Blog Display Issues – Sorry!

Posted on January 18, 2011 by Jennifer

NextStop is currently experiencing issues with our blog “theme” – the skin we use to make our site pretty & functional. The problem is a validation key that has to be recognized by the theme’s servers – their servers are down, so our theme doesn’t show up. In the meantime, we’re just switching “themes” so that our content is still available to our readers. If the site looks a little funny, that’s why. The normal theme and appearance will be back as soon as the server problem is resolved.

We’re totally bummed that we’re having these problems today of all days, when we’re getting a lot of traffic and recognition from the Riverfront Times, due to Metro being a twice-over Web Awards finalist! Oh well, with technology, we take the good with the bad.

Thanks for your patience!

Posted in Blog Performance | Comments Off

Metro’s Snow Patrol: Before the First Flake Falls, The Fight is On

Posted on January 14, 2011 by Courtney

Metro's Snow Patrol: (left to right) Brian Sellers, Pat Jones, Mike Creamer, Chuck Clemins, Orlando Franklin, Bob Gimber, Sharon Kordik, Willie Green, Phil Butler, Steve Brasfield, Leroy Coonce, Dave Still

It’s 2 a.m. in the small conference room decked out in white boards and regional maps.  All four phones on the walls are ringing.  The television is on, turned to the regional weather channel.  The coffee pot is hissing while someone relays the latest alert from the weather service.  Eight hours into a 12-hour shift, the room is wet with the tracks of snow boots as field supervisors check in for assignments.  Someone leans towards the computer screen, looks at the radar and says to the room, “I think we’ve got more coming.”

"We play weathermen." From left to right ROW Supervisors John Quinn, Phil Butler, Orlando Franklin and Mike Creamer

Welcome to the Storm Center.  It is a dedicated conference room nestled in Metro’s Right of Way (ROW) Maintenance office, where teams of supervisors, managers, drivers and workers are getting ready for one of Metro’s biggest challenges in a snow or ice storm: clearing the walkways, parking lots, platforms and transfer centers.  “We play weathermen,” said John Quinn, Supervisor of Bus ROW Maintenance.

Preparation doesn’t start at the same time you are thinking to yourself, “Should I wear my boots to work today?”  Starting in July or September, ROW starts testing equipment they will need during the winter months.  Trucks are sent to the shop.  Bags of salt and sand are ordered.  Drivers and managers are trained on the best way to maneuver around cars and stack snow on park-ride lots.

Metro has 43 locations, like station platforms, that require hand work and shoveling.  Thirty-three locations use plow trucks, and 11 use over-the-road salt.  Before the first flake falls from the sky, dozens of people are set to work 12-hour rotating shifts, 24-hours a day to keep on top of the weather.  The moment the forecast calls for wintry mix, a plan must be devised: how many people out there, which locations first, how much time do we have.  Volunteers are organized, and extra help is brought in.   The ROW storm teams know that while preparation and organization is crucial, no two storms are alike.

“They are all different animals,” says Mike Creamer, Supervisor of Rail Facility Maintenance.  “Every storm is dynamic.  You have to keep your eye on it all the time.”  The Storm Center is equipped to handle a constant barrage of information from national, local and field reports.  Snow can fall slowly for hours, then dump 6 inches in an hour.  Or the wind can blow heavily, covering freshly shoveled walkways with the fine powder.  Add in the complications of holidays and weekends (remember the Christmas Eve snowstorm?) and equipment breaking down after 24 hours in the cold, and you have a living, breathing operation.  ROW supervisors spend a lot of time on team training, to make people very familiar with the locations so they can respond quickly to obstacles.  Vehicle Maintenance provides support, staying open to do immediate and often on-site repairs during the brunt of the storm, and the Communications Control Center works and coordinates with the team’s progress.

“We have a lot of good people working on it.  It’s the people, they are the ones out there that get it done,” urges Director of Right-Of-Way Maintenance Chuck Clemins.  When asked to talk about Metro’s storm response, he immediately wanted to highlight the work of the people that make up the Storm Center team.  It is a hectic time, but the team members insist it is worthwhile work.

“There is a great sense of gratitude when it’s over, when people can get to work,” Quinn explained.  My final question to the ROW Storm Center team: so what’s the weather going to be like this weekend?

They wouldn’t commit to any predictions.  But I will tell you one thing: they aren’t hanging up their snow boots just yet.

Posted in Inside Metro | Tagged , , , | 4 Comments

The Story of the Bi-State Development Agency or Why Metro is Building a Bike Trail Connector

Posted on January 12, 2011 by Courtney

Recently, questions have been asked about Metro’s $1 million FTA grant to connect the planned Soulard Bikeway Extension and the North Riverfront Trail, called the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial Bike Connection.  Why is Metro involved in the project?  Isn’t Metro a transit agency?

