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MetroLink (St. Louis)

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MetroLink
Company typePublic transit system
IndustryPublic transportation
FoundedJuly 31, 1993; 33 years ago (1993-07-31) in Greater St. Louis, Missouri, United States
Headquarters
St. Louis
,
United States
Area served
Greater St. Louis region (Missouri and Illinois)
ProductsLight rail transit service
OwnerMetro Transit (Bi-State Development Agency)
Websitewww.metrostlouis.org

MetroLink—often referred to simply as "Metro"—is the light rail transit system serving the Greater St. Louis region. Managed by Metro Transit, it operates under a unified fare structure shared with MetroBus. The system consists of two lines covering a total distance of 46 miles (74 km) and includes 38 stations.

Unlike many light rail networks across the United States, MetroLink incorporates characteristics commonly associated with rapid transit, such as predominantly exclusive rights-of-way, elevated maximum speeds, and level boarding at every station. These features enable effective urban transportation and establish MetroLink as a vital component of St. Louis’s metropolitan infrastructure.

In , the system achieved an annual ridership totaling .

History

The groundwork for the original MetroLink route, stretching from St. Louis Lambert International Airport to the 5th & Missouri station in East St. Louis, commenced in 1990. The inaugural segment launched on July 31, 1993, featuring 16 stations between North Hanley and 5th & Missouri. Subsequently, the line was extended to Lambert Airport Main on June 25, 1994. Since then, three infill stations have been introduced: East Riverfront (1994), Lambert Airport East (1998), and Cortex (2018).

Approximately of the initial route utilized preexisting railroad corridors, including historic tunnels within downtown St. Louis. The first construction phase carried a price tag of $465 million, with $348 million provided by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA).

Work on extending the line through St. Clair County from 5th & Missouri to College in Belleville began in 1998 and concluded with its opening in May 2001. This expansion added eight stations along with seven park-and-ride facilities at an overall cost of $339.2 million, primarily funded through FTA grants and local sales tax revenues.

In May 2003, a further extension connecting College to Shiloh-Scott was inaugurated. This $75 million project was financed via Illinois FIRST grants alongside local transit funds.

The Cross County Extension became operational on August 26, 2006, introducing nine new stations between Forest Park-DeBaliviere and Shrewsbury, Missouri. This segment serves significant commercial and residential zones including Washington University and Clayton. The $430 million project was backed by a Metro bond issuance but encountered delays and budget overruns that resulted in litigation; in 2007, a jury awarded $2.56 million to the contractor involved.

On October 27, 2008, Metro rebranded its routes as the Red Line—covering the Lambert Airport branch—and the Blue Line, which extends to Fairview Heights. To enhance passenger communication, trains now feature line identifiers displayed onboard while operators announce stops during service.

The U.S. Department of Transportation granted $10.3 million on September 9, 2014, for constructing a new Cortex station positioned between Central West End and Grand stations. This funding was supplemented by a $5 million public-private partnership involving Washington University and BJC HealthCare. The Cortex station officially opened on July 31, 2018.

On June 15, 2019, MetroLink set a record for single-day ridership with over 100,000 boardings during the St. Louis Blues’ Stanley Cup championship parade.

Flash flooding on July 26, 2022, forced MetroLink to suspend operations for nearly three days and caused damage estimated at $40 million affecting track infrastructure, elevators, signal houses, communications rooms, and two vehicles were destroyed. Red Line services resumed by September while Blue Line operations continued under limitations for almost two years. On July 31, 2023, Metro received $27.7 million in federal disaster relief funds dedicated to repairs. By March 2024, Blue Line restrictions were lifted following completion of signal house reconstruction.

In 2023, Bi-State’s board endorsed a memorandum of understanding with the City of St. Louis to plan and advance the development of the Green Line expansion. In May of that year, Metro secured a federal grant totaling $196.2 million aimed at acquiring new light rail vehicles to replace the remaining SD-400 fleet. Six months later, Bi-State approved a contract valued up to $390.4 million with Siemens Mobility for up to 55 Siemens S200 light rail cars scheduled for delivery beginning in 2027.

