Ronald Forrest, New Chief Operating Officer, Metro Transit

We are pleased to announce that Ronald Forrest has been selected as the next Chief Operating Officer of Metro Transit. Ronald joins the Metro Transit team on June 2, bringing with him an extensive background in transportation management and operational excellence to the top Metro Transit position. The leadership transition comes as current Chief Operating Officer Charles Stewart prepares to retire at the end of June.

“Chuck has been a pivotal figure in Metro Transit’s growth and success over the last several years, and his dedication to public service has left a lasting impact on our organization as well as the communities we serve,” said Taulby Roach, President and CEO of Bi-State Development. “We are deeply grateful for his contributions and wish him all the best in his well-deserved retirement.”

Forrest, who was selected from a pool of interested candidates from around the nation, brings more than 25 years of leadership experience in public transit to his new role at Metro Transit. Forrest successfully led numerous initiatives at other transit agencies to enhance transportation systems and improve customer experiences. His expertise in project management and community engagement has consistently delivered results that prioritize accessibility and sustainability. His dedication to fostering collaboration makes him an excellent fit to guide Metro Transit’s future growth.

Most recently, Forrest served as Deputy Chief Operating Officer at Metro Transit in Minneapolis, MN, where he and his team were responsible for delivering approximately 60 million customer trips annually in the Twin Cities region. His experience, strategic vision and commitment to innovation aligns with Metro Transit’s commitment to enhancing efficiency, promoting inclusion and safety, and elevating customer service across MetroBus, MetroLink, Metro Call‑A‑Ride, and Transit Assets operations.

“We are excited to welcome Ronald to our transit team,” Roach said. “His extensive expertise in operations management and his dedication to innovation and customer-centric solutions will be invaluable to our mission of delivering world-class transit services.”

“We look forward to Ronald joining the team next month,” said Sam Gladney, Chair of the Bi-State Development Board of Commissioners. “His forward-thinking leadership and proven track record of operational success will be critical as we shape the future of public transit and remain dedicated to exceeding the expectations of the communities we serve.”

The post Introducing the New COO to Lead Metro Transit appeared first on Metro Transit – Saint Louis.

“The Gateway Go program is all about helping connect youth to more resources and opportunities across the region, positioning these young individuals to gain important experience that can lead to a brighter future,” said Charles Stewart, Chief Operating Officer at Metro Transit.

Gateway Go Passes are swiped on a MetroBus farebox or shown to fare enforcers upon request on MetroLink trains. They cannot be used for Via or Metro Call‑A‑Ride fares. Passes can be purchased at the MetroStore, which is located at 801 Pine Street in downtown St. Louis. The store is open Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. Proof of age must be provided to purchase the pass and can be in the form of a driver’s license, state ID, birth certificate or passport. Individuals or organizations interested in placing group orders should call the MetroStore in advance at 314-982-1495.

Getting a Gateway Go Card is easy, and participants who provide proof of age will be able to take advantage of the tremendous discounts to ride MetroLink and MetroBus routes on the entire Metro Transit system in St. Louis and St. Louis County in Missouri and in St. Clair County, Illinois this Summer.

For more information about the Gateway Go Card, visit MetroStLouis.org/GatewayGo. The details of this program are separate from the Gateway Go opportunity provided by the City of St. Louis. For more information on that program, visit https://bit.ly/STLYouthTransit.

The post Connecting Youth to Opportunities with Gateway GO Summer Pass appeared first on Metro Transit – Saint Louis.

“We are entrusted with the great responsibility of connecting people to opportunity. These new vehicles are significant to ensuring the MetroLink system operates efficiently and continues to provide quality service to our customers across the region,” said Taulby Roach, President and CEO of Bi-State Development, which operates Metro Transit for the St. Louis region.

The MetroLink system currently operates 75 vehicles, more than 20 are 30 years old and have over one million miles each. Fifteen vehicles of the existing fleet have topped the two-million-mile mark. Many of Metro Transit’s MetroLink cars are operating well beyond the typical expected 25-year service life. The new light-rail vehicles will operate within the existing MetroLink alignment, platform, and facility infrastructure, which spans over 46 miles and soon to be 39 stations throughout the region, and are well-equipped for the St. Louis region’s ever-changing weather.

“Our existing fleet has lasted far longer than anticipated, a testament to the exceptional work performed by our MetroLink maintenance team over the last 30 years,” said Roach. “We will continue to be good stewards of the public funds we receive and take great care of our new MetroLink fleet, so they can help the St. Louis region thrive for years to come.”

Initially, 24 high-floor light-rail vehicles will be put into MetroLink service in phases with the first group of new MetroLink cars expected to be in operation in the next few years. The contract includes an option for 31 additional MetroLink cars to be executed at the board’s discretion.

Siemens Mobility has been a leader in intelligent transport solutions for more than 175 years and has been the exclusive provider of light rail vehicles since MetroLink began operations 30 years ago.

The post Contract for New MetroLink Vehicles Approved by BSD Board appeared first on Metro Transit – Saint Louis.

On Monday, August 28, Metro Transit will make schedule adjustments to two MetroBus routes as part of the quarterly service change. There are no changes to MetroLink service.