The answer is – yes, we are a transit agency and much more.  Transit is certainly what we are best known for.  It is our largest business, but it’s not our only business.  In fact, it wasn’t even our first business. The Bi-State Development Agency, now better known as Metro, was created in 1949 to help drive regional development.

The Jefferson National Expansion Memorial Bike Connection project does not take money away from running buses and trains.

The bike trail grant was secured by Metro’s Business Enterprises Division.  Though not as well known as part of the agency as the transit arm, Business Enterprises’ work is widespread and contributes millions of dollars in economic impact to the region.  Business Enterprises reopened Parks Airport, and currently operates it as the St. Louis Downtown Airport in Sauget, Illinois.  The airport is the third busiest airport in Illinois, contributing $300 million in economic impact to our region.  Business Enterprises also runs the trams that take visitors to the top of the Gateway Arch.  The Arch parking facility was funded by and is operated by Business Enterprises.   Business Enterprises operates the Gateway Arch Riverboats, preventing an important riverfront attraction from leaving the region and operates several other riverfront attractions.  Business Enterprises does not rely on tax revenues and instead brings money back to Metro to help offset administrative costs.

The redevelopment of the Arch Grounds, scheduled for completion in 2015, is an immense development project involving many community partners and effecting years of St. Louis riverfront tourism and regional identity.  Attracting federal dollars to our region for the JNM Bike Connection is Metro’s contribution to riverfront development, designed to connect more people and communities to the active public spaces along the Mississippi River.

As Metro President and CEO John Nations said, “This is exactly what we should be doing for the region.  In fact it’s what we’ve always done.  For more than 60 years, the Bi-State Development Agency has been solving regional problems and fueling the regional economy.”

History of Bi-State Development Agency Projects:

-    Sponsored a study of pollution in the Mississippi River in the St. Louis area, leading to a successful program where local industries voluntarily agreed to treat wastes to reduce pollution.
-    Completed a study of sewer problems in St. Louis County, leading to the creation of the Metropolitan Sewer District.
-    Studied the need for modern river port facilities leading to development projects at the Granite City Dock.
-    Took over operation of regional public transit after purchasing 15 private transit firms in 1963.
-    Purchased Parks Metropolitan Airport in 1964 to be a reliever airport for Lambert Airport traffic – now the St. Louis Downtown Airport.
-    Financed the tram system to carry visitors to the top of the Arch.
-    Became one of first agencies in country to equip buses with wheelchair lifts.
-    Introduced Metro Call-A-Ride paratransit service.
-    Initiated the Arts in Transit public arts program.
-    Support regional tourism by operating Gateway Arch Trams, Gateway Arch parking facility, and the Gateway Arch Riverboats, bike rentals, helicopter rides and more.

Posted in Business Enterprises, Capital Projects, Economic Development | Tagged , , , | Comments Off

With an IPhone and Passionate Voice, Recent Grad Justin Chick Is Moving Transit Forward for St. Louis

Posted on January 11, 2011 by Courtney

Based on media coverage and anecdotal reports, now is a tough time in U.S. history to graduate from college.  Recent graduates face high unemployment and burdening debt.  One could imagine that the storm of challenges facing these graduates could result in a wave of cynical detachment.  But while struggling to find their own paths, many recent graduates still insist on giving much back to community, with the tools at their disposal.  Justin Chick, 25, is one of those recent graduates, navigating job searches while using his access to information, free social technology and passionate interest to contribute to the St. Louis community.  And he does, from the seat of MetroLink or a MetroBus, armed with an iPhone, website, and a passionate voice for transit.

Chick moved to St. Louis from Williamsburg, Massachusetts several years ago to attend Webster University, graduating in December with a degree in Public Relations.  He has become one of the educational or employment transplants now passionate about the St. Louis community and encouraging its social, economic and artistic growth.  He says he prefers transit because it is “simple, effective, relaxing, and environmentally and socially conscience.”

He is the Foursquare mayor of any given number of MetroLink stations.  He travels all over St. Louis on Metro, checking in and often documenting his adventures on his active Twitter account, @jaechick and website.  He attends transit public meetings, tweetups, blog discussions, and has plenty to say about being a self-described “transit nerd.”

“To me it’s more of a way of life than mode of transportation. Often I find there’s emphasis placed on destinations rather than the mode in which we arrive. I believe those methods are just as if not more important than the destination itself.  Riding Metro allows me to practice that. What I spend my money, time, energy on matters because it impacts the world that I live in and city which I love,” Chick says.

