park and College Stations – as well as the Cortex and Delmar Loop Stations. Construction on all the remaining stations will be completed in early 2026. The Real-Time Camera Center that opened in recent years remains fully operational and serves as the center of the safety and security methodology by enabling the St. Louis County and St. Louis Metropolitan Police Departments and St. Clair County Sheriff’s Department to proactively monitor the MetroLink system 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Morrison rounded out the Talking Transit forum by addressing all that is underway through the Madison County Transit District (MCT). The public transportation agency rolled out an affordable, real-time, on demand MicroTransit service in Collinsville in 2024 and will be adding new zones in 2025. Recently established partnerships continued with Chestnut Health Systems to connect passengers in crisis to trained behavioral health specialists for assistance with mental health and wellness needs, and the Allied Universal Security to assist with addressing passenger issues, deterring vandalism and other security concerns. MCT is also enhancing efficiency and rider experiences, and now has new real-time vehicle tracking and data-driven fleet optimization to streamline operations and minimize delays. Riders have instant access to real-time arrival updates via web, SMS, apps and Passenger Information Displays. New solar powered e-ink screens have been deployed at 31 bus stops and will soon be at all five stations. Thanks to a $4.2 million Rebuild Illinois Grant, MCT will construct a new transfer station along IL-111 to serve the transportation needs at the three commerce centers in “Logistics Valley.” This will include bus bays for six routes, a police substation, public restrooms climate-controlled passenger lobby and potential childcare facility. Morrison went on to provide construction updates underway on MCT’s Trails Bikeway System and new initiatives underway with RiderFinders’ carpool and vanpool program.
Transit officials wrapped up the forum by addressing attendee questions tied to funding differences in Missouri vs Illinois, service improvements, what is fueling ridership increases and more.
“Today’s discussion reinforced a distinct level of optimism as it relates to local transit expansion and advancements,” stated Cella in closing. “We appreciate the insights from these industry leaders and all the tireless efforts that have gone on behind the scenes in recent years to make all of this come to fruition. The future of transit is bright.”
To learn more about Citizens for Modern Transit or to view the Talking Transit event in its entirety, visit www.cmt-stl.org.