Chronology

Dates marking the inauguration of MetroLink lines and stations:

Opening date Segment Number of Stations Distance
1993-07-31 Route connecting North Hanley to 5th & Missouri 16 13.9 mi (22.4 km)
1994-05-14 East Riverfront (added station) 1 —
1994-06-25 Extension reaching Lambert Airport Main 1 3.15 mi (5.07 km)
1998-12-23 Lambert Airport East (added station) 1 —
2001-05-05 Expansion to College 8 17.4 mi (28.0 km)
2003-06-23 Extension to Shiloh-Scott 1 3.5 mi (5.6 km)
2006-08-26 Expansion reaching Shrewsbury-Lansdowne I-44 9 8.0 mi (12.9 km)
2018-07-31 Cortex (added station) 1 —
Overall total 38 46.0 mi (74.0 km)

Red Line

The Red Line spans approximately 38 miles (61 km), commencing at St. Louis Lambert International Airport with stops at both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 stations. It proceeds through Kinloch, MO, serving the North Hanley station near Bel-Ridge, then continues to two stations located at the University of Missouri St. Louis campus (UMSL North station and UMSL South station) in Normandy, MO. This route traces the historic path of the former Wabash/Norfolk & Western Railroad Union Depot, which historically linked Ferguson to Union Station. Moving onward through Pagedale, it includes stops at both Rock Road station and Wellston's Wellston station. Upon entering St. Louis City near Skinker Boulevard, it serves the vibrant entertainment area known as the Delmar Loop via the Delmar Loop station. At Forest Park-DeBaliviere, the Red Line intersects with the Blue Line, sharing tracks until the Blue Line's terminus at Illinois' Fairview Heights.

Blue Line

Originating at the Shrewsbury-Lansdowne I-44 in Shrewsbury, Missouri, located west of the River des Peres, the Blue Line crosses over Interstate 44 and heads northward, stopping at two stations within Maplewood, Missouri (Sunnen station and Maplewood–Manchester station). It then reaches the Brentwood I-64 station in Brentwood, Missouri, situated near Interstate 64. The line proceeds beneath Interstate 64 via a tunnel to serve the Richmond Heights station, providing access to the Saint Louis Galleria shopping center. Turning eastward, it arrives at the Clayton station along Forest Park Parkway, catering to the Central Business District of St. Louis County, Missouri. Continuing east to the Forsyth station, it enters a tunnel leading to the subway stop at University City–Big Bend station. Crossing into St. Louis City limits, it halts at the underground Skinker station, close to Washington University. At the junction of Forest Park–DeBaliviere station, it connects with the Red Line; from this point until its conclusion at Illinois' Fairview Heights, both lines share tracks.

Shared track sections

The Red and Blue lines operate on common tracks through 16 stations. Traveling from west to east, these include Central West End and Cortex, which serve the Central West End area, Washington University Medical Center, and the Cortex Innovation Community. The heavily trafficked Grand station provides connections to MetroBus #70 and caters to Saint Louis University and its medical center. The downtown St. Louis area is covered by stations such as Union Station, Civic Center, Stadium, 8th & Pine, Convention Center, and Laclede's Landing. After crossing the historic Eads Bridge into Illinois, the line serves East Riverfront, 5th & Missouri, Emerson Park, Jackie Joyner-Kersee Center, and Washington Park in East St. Louis. The Blue Line terminates at Fairview Heights, whereas the Red Line extends southward through Belleville, ending at the Shiloh–Scott near Scott Air Force Base.

Vehicle fleet

MetroLink's fleet consists of 87 light rail vehicles manufactured by Siemens, including SD-400 and SD-460 models. Each articulated unit is equipped with four high-level doors on each side, providing seating for 72 passengers and standing room for 106. These vehicles are electrically powered via overhead catenary wires.

All cars are designed for bi-directional operation, featuring driver cabins at both ends to improve operational versatility; however, this design restricts movement between cars. Bicycle storage is permitted in vestibules adjacent to the inactive operator cab. The vehicles have separate doors for boarding at platform height and track level, though the latter are rarely utilized.

Beginning in 2026, the original SD-400 units will be retired while the SD-460 cars will undergo refurbishment to extend their service life. In May 2023, a federal grant of $196.2 million was awarded to Metro for procuring up to 48 Siemens S200 high-floor light rail vehicles, intended to replace 25 older units. Six months later, Bi-State authorized a Siemens contract valued up to $390.4 million for as many as 55 new vehicles.