“Not to mention the sheer joy of getting to know other members of our community on transit, which under any other circumstances probably would not happen.”

Chick taking photos of presentations at Mehville Public Transit Meeting on Restoration

Chick’s twitter account often details his adventures on transit: idiosyncratic tales of friendly characters and pictures taken along his routes.  But he also uses his social media prowess to document areas he believes need improvement in transit.  For that reason, Chick serves as a customer advocate, an eyes-on-the-ground point of view from riding transit.  Chick has been a tremendous asset to Metro, not only as a voice of support, but also through constructive criticism.  He shared his opinion on his top three ways to improve St. Louis transit:

1. Produce better signage in general.

“At bus stops, it would be great to have signs that not only tells you where the stop is, but also which buses come there, in which direction and when those buses will (or should) be at the stop. On bus head signs, improve consistency between destinations stated on bus with the distinctions stated elsewhere on transit timetables, maps, boarding platforms etc.”

2.  Simplify fares.

“I can pay $2 to ride just one bus in one direction or $2.75 for unlimited travel on any bus or train. Or I can pay $2 to only ride the train in one direction for only 2 hours.  I always go with the 30 days unlimited because I know I’ll use it all 30 day but also because it’s simple, doesn’t matter where or when or in what direction I’m going I know I can go there and Metro can get me there.
By keeping bus riding separate from train riding in the fare structure there becomes an undertone that they’re different or that one is better than the other. They support each other,” Chick said.

3. Increase community involvement.

“From maintaining the tweetups and casual gatherings to a bit more formal quarterly town hall type meetings the purpose will be the same: foster community. Transit riders care and love St. Louis.  They’re the back bone of our city; get a bunch of them together and fantastic things start happening, I’ve seen it happen plenty of times.”

Chick is hoping to stay in his adopted city, looking for work as a social media marketer, while “continuing to support transit and the St. Louis community.”  The road is not entirely certain for these young graduates in the tough market, but Chick seems determined to make the most of it.  From his seat on the bus, he is helping guide transit in the right direction.

Posted in Metro Riders, Transit in the Community | Tagged , , , , | 5 Comments

Grand MetroLink Station Project Update

Posted on January 7, 2011 by Jennifer

Remember how we told you, back in March, that the Grand MetroLink Station is about to see some major improvements when the City of St. Louis takes down the Grand Avenue bridge? That project is getting very close to starting now – the City believes construction (or rather, demolition) will begin in February or March of this year. (Remember, our project start is tied to the City’s project.)

In the meantime, Metro has been updating the design and plans in response to policy decisions and input from our public and private partners. One major change that riders should be happy about: Metro has decided to leave the station open for the duration of the project. How will we accomplish that and still keep you, our customer, safe from the overhead construction?

Extending the platform, of course!

Metro will construct a temporary extension (east) of the MetroLink platform at Grand. The portion of the platform that is in the danger zone – where the elevator towers will be demolished as the bridge comes down – will be closed to passengers. Moving waiting passengers out from under the bridge will ensure passenger safety while keeping the station open. Moreover, the contractors will build part of the new park-ride lot first, so that buses coming to the station will be able to use the newly paved area as a drop-off area and turnaround when Scott Avenue is closed to traffic for the bridge demolition. Once the project is complete and buses are running on Scott Avenue as normal, the parking lot will be opened to the public for its intended use.

The plaza design remains essentially unchanged, except that restrooms are no longer included in the design. We investigated, convened committees, received pricing estimates on all kinds of options – everything from the standard-issue toilet to an automated, hi-tech self-contained unit, but as a matter of policy it was decided that the toilets will just be too expensive to maintain  and operate.

Expect progress updates here once the project gets underway.

Posted in Capital Projects, Making Transit Easy | Tagged , | 9 Comments

MoDOT Creating State Rail Plan – And Wants Your Input

Posted on January 5, 2011 by Courtney

From MoDOT:

If you were charged with guiding Missouri’s rail future, how would you spend your resources and what would you make a priority?  A new online survey is giving citizens the chance to offer suggestions.

The survey is seeking information about rail services, challenges, opportunities, costs and benefits from the public’s point of view.

“We’re launching efforts to develop a state rail plan for Missouri,” said MoDOT Director Kevin Keith, “and we need your help to plan properly for the future.

“It’s always a challenge to pay for all the transportation services and improvements Missourians tell us they want,” Keith added, “so how the state invests our rail transportation dollars says a lot about our priorities and has a major impact on the state’s economy.”

The survey results, along with other information collected through public involvement activities, will be used to help MoDOT create a comprehensive rail plan that will primarily focus on three general areas: freight rail development, passenger rail and highway/rail crossing safety.