Metro Transit regularly monitors and reviews feedback from operators and customers, and uses this information and other trip data to improve transit services. The adjustments scheduled for August 28 include:

• #40 N. Broadway | New Schedule: Weekday and weekend schedule adjustments to improve on-time performance and MetroBus connections at the Riverview Transit Center.
• #3 Sauget-Water Street (IL) | New Schedule: Change to last weekday evening southbound trip to 11:40 p.m.

Transit customers who have questions or need assistance should contact Metro Transit Information at 314.231.2345 (phone) or 314.207.9786 (text) or, Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The post Adjustments to Two MetroBus Routes Beginning August 28 appeared first on Metro Transit – Saint Louis.

Fare surveyors will be visiting all 38 MetroLink stations through November 13. They will be wearing badges that display the Metro logo along with either “Survey Supervisor” or “Surveyor” printed on them. Fare surveyors will also be carrying clipboards and wearing khaki or dark slacks and white, button-down shirts. They will observe the type of fare you are using to ride (single-ride ticket, monthly pass, reduced fare, etc.), which will help our research and planning teams.

If you have any questions about the fare survey, please contact Customer Service by calling 314.982.1406 or texting 314.207.9786, Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The post MetroLink Fare Survey – October 22 to November 13 appeared first on Metro Transit – Saint Louis.

Since the historic rainfall (officially 9.04” in 24 hours) our region experienced on July 26, our team has been working around the clock to restore service. Even though MetroLink schedules and operations are not back to normal yet, we wanted to share some behind-the-scenes information about what we have been doing to keep you moving.

• One MetroLink train stranded in flood waters at the Delmar Loop Station is a total loss
• Both station elevators at the Forest Park-DeBaliviere Station must be replaced
• MetroLink communications and fiber optics sustained substantial damage
• MetroLink signal systems housed in two communication rooms and four signal houses all sustained substantial damage
• DeBaliviere MetroLink signal house is also a total loss after taking on nearly seven feet of water
• About five miles of light rail track bed was damaged

Our crews were able to make track bed repairs in the first 72 hours, so we could cancel the Red Line bus shuttles and reopen train service on the Red Line. After other repairs were completed, we were able to resume Red Line service from St. Louis Lambert International Airport to the Shiloh-Scott Station.

We are still experiencing delays because we cannot operate trains at normal speeds through the flood-damaged area due to the significant damage to the signal houses and communications equipment.

Because the Red Line and Blue Line meet at the Forest Park-DeBaliviere Station, the DeBaliviere signal house plays a critical role in maintaining safe operations at that intersection. Since the DeBaliviere signal house is a total loss and the signal and communications systems still down, we are currently unable to move the Blue Line and Red Line trains through the Forest Park-DeBaliviere Station. That is why you have to catch a MetroLink Station Shuttle to transfer between the two lines. We are devoting a lot of time and attention to clean and assess each piece of those highly sensitive and intricate electrical systems that was underwater to see what can be repaired and what components must be replaced with new equipment. It will be several months before we can fully restore MetroLink service on the Red and Blue Lines in the City of St. Louis City and in St. Louis County.

In the meantime, our main goal is to make it easier as soon as possible for you to transfer between the Blue Line and Red Line by train again at the Forest Park-DeBaliviere Station. We are working on a plan that will provide you that option in the coming days so please stay tuned. Thank you for your patience and understanding as we navigate this unprecedented challenge.

For the latest information on service, visit our Special MetroLink Operations page. For questions or assistance with planning your Metro commute, please contact Metro Transit Information, available Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 314.231.2345 (phone) or 314.207.9786 (text).

The post MetroLink Flood Damage Update appeared first on Metro Transit – Saint Louis.

Metro Transit teams and contractors are working around the clock to continue to assess damage, and to make repairs to restore train service to the MetroLink light rail system west of the Central West End Station following the record rainfall and flash flooding event on July 26. Preliminary damage estimates range between $18 and $20 million. Metro Transit is requesting emergency federal and state funding to help cover the losses caused by the unprecedented weather event. MetroLink equipment between the Forest Park-DeBaliviere and Delmar Loop Stations sustained the most significant flood damage with one MetroLink train valued at $10 million expected to be a total loss, as well as station elevators, MetroLink communications and fiber optics, the MetroLink signal system, and damage to the light rail track beds. A Metro Call‑A‑Ride vehicle trapped in the flash flooding July 26 is also expected to be declared a total loss.

Fortunately, there were no injuries to any transit customers, operators, contractors or transit team members during the flash flooding. Deer Creek, which is next to the Brentwood MetroBus Facility, flooded and water surrounded the building, preventing MetroBus from deploying transit vehicles from that facility on Tuesday. Vehicles from other MetroBus facilities were used for service on Tuesday. When the floodwaters receded Tuesday, MetroBus vehicles were relocated to the DeBaliviere MetroBus facility where they are now being used for daily service deployment. The electric bus fleet was removed from service to protect those transit assets and the battery electric vehicles were later moved to the Central MetroBus facility Tuesday afternoon after the floodwaters receded outside the Brentwood MetroBus facility. Flash flooding at several MetroLink stations and water on the tracks hampered or prevented trains temporarily from operating at different sections of the MetroLink alignment in both Missouri and Illinois on July 26.

“We have never seen flash flooding to these extreme levels on the 46-mile MetroLink system since it opened in 1993,” said Taulby Roach, Bi-State Development President and CEO. Bi-State Development operates the Metro Transit public transportation system in Missouri in the City of St. Louis and St. Louis County and in St. Clair County in Illinois.

“What occurred on July 26 was beyond our control and we ask for our riders to be patient in the days and weeks to come as we work through these unprecedented challenges to fully restore MetroLink service,” Roach said. “In the meantime, we are transporting our MetroLink riders by bus shuttles between stations where the trains are unable to operate. We recognize it is not as convenient for our customers and their commutes are taking longer than normal because traveling by bus is not as fast or efficient as taking MetroLink. Many of these operators are working long days and overtime so please thank them when you see them. Our team has made tremendous efforts during the past 48 hours to restore partial service and will continue these extraordinary efforts. Some of our employees are flood victims themselves and have damage to their homes and personal vehicles but are on the job to help keep the region moving.”

For the latest updates to transit service, visit our service updates page.

The post Damage to Metro Transit System from Record Rainfall & Flash Flooding Estimated at Between $18-20 Million appeared first on Metro Transit – Saint Louis.

What will transportation in the St. Louis region look like in 2050? Now is your chance to help East-West Gateway Council of Governments (EWG) prioritize future transportation investments.

The region is updating our Long-Range Transportation Plan. Take a brief survey to provide your input and ideas for how transportation should evolve in the next 25 years!

For any questions about the survey, contact staff by phone at 314.421.4220 or 618.274.2750, or by email at lrp@ewgateway.org.

Take the survey: https://metroquestsurvey.com/nl0x0e

Connected 2050 is EWG’s latest Long-Range Transportation Planning effort. What is a Long-Range Transportation Plan? This plan sets EWG’s vision and priorities for the St. Louis transportation system including highways, bridges, public transit, bicycle and pedestrian routes, and serves as the framework for regional transportation decision-making and investments. This document is updated every four years and must balance technical needs, budgetary constraints, and public desires.

The post Connected 2050: Weigh in on the Future of Transportation in the Region appeared first on Metro Transit – Saint Louis.

Hiring bonus of up to $2,000 available for select positions

Job seekers looking to start a rewarding career with competitive compensation and benefits packages and guaranteed retirement employer contributions are invited to a special Metro Transit hiring event on Saturday, September 25, at the Metro Transit Central Facility located at 3300 Spruce Street in St. Louis.

From 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., Metro will be offering on-site interviews with qualified candidates. Full-time and part-time candidates hired as a MetroBus Operator, Metro Call‑A‑Ride Operator, Mechanic or Electrician, and meet all the qualifications, will be eligible for a one-time hiring bonus up to $2,000.

Metro Transit Hiring Event
Saturday, September 25 | 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Metro Transit Central Facility |  3300 Spruce Street  | St. Louis, MO  63103
On-site Interviews available: Van and Bus operators

Applicants should park in the Employee Parking Lot just east of the main entrance. All individuals must wear a face mask and undergo a temperature screening.

For more information on careers at Metro Transit, visit WorkAtMetroStL.com.

The post Take the Wheel on a New Career: Hiring Event September 25 appeared first on Metro Transit – Saint Louis.

Metro Transit is teaming up with St. Louis Area Foodbank to address food insecurity in the region. Over the next year, the St. Louis Area Foodbank will bring its Food on the Move mobile pantry to the Rock Road Transit Center on the third Monday of each month, beginning on Monday, April 19.

The mobile pantry will be available from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the Park-Ride lot at the Rock Road Transit Center on these Mondays, allowing transit riders, area residents, and visitors to receive healthy food for themselves and their families, free of charge. The Rock Road Transit Center is located at 7001 St. Charles Rock Road.

The Food on the Move mobile pantry is equipped with three refrigerators and can provide fresh and shelf-stable food items. The pantry is accessible by both ramps and stairs. Health guidelines to help protect visitors from potential exposure to COVID-19 will be followed, including providing hand sanitizer, frequent cleanings, and monitoring social distancing.

Traveling to Rock Road Transit Center

You can reach Rock Road Transit Center on MetroBus by riding the #2 Red, #19 St. Louis Ave., #32 ML King, #35 Rock Road, #64 Lucas Hunt. The transit center is also served by Red Line MetroLink trains or by Metro Call‑A‑Ride.

Federal mandate requires everyone to wear a mask on Metro Transit. Protect other riders and our team members — wear a mask while you’re riding, on a MetroLink platform, or waiting for your bus.

To plan your trip to the Rock Road Transit Center, download the Transit app to your mobile device to plan your trip, pay your fare and check on the real-time status of your bus. You can also use the Trip Planner or check out MetroLink and MetroBus schedules, or contact Metro Transit Information at 314-231-2345 (phone) or 314-207-9786 (text), Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The post Mobile Food Pantry Comes to Rock Road Transit Center appeared first on Metro Transit – Saint Louis.