Two maintenance and storage yards support MetroLink operations: Ewing Yard, located between Grand and Union Station stops near downtown St. Louis, and 29th Street Yard situated between Jackie Joyner-Kersee Center and Washington Park stations in East St. Louis.

Vehicle inventory

Unit Model Manufacture Year Quantity Image Fleet Numbers
Siemens SD-400 1991–1993 31 1001–1031
Siemens SD-460 1999 10 rowspan="3" 2001–2010
2000 24 3001–3024
2004–2005 22 4001–4022
Siemens S200 Deliveries scheduled to start in 2027

Fare system

MetroLink employs a proof-of-payment fare collection method. Passengers must purchase tickets from vending machines at stations and validate them prior to boarding. Single-ride tickets allow travel for two hours in one direction from the time of validation. Monthly and weekly passes do not require validation but must be presented when requested by fare inspectors. Discounted fares are available for seniors aged 65 and above, individuals with disabilities, and children between ages 5 and 12; additionally, up to three children under five years old may ride free when accompanied by a paying passenger. A Semester Pass option is offered specifically for full-time students.

In 2018, Metro introduced the Gateway Card—a rechargeable smart card designed to replace paper passes—but by 2023 it was deemed unsuccessful and plans were announced to implement a new fare collection system under the Secure Platform Plan.

MetroLink Fare Breakdown
Fare Category Transport Mode Current Price
Standard Cash Fare Rail $2.50
Reduced Cash Fare* Rail $1.25
Two-Hour Pass/Transfer† Bus/Rail $3.00
Two-Hour Pass/Transfer (Reduced)*† Bus/Rail $1.50
Two-Hour Pass (from Lambert Airport)† Bus/Rail $4.00
(10) Two-Hour Passes† Bus/Rail $30.00
One-Day Adventure Pass Bus/Rail $5.00
Weekly Pass Bus/Rail $27.00
Monthly Pass Bus/Rail $78.00
Monthly Pass (Reduced)* Bus/Rail $39.00
Combo Pass Bus/Rail $98.00
University Semester Pass Bus/Rail $175.00
  • Eligibility for reduced fares requires a Metro reduced fare permit

† Two-hour passes are exclusively available as mobile tickets through the Transit app

MidAmerica Airport extension

In 2019, the St. Clair County Transit District obtained $96 million from Illinois infrastructure funds to finance an extension of the Red Line from Shiloh–Scott to MidAmerica St. Louis Airport in Mascoutah. This development consists of two segments: one double-track and one single-track section, along with a new station at the airport. Construction commenced in 2023, with Metro aiming for completion by spring 2026.

System rehabilitation

In 2023, Metro initiated a comprehensive, multi-year rehabilitation effort across the entire system. That spring marked the start of work on the downtown subway tunnels, including stations such as Laclede's Landing, Convention Center, and 8th & Pine. Planned improvements include upgrades or replacements to catenary wire, curve tracks, platforms, retaining walls, staircases, and system conduit.

Beginning in 2025, Metro will focus on restoring the Union Station tunnel, followed by work on the Cross County tunnels scheduled for 2026. This stage covers renovations at the Skinker and University City–Big Bend stations, as well as the installation of a storage siding near Richmond Heights.

By 2026, enhancements to the Supervisory Control Automated Data Acquisition (SCADA) and Public Address/Customer Information (PA/CIS) systems are projected to be finalized. The integration of SCADA with PA/CIS will improve operational oversight and provide passengers with real-time information displays at stations.

Secure Platform Plan

In 2024, Metro Transit began deploying turnstiles at every MetroLink station under its $52 million Secure Platform Plan (SPP). This initiative also encompasses a new fare collection system, increased fencing, passenger-assist telephones, and over 1,800 surveillance cameras managed from a control center established in November 2022 at Metro’s Central Garage.

The SPP is being rolled out in three stages, with full implementation anticipated by 2026. In September 2023, Bi-State awarded a $6.4 million contract to Millstone Weber LLC for phase one, which includes four Illinois stations. Turnstiles at these locations became operational in September 2024; however, due to delays with the new fare collection technology, staff will initially manage gate operations manually. The second phase involves seven Missouri stations and targets completion by early 2025. The final phase will cover remaining stations and fully activate the upgraded fare collection system by early 2026.

