St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Sunday, March 24, 2024
A proposed 5.8-mile in-street, MetroLink alignment – known at the Green Line – would provide a vital link between North and South St. Louis City, deliver equitable access to jobs and help revitalize disadvantaged neighborhoods.
That’s part of the reason why Citizens for Modern Transit’s Board of Directors recently unanimously signed a resolution in support of the extension. This proposed alignment was adopted after years of work by East-West Gateway, Bi-State Development and City leaders to find the best, most cost-effective North-South connector. It would feature 10 stations and an alignment that runs north to south along Natural Bridge Ave. – from Grand Blvd. to Parnell St. – and along Parnell Street/Jefferson Ave. from Natural Bridge Ave. to Chippewa St. The line would also connect with the current MetroLink system.
The Green Line adheres to CMT’s criteria for support as it has been designed to preserve and enhance existing neighborhoods, promote unity, achieve regional objectives, reinforce existing public and private investments, and provide improved transportation for residents. The project also opens up future connections into North St. Louis County and supports the White House’s Justice40 Initiative principles, which mandates that at least 40% of certain federal investment benefits flow to disadvantaged communities.
CMT’s leads efforts for an integrated, affordable, and convenient public transportation system that drives economic growth to improve quality of life in the St. Louis region. This project will help meet these goals. It’s time to move transit forward, and the Green Line is the right choice.
D’Andre Braddix, Chair of Citizens for Modern Transit’s Board of Directors