The survey only takes a few moments, and allows survey takers to focus on various areas of rail: passenger, freight, funding, expansion and other issues. For more information, visit MoDOT’s website.

Posted in Alternative Transportation, Transit in the Community | Tagged , , | 5 Comments

Reduced Fare Permit Registration at West County Schnuck Markets in January

Posted on January 4, 2011 by Courtney

If you or someone you know are 65 years and older, you qualify for a Reduced Fare Permit for Metro Transit.  The permit allows seniors to purchase most tickets and passes for half the price of the regular adult fare.  To purchase reduced-price fair, transit customers need a Reduced Fare Permit.  In January, Metro representatives will be at various West St. Louis County Schnuck Markets to host public registration events for the Reduced Fare Permit.

  • 10 a.m. to noon Wednesday, Jan. 5 at Schnucks Ladue Crossing, 8867 Ladue Road in Ladue
  • 10 a.m. to noon Thursday, Jan. 6 at Schnucks Twin Oaks, 1393 Big Bend Road, Suite 1, in Twin Oaks
  • 2 to 4 p.m. Friday, Jan. 7 at Schnucks Bellerive Plaza, 12756 Olive Blvd. in Creve Coeur
  • 10 a.m. to noon Tuesday, Jan. 11 at Schnucks Creve Coeur, 10650 Olive Blvd. in Creve Coeur
  • 9 to 11 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 12 at Schnucks Richmond Center, 6600 Clayton Road in Richmond Heights
  • 10 a.m. to noon Monday, Jan. 17 at Schnucks Woods Mill, 1060 Woods Mill Plaza in Town & Country
  • 9 to 11 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 18 at Schnucks Brentwood, 8800 Manchester Road in Brentwood

Permits also can be obtained year-round between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays at the Downtown MetroRide Store, 701 Convention Plaza (at the corner of 7th and Washington avenues inside America’s Center).

Metro’s free Reduced Fare Permit can only be obtained in person. Seniors will be required to present a government-issued photo identification card that verifies their age, such as a driver’s license, passport, or state ID card. The permit will be mailed directly to the seniors’ homes and are valid for five years.

For more information, you can also call (314) 231-2345.

Posted in Frugality, Making Transit Easy, Transit Benefits | Tagged , , , | Comments Off

A Year To Remember: St. Louis Transit in 2010

Posted on December 30, 2010 by Courtney

This was a year to remember. We here at Metro and the entire region have much to be thankful for at the close of 2010. More than just a great year for Metro, this was truly a year for celebration for the future of transit in St. Louis.

Proposition A passed in St. Louis County.

The most significant transit moment in 2010 is without a doubt the April passage of Proposition A for a dedicated source of transit funding in St. Louis County. Proposition A created a ½ cent sales increase to fund the restoration and expansion of public transit in the region. As a result, a 1/4-cent sales tax passed by St. Louis City in 1997 also went into effect. The result? Transit in St. Louis no longer faces additional service cuts and job losses. Service is restored, and the region can focus on moving transit forward. Proposition A brought forward a renewed sense of partnership with the community, a focus on transparency and accountability, and a strong foundation for transit in the future.

St. Louis Region approves first long-range transit plan: Moving Transit Forward.

The Board of East-West Gateway Council of Governments (EWGCG) on Feb. 24 unanimously approved and adopted Moving Transit Forward, the long-range plan Metro developed through transportation research and community input. It includes potential corridors for bus rapid transit (BRT), light rail, and commuter rail expansion in the bi-state region. The plan is a blueprint designed to help EWGCG decide how best to meet transit needs in all sectors of the region in manageable time frames. Moving Transit Forward will help Metro and the region plan for long-term transit investments for St. Louis.

Bob Baer retired as President and CEO of Metro.

What started as a 90-day temporary appointment for Bob Baer (who also served as Bi-State’s Executive Director 1974 – 1977) ended up being three years, two tax initiatives, one service cut, Metro’s first long-range plan, the formation of a regional transit coalition, the successful passage of a public transit funding initiative in St. Louis County, and three service restorations. In October, St. Louis officials committed to raising money for the Robert J. Baer Endowed Scholarship in Public Policy Administration for the University of Missouri-St. Louis so Baer’s spirit of committed public service can continue.

Chesterfield Mayor John Nations joined Metro.

In October, John Nations resigned from his position as Mayor of Chesterfield and joined Metro as President and CEO. Nations, who was also a partner at the Armstrong Teasdale law firm, will lead Metro at a time of great expectations. How will Metro move transit forward in 2011 and years to come? Nations will have a challenging, and hopefully very rewarding, role to play in shaping Metro’s future.