North-South expansion

The proposed North-South light rail corridor for MetroLink—dubbed the Green Line—would contrast with the Red and Blue lines by functioning more like street-level light rail systems found in cities such as Houston or Phoenix. It would connect to existing lines through an infill transfer station.

This route envisions approximately 10 stops between Chippewa Street in South St. Louis and Grand Boulevard in North St. Louis, primarily following Jefferson Avenue. Its goal is to convert Metro’s #11 (Chippewa) and #4 (Natural Bridge) bus routes into fixed rail service. In September 2023, Bi-State Development approved a four-year design consulting contract worth $18.9 million with Northside-Southside Transit Partners. By February 2024, the East-West Gateway Council endorsed Jefferson Avenue as the locally preferred alignment. The design study from 2023 projects around 5,000 daily boardings, annual operating expenses of $8-9 million, and capital costs estimated at $1.1 billion.

An extension into North St. Louis County was examined through four alternatives proposed in 2023 that would extend from Grand/Fairground station along Natural Bridge Avenue. However, by 2024 county officials dismissed these options citing an unfunded gap between the station and county border, as well as concerns regarding federal funding eligibility, ridership projections, and right-of-way limitations. Instead, other possibilities such as branching off near the University of Missouri–St. Louis, implementing rapid bus service, or hybrid solutions are being evaluated.

Previous proposals

Between 2000 and 2010, Metro unveiled its long-range strategy titled Moving Transit Forward, which outlined numerous potential extensions.<ref>Most of these proposals have since been discontinued, as regional authorities shifted focus toward expansions within St. Louis city and North St. Louis County.<ref>

North-South

  • Northside/Southside 2008. This plan featured two locally preferred alternatives (LPA). The Northside LPA from 2008 suggested a route linking downtown St. Louis to St. Louis Community College-Florissant Valley through North City and County.<ref> Meanwhile, the Southside LPA proposed a connection from downtown to Bayless Avenue traversing South City and County.<ref>
  • Northside/Southside 2018. The updated LPA adopted in 2018 reduced the scope to approximately , connecting Grand in North St. Louis with Chippewa in South St. Louis via a downtown loop on 9th and 10th streets.<ref> For the latest developments on this project, refer to Projects in planning for updates as of 2024.

Cross County

  • MetroSouth. Envisioned as Cross County Segment 2, this extension would carry the Blue Line beyond its Shrewsbury endpoint, heading south past Interstates 270/255 to Butler Hill Road, with an alternate terminus at Watson Road. Although an environmental impact study was finalized in 2004, the selection of a locally preferred alternative was postponed due to funding shortages and other challenges.
  • MetroNorth. Identified as Cross County Segment 3, this roughly -long extension would push the Blue Line from Clayton toward Florissant, partially utilizing the former Terminal Railroad Association’s Central Belt corridor running parallel to Interstate 170.
  • Daniel Boone. This proposal involves branching off near Olive Boulevard along an unused Rock Island Railroad right-of-way, then proceeding westward on existing Central Midland Railway tracks to Page Avenue and onward to Westport Plaza. A potential second phase of about would extend service to Chesterfield via Page Avenue and Highway 364 before continuing toward Creve Coeur Lake Memorial Park and Spirit of St. Louis Airport. However, this corridor has received limited attention due to anticipated low ridership.

St. Charles County

  • Proposals to extend MetroLink approximately 16–20 miles northwest from St. Louis Lambert International Airport into St. Charles County were abandoned after voters rejected a sales tax twice in 1996; following this, all MetroBus operations in the area were discontinued. The intended alignment would have crossed the Missouri River using the now-demolished Old St. Charles Bridge.

Madison County

  • A study conducted in 2005 examined extending MetroLink into Madison County, Illinois, recommending two routes originating near the 5th & Missouri station in East St. Louis and passing through Granite City, Collinsville, Wood River, and Glen Carbon over distances of roughly 21–23 miles. At Madison, the line would split into branches serving Alton and Edwardsville. Successful implementation would require coordination with Madison County Transit.

External links

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