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Bus service via the #73 Carondelet will return to Cherokee Street in Benton Park West on August 30

June 28 was only the first phase of our 2010 service restoration.  Phase II begins on August 30, with many significant changes for MetroBus service.  These changes include a number of new routes, route changes, increases in frequency to existing routes, connectivity adjustments, different bus sizes and other strategies.

Click here for a complete listing of all the route and timetable information for the August 30 service change.

Restoration 2010 changes do not exactly replace the Metro system that was in place before March 2009.  We conducted hundreds of public meetings and gathered a lot of feedback about the region’s needs.  So while the service changes do seek to return the level of service from March 2009, they also reflect the need to grow ridership, attract new markets, and leave room for growth in a cost-effective manner.

Restoration 2010 implements several innovative strategies to enhance service using available financial resources. These service strategies are not stand-alone improvements; they work together, often on the same bus route, to maximize productivity and cost effectiveness throughout the system.

Route splitting

Many MetroBus routes cover a large service area, especially on major corridors. However, ridership demand often varies greatly within any particular service area. In an attempt to better match frequencies, and ultimately vehicle sizes to levels of ridership demand, and to maintain on-time performance on what are very long routes today, Metro will split several routes where there is a clear difference in travel needs and ridership levels. These splits will happen at MetroLink Stations and Transit Centers in order to ensure quick transfers and enhance the overall connectivity of the System.

Connectivity

Ideally, the necessity for transfers should be limited. However, our customers should also be able to access any part of the service area from any other. Many of the route changes that will be implemented on August 30th will further integrate the Metro System by adding geographic connections and improving time connections between bus routes and at Transit Centers. Maintaining on-time performance and enforcing connectivity at transit centers is critical for ensuring the success of this strategy.

Right-sizing

The MetroBus fleet currently consists of 30’, 35’ and 40’ buses. However, at certain times of day and in areas with lower transit ridership, larger buses often have excess capacity. As Metro moves forward with regularly-scheduled fleet replacement Metro staff is exploring options to begin purchasing smaller buses and vans for use on lower-demand routes, and larger, articulated buses for the busiest routes. Smaller vehicles with lower fuel costs making shorter trips will generate significant cost savings. Larger buses will allow the Agency to respond to growing passenger volumes without adding as much service as would be required using 40’ buses.

Rationalization

Service restoration seeks to minimize long or confusing, special detours, and duplication of service. Many routes have been streamlined, and more trips later in the day have been added throughout the System for 2nd- and 3rd-shift workers.

This is not the end of Restoration 2010 and transit in St. Louis post-Proposition A: it is the beginning.  We want your feedback.  Please leave your comments below, or email restoration2010@metrostlouis.org.

UPDATE: As of Tuesday morning, Google Transit directions are available at www.google.com/transit or www.metrostlouis.org.

The first phase in Metro’s Restoration 2010 began today with additional or new service being offered on MetroLink and Missouri MetroBus (see a previous post for complete listing of route and schedule changes). Phase 1 focuses on increasing rush-hour MetroLink train frequency by 25 percent and restoring, expanding or restructuring 20 bus routes. Bus route changes include the return of the Forest Park Shuttle and changes in the #99 Downtown Trolley to serve more locations, including City Museum.

The increased rush-hour frequency on MetroLink means trains every 12 minutes on the Red Line and Blue Line and every 6 minutes between the Forest Park-DeBaliviere and Fairview Heights MetroLink Stations.

The second phase of Restoration is scheduled for August 30, 2010.

As of the writing of this post, Google Transit is not working properly after restoration changes took effect.  Please plan your trip using TripFinder (also linked from www.metrostlouis.org).  We will post an update on the blog, main website, Facebook and Twitter when Google Transit information is updated and available.

As we’ve mentioned several times on Nextstop, Metro will be enacting the first phase of Restoration 2010 service changes on June 28.  For thousands of Metro customers their usual trip times and connections will change next Monday.  If you have a smart phone with a transit planning app or regularly use Google Transit, this may be an easy transition, but many of our customers do not have regular access to the internet or do not use it as a trip planning tool.  When more people have access to service change information, it increases the likelihood they can adjust their routines and avoid missed connections.

Getting the word out to customers can be a challenge for public transit agencies.  We have our spaces in buses for schedules and rider alerts in buses, word of mouth from bus operators, and automated alerts at MetroLink stations.  We also have online communication means through the website, blog, Facebook, Twitter and e-newsletter.  Hopefully, local media will also pick up on the story and remind readers of the upcoming changes.  With a diverse group of people using transit, you need multiple methods of communication.

What do you think are some creative and effective ways to reach customers?  How would you let riders know about service changes?  Where would you post information?  Where do you go to find out about schedule changes?  Who are some effective community partners that could help us push information out, not only for the June 28 changes but also the more extensive service changes coming on August 30?