First phase of Restoration 2010 began on June 28.

After the passage of Proposition A in April, Metro completed the first phase of service restoration on June 28 – three months ahead of schedule. The first phase focused on increasing frequency for both MetroBus routes and MetroLink, providing much needed service as Metro hired and trained more operators and planned for the second phase of Restoration in August.

Second phase of Restoration 2010 launched on August 30.

During the second phase of service restoration, more than 50 Missouri bus routes changed, including new routes, major route changes, and frequency increases. In addition, the second phase of Restoration included right-sizing MetroBus vehicles, route splitting, an emphasis on time connections and other strategies to make service more efficient. It was a major adjustment for many riders as well as transit operators and Metro personnel, but after a period of adjustment, service in the region has been restored to pre-March 2009 service cut levels, and thousands of Missouri customers have their transit service back.

St. Louis Downtown Airport prepared for lift off.

The Metro owned and operated St. Louis Downtown Airport is the second busiest airport in the region. On Sept. 27, Saint Louis Downtown Airport opened a $2.7 million runway extension and announced a $4.4 million investment to widen the primary runway. The investment is funded primarily through federal grants, and is designed to accommodate growing demand and larger, mid-sized jets. This year Metro also broke ground on a $4.3 million Fire and Rescue Station and fire and rescue truck for the airport, an American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) project, to accommodate larger airport traffic.

Metro launches Google Transit and new www.metrostlouis.org.

In early February, Metro launched the new landing page for its website, and introduced Google Transit as the Agency’s primary trip planner. Many customers prefer TripFinder for their needs, so both applications are available on the website. Then in late December, Metro launched the new Metro website, complete with new features and better organized information. Improving the website to respond to customer feedback will continue into 2011.

The first-ever Holiday Magic Express rolls out, along with Rhythm & Rails Onboard Concert Series.

It all started with a tweet, but ended with a delightful partnership between Metro, the Convention & Visitors Commission, KDHX and of course, the holiday season. A MetroLink train decked out in garland, lights and festive fleurs-de-lis snowflakes have been running in regular service six days a week. On two Saturdays, MetroLink hosted Rhythm & Rails, the onboard concert series presented by 88.1 KDHX. For its first run, customers have sent in many emails and comments reflecting that they really enjoyed the festive decorations and its effect on their ride. It was a warm and spirited way to end what has been a great year for transit.

What will 2011 bring? We can’t wait to find out. From all of us at Metro Transit, have a safe and festive New Year, and thank you for a wonderful year.

Posted in Moving Transit Forward, Restoration 2010, Transit in the Community | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

MetroLink schedule for First Night at Grand Center

Posted on December 30, 2010 by Courtney

To accommodate the crowds at the First Night celebration at Grand Center on New Year’s Eve, MetroLink will run extra service to work with the First Night Shuttle and crowds. Please see the times below to help you plan your trip, and use the Passenger Assist Telephone on the platforms to help guide your trip. Have a safe and enjoyable New Year’s celebration!

Westbound

Line  Destination  Times at Grand

Blue      Shrewsbury       12:17am
Red      Lambert Airport   12:27am
Blue     Shrewsbury        12:32am                
Red      Lambert Airport    12:36am              
Blue     Shrewsbury        12:49am              
Red      Lambert Airport   12:56am             

Eastbound

Line  Destination  Times at Grand

Red        Shiloh-Scott       12:05am                      
Blue       Fairview Hght    12:18am
Red        Shiloh-Scott       12:33am                      
Blue       Fairview Hght    12:38am                     
Red        Shiloh-Scott       12:52am                      

New Year’s Eve: Holiday Schedule (Saturday schedule)
New Year’s Day: Holiday Schedule (Sunday schedule)

Posted in Making Transit Easy, Transit in the Community | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Watch: Rhythm & Rails Onboard Holiday Series

Posted on December 27, 2010 by Courtney

The Holiday Magic Express will end its run on Dec. 31, 2010, but it has been a great first year.  Thanks for all of the feedback on the train, and we are glad that it has largely been a very positive experience for riders.  In case you missed Rough Shop on Dec. 11 and Pokey LaFarge and the South City Three on Dec. 18 on the Holiday Magic Express, 88.1 KDHX’s Roy Kasten has put together two great videos of the bands playing on the train.  Thank you to both bands and to KDHX for making Rhythm & Rails a great success!


Click here if you can’t view the slideshow.


Click here if you can’t view the Rough Shop video.


Click here if you can’t view the Pokey LaFarge and the South City Three video.

Posted in Transit in the Community | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment