Metro Transit recently announced that its one-car MetroLink pilot will begin Saturday, October 3. The pilot is expected to continue through October before pausing in November and December due to scheduled tunnel work. Testing is expected to resume in January, with a final recommendation regarding the potential implementation of single-car MetroLink service anticipated by February/March 2027.
As noted on the Metro Transit website, the agency will conduct a detailed analysis using operational performance data, customer feedback, and ridership numbers to evaluate the efficacy of one-car trains for long-term use and in specific areas and conditions. Metro’s initial analysis indicates single-car operations have the potential to generate annual maintenance cost savings between $800,000 to $4.8 million.
Since the initial conversation on the pilot at a Bi-State Board meeting on August 27, Citizens for Modern Transit (CMT) has been collecting initial rider feedback on the proposed change through an online survey. To date, more than 600 people have responded. More than 75 percent of respondents report using MetroLink at least weekly, with many riding the system daily.
The survey results underscore concerns among respondents about the one-car pilot. Approximately 80 percent of respondents indicated they oppose the pilot. Among the nearly 20 percent who expressed support, comments suggest that some would support single-car trains only if the change were accompanied by increased service frequency.
Respondents have raised concerns about capacity, crowding, accessibility, reliability, and the overall rider experience. Many also referenced their experiences with MetroLink’s previous use of single-car trains in 2023.
Metro Transit is initiating communication channels for riders to weigh in directly with the agency including an online survey.
“It will be critical that through this pilot process riders weigh in on their experiences – the good and the bad. This feedback will be a part of the overall evaluation of whether the single-car trains will be part of Metro’s operating plan moving forward next spring. Riders’ voices will be an important barometer for the agency,” said Kim Cella, CEO of CMT.
Included below are a selection of quotes from riders left on CMT’s survey:
I travel on MetroLink to and from work during peak hours and it is often standing room only in the cars. Reducing further would make it difficult for individuals unable to stand/easily keep their balance (individuals who are elderly, disabled, or simply have poor balance) to ride the metro
With two train cars. Perhaps a hybrid approach, with one car at most times and two cars for peak usage, would work and still be a savings and allow the cars to last longer. Thank you!
Trains are already crowded enough during morning rush hour and the afternoon/evening, it will feel unsafe when everyone is crammed in one car. We’re also heading into flu season, so forcing people into close proximity is detrimental to the workforce who rely on public transit. One-car trains will also be increased struggle for anyone with a wheelchair, stroller, bike, luggage, or multiple shopping bags.
Single-car train operations offer a highly efficient way for transit agencies to optimize their budgets and improve overall network mobility. By matching train capacity strictly to off-peak or lower-demand periods, agencies can drastically lower their immediate day-to-day expenditures.
A one-car train might make sense during off-peak periods and during the weekends, but it makes no sense during the morning and evening rush or when there are special events like Cardinals games. This was tried a few years ago, and if it made sense, Metro should release the data or evaluation that shows the positive aspects for riders to consider.
The pilot also comes at a time when ridership on the system is growing. As of July 2026, ridership was up 4.1 percent year-to-date compared with the same period last year. Over the summer, CMT saw more than 2,000 individuals sign up to give transit a try through CMT’s Dump the Pump promotion in June. These numbers point to continued interest in public transit at a time when rising gas prices are putting additional pressure on household transportation costs.
As an organization focused on advocating for transit riders, CMT believes it is important to ensure these perspectives are part of the conversation as the pilot moves forward. We have shared the survey results with Metro Transit staff, and the results can be accessed by clicking this link.
WEIGH IN TODAY
In addition to Metro Transit’s efforts to collect rider feedback during the single-car MetroLink pilot, CMT will continue gathering feedback through our Metro Monitor program. The program relies on volunteers who regularly ride transit and complete monthly surveys on their experiences. CMT compiles the findings and shares the results with Metro Transit each month. More information is available at the CMT Metro Monitor program page.
Riders also have the opportunity to share feedback directly with Metro through the agency’s online survey here. Metro is also sharing information about the pilot and collecting feedback through a series of Community Connect events at several MetroLink stations along the alignment Tuesday, September 29 through Friday, October 2. Those dates and locations can be found at Metro’s Community Connect page.
“CMT encourages the Bi-State Development Board of Commissioners and Metro Transit staff to carefully consider rider feedback when evaluating the pilot and any potential long-term service changes. These decisions will have meaningful impacts on the thousands of people who rely on the Metro system each day, particularly when it comes to capacity, accessibility, comfort, and the overall rider experience,” added Cella.
