Talk MetroLink and buses with Metro
If you have a question about getting around St. Louis on MetroLink or buses, ask the experts during their monthly chat. Join them Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2014, at noon.
3rd & 7 37yd
3rd & 7 37yd
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MetroWest,
Whenever road or streetscape projects interfere with the location of bus stops, temporary bus stops are erected in locations that are safe and accessible. This is true with the upcoming Manchester Corridor project. Metro is also working collaboratively with the municipalities to ensure incorporation of more optimal bus stop locations in this forthcoming project. -
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Justin,
Metro's new fare collection project will make passes, including the UPass, available on stored-value plastic smart cards. These cards can be re-loaded, making it unnecessary to obtain a new card each semester. Fare media will not be available via an "open payment system" on cell phones in the near future. -
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Lex,
Metro is working with a company called Trapeze that specializes in transit software. We use these products for a range of purposes including service scheduling, management of our automated vehicle location (AVL) system, operations management, etc. The trip planning app and Metro's TripPlanner are just a couple of the Trapeze products we use. -
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KarenElissa,
To date Metro has replaced all its MetroBus fare boxes and upgraded our MetroLink validators and ticket vending machines. We are now testing smart cards on MetroLink with a small test group and Metro's College Semester passes are now being offered on a "hybrid" card that is both magnetic stripe and smart card. We anticipate a more broad, phased implementation of smart cards beginning in 2015. Find out more at our blog, NextStopSTL.org. -
Contacting security from the train is always a hassle. Are you looking into any technological solutions here? For example, if a fighting breaks out in a train, what can anyone do? Call security and wait until it arrives at the next station? It does not sound like a good solution to me.
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Aligo,
Reliable, on-time service is one of Metro's primary goals, and we pride ourselves on our performance for both MetroBus and MetroLink. We recognize the difficulty late buses or trains can pose to our customers, especially when making connections. We routinely monitor service and adjust MetroBus schedules as needed to ensure that we can adhere to the schedules we post. Our most recent service change on December 1 including several such changes. That said, we do encounter delays, especially during inclement weather when road conditions (and sometimes track conditions) are poor. If you consistently experience a delay or missed connection, please contact Metro to let us know the specifics so that we may address potential schedule problems. You can always reach us at customerservice@metrostlouis.org or at 314-231-2345. -
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Aligo,
We have had some dialogue about creating technology that would allow customers to call or text in security concerns to our central security dispatch center. This would require both specialized software and the staff resources to respond to these inquiries, so it's not something we have in place yet. In most instances, responsiveness would involve addressing the situation at the next station, as we do not have security personell on every bus and train. -
There are lots of the colored lights at the Skinker station all burnt out or not in sync with the others. Will they get fixed to their original glory?
Also, I think that the Skinker station is the only underground station with only one entrance/exit. What should passengers do if, knock on wood, the one entrance is blocked? -
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MetroRider,
The art in the Big Bend Tunnel between the Skinker and Big Bend Stations is in need of repair and I understand that there are some technical issues interrupting that repair. Metro is working with original artist to ensure these repairs can be made.
The Skinker MetroLink Station does have two entrances/exists. One opens up near westbound Forest Park Parkway, near side of Skinker. The other opens up on northbound Skinker, near side of Forest Park Parkway. There is a bridge below grade connecting the east and westbound platforms. -
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LM,
Yes, Metro could consider BRT on Gravois, there is certainly road capacity. That suggestion has been made, but the ridership on that corridor currently isn't very compelling. When we have a successful BRT implemented, I would expect that model to be also applied elsewhere. -
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Caleb,
We agree that rail can be a powerful catalyst for growth and development and the St. Louis region has benefited tremendously from local and federal investment in our 46-mile, 37-station light rail system, which was most recently expanded in 2006. Metro's long-range plan includes several options for expanding that system. Moving forward on any of these options would require an action by our regional leadership, through East-West Gateway Council of Governments, and would also require that we have a plan in place for funding the project. This would include funding for 100% of the cost to operate new service, plus a local match to any federal resources provided for construction (at least 50% of total project cost). A light rail extension could cost anywhere upwards of $900,000,000, so that requires time to assemble. The award process for federal funds for large-scale projects like light rail is very competitive, as these funds are quite limited.
Because of its cost effectiveness and flexibility, MetroBus service will continue to provide service in most of Metro's expansive service area. We are proud of the reliability of MetroBus, which operates on time over 92% of the time. -
Jake,
Real-time information will eventually be made available publicly in General Transit Feed Specification Reference format. Metro schedule data is currently available publicly via our Developer Resource Page. -
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Thanks for an active chat today St. Louis! Sorry for the brief delay, we experienced some trouble accessing the site for a few minutes. You can always reach out to Metro at customerservice@metrostlouis.org, via our website, blog, via Facebook, Twitter, or good old-fashioned telephone at 314-231-2345. Happy Holidays and we'll see you next year!