St. Louis Region At A Crossroads

Which Way Do We Go?

Metro has succeeded in providing an award-winning transit system made up of MetroBus, MetroLink, and Metro Call-A-Ride services. Demand for public transit is at a 30-year high. Over the past year, Metro System ridership has grown nearly 10%. The St. Louis region has invested in 46 miles of light rail, including the recent Shrewsbury I-44 MetroLink Branch and operates more than 400 buses in a 574 square-mile area. This represents a regional investment of $1.8 billion in transit infrastructure. 

Despite the success of the transit system, the St. Louis region has reached a crossroads. Metro currently faces a significant budget deficit, which could result in service cuts in the coming year. Without additional stable revenue sources, sufficient to fill the projected operating deficit, Metro must reduce service to a level that meets current funding. The region must decide whether to reduce or expand its transit service. Metro will conduct public hearings beginning September 3rd to give citizens an opportunity to voice their opinions about the transit system they want and need. The question that will be answered in the coming months is, “Which Way Do We Go?”

MetroBus Service Reductions

Up to 28 of the 60 existing MetroBus routes may be eliminated, including all service outside Interstate 270. In a second phase of reductions, all express bus routes would be eliminated, as would all night service. Some remaining MetroBus routes would be consolidated in efforts to retain some level of service in neighborhoods. The changes to service would take place in two phases, Spring 2009 and Summer 2010. To view the potential changes for each phase, follow the links below.

Spring 2009
Summer 2010