St. Louis Metro to launch first phase of fare, gate upgrade July 6

The Bi-State Development Agency of the Missouri-Illinois Metropolitan District (St. Louis Metro) will begin activating its next generation fare collection system and automated security gates at 13 MetroLink stations on July 6. The agency notes this upgrade comes as a major milestone in its ongoing transformation of MetroLink into a safer, more secure and more rider-focused transit system.

The upcoming activation represents phase one of a three-phase implementation plan that will introduce integrated fare collection technology and independent gate access throughout the MetroLink system. Customers using upgraded stations will be able to validate their fare and access platforms through newly installed automatic security gates using mobile fare technology, smart fare media or ticket vending machine (TVM) purchases.

The first phase includes 13 MetroLink stations, consisting of eight stations in Missouri and five stations in Illinois:

Missouri

• Central West End
• Civic Center
• Cortex
• Delmar Loop
• Forest Park-DeBaliviere
• Grand
• North Hanley
• Union Station

Illinois

• College
• East Riverfront
• Emerson Park
• Jackie Joyner-Kersee Center
• Washington Park

The July 6 activation is the first step in an implementation strategy the agency says is designed to ensure a seamless transition for St. Louis Metro riders while maintaining regular operations across the transit system.

Phase two is scheduled for July 17, and when combined with phase one, will bring 26 MetroLink platforms online with integrated fare collection and automated gate access. These locations account for approximately 91% of all MetroLink fare sales systemwide.

Phase three is currently scheduled for Aug. 17, pending the delivery and installation of remaining TVMs. This final phase will activate 12 of the remaining 13 stations, completing implementation across virtually the entire MetroLink network. The new MidAmerica Airport MetroLink Station is expected to come online separately in early to mid-September due to factors unrelated to the Secure Platform Plan , which has transformed MetroLink from an open-platform system into a controlled-access transit environment, designed to enhance safety, security and the overall passenger experience.“This is more than an upgrade, it’s a transformation of how our region experiences transit,” said St. Louis Metro President and CEO Taulby Roach. “On July 6, customers will begin experiencing firsthand how our new fare technology and automatic security gates improve the overall transit experience. This investment fulfills our promise to deliver a safer, more reliable and more secure transit system for the region.”

To ensure a smooth transition, the agency will deploy customer engagement ambassadors, St. Louis Metro security personnel and support staff at activated stations throughout the implementation period. The agency notes that these teams will assist customers with navigating the new fare system, using mobile fare technology, accessing platforms through security gates and transitioning riders from legacy fare products.

Support personnel will be deployed at phase one locations following activation before transitioning to phase two stations. This deployment strategy will continue through each phase of implementation to provide direct assistance and ensure riders become comfortable with the new system.

St. Louis Metro is also launching a public information campaign to educate customers about the transition. Riders are encouraged to download the Transit App prior to July 6. The Transit app will allow customers to purchase fares digitally and take advantage of the enhanced features available through the new fare system.