Creative suggestions are highly welcome.  Hopefully we can use your input to let as many people as possible know about the increases in service coming next Monday and the rest of the year.

Metro Restoration 2010 Timetables and Route Maps are now available online. All of these changes will begin on Monday, June 28. Please take some time to look at the various changes and see how your commute could be affected. Both Google Transit and TripFinder will be updated so you can plan your trip online or via Google Maps app for your smart phone.

MetroLink Service Changes

Weekday rush hour service enhanced, with trains every 12 minutes on the Red Line and the Blue Line, and every 6 minutes from Forest Park to Fairview Heights.

MetroBus Service Changes

#3 Forest Park Shuttle – Service began on Saturday May 29, 2010. During operating hours of the #3 Forest Park Shuttle.  The #90 Hampton will not operate in the park.

#4 Natural Bridge – To provide a safe transfer at the Civic Center Station between buses and MetroLink the route will be changed to boarding location southbound on 14th Street @ Spruce. Eastbound trips from east on Market, right on 14th end of route at Civic Center Station. Westbound from Civic Center Station, continue south on 14th, right on Chouteau, right on 18th, left on Market via regular route.

#11 Chippewa – Service improvements Monday through Friday

#17 Oakville Laclede Station – Route changed to serve WAC on Green Park Industrial Dr. and time adjustments.

#32 Wellston ML King – Trip added leaving DePaul Hospital at 11:28PM Weekdays.

#34 Earth City – AM & PM rush hour service restored

#41 Lee – To provide a safe transfer at the Civic Center Station between buses and MetroLink the route will be changed to boarding location southbound on 14th Street & Spruce. Eastbound trips continue south on 14th end of route at Civic Center Station. Westbound from Civic Center Station, continue south on 14th, right on Chouteau, right on 18th, right on Market, left on 14th via regular route.

#48 South Lindbergh – Service provided between Ballas Transit Center and Veterans’ Hospital via South County Mall.

#49 North Lindbergh – Service provided between Ballas Transit Center and North Hanley MetroLink Station

#58 Clayton Ballas – Will operate between Clayton MetroLink Station and Ballas Transit Center. (See #158 Ballas – West County for service to the hospitals and Delmar Gardens Chesterfield and West).

#64 Lucas Hunt – Rush hour service restored.

#70 Grand – Service improvements Monday through Sunday.

#90 Hampton – The #90 Hampton will not enter Forest Park Monday through Sunday between the hours of 9am and 7pm due to traffic. Passengers proceeding into Forest Park will need to transfer to the #3 Forest Park Shuttle at the Forest Park Station. Twenty minute rush hour service provided weekdays and additional service provided between Hampton Loop and Catalan Loop seven days a week.

#95 Kingshighway – Service improvements Monday through Friday.

#97 Delmar – To provide a safe transfer at the Civic Center Station between buses and MetroLink the route will be changed to boarding location southbound on 14th Street @ Spruce. Eastbound trips continue south on 14th end of route at Civic Center Station. Westbound from Civic Center Station, continue south on 14th, right on Chouteau, right on 18th, right on Market, left on 14th via regular route.

#99 Downtown Trolley – To provide better coverage in downtown St. Louis this route will provide service on Market Street and on Washington to the City Museum. Northbound from Civic Center, right on 14th, right on Market, left on 4th Street, left on Washington, right on 16th, end of route at 16th and Delmar. Southbound right on Delmar, right on 14th, left on Washington, right on Broadway, right on Market, left on 14th end of line at Civic Center Station.

#158 Ballas – West County – New route providing service from Ballas Transit Center to St. John’s Hospital, Maryville Center and Maryville University, St. Luke’s Hospital, Delmar Gardens Chesterfield & West, and Cedars at JCA. This route will be timed with the #58 Clayton Ballas and #258 Clayton Chesterfield at the Ballas Transit Center.

#210 Fenton Gravois Bluffs – Service area expanded to provide service via Friendship Village South, Wal-Mart and Allied College on Gravois Bluffs Blvd.

#36X Bissell Hills Express – Line number changed from #240X Bissell Hills Express. Schedule remains the same.

#258 Clayton Chesterfield – Westbound trips extended to exit Spirit Airport Blvd.

We look forward to being out there and bringing better service to St. Louis. Another round of restoration service changes will come on August 30.

St. Louis Metro Transit Proposed Restoration Routes April 2010

Here is the map that Metro’s Planning Department is presenting at our public meetings.  The map provides a rough outline of what the proposed changes would look like on a regional map.  Please review along with the proposed route changes for Phases 1-3, and consider answering the following questions for our planning department:

MetroLink or MetroBus route:

Do you have any other ideas on how the Metro System could be made to better suit your needs?  Please feel free to include additional comments about specific MetroLink or MetroBus routes, or to suggest a new route or type of service.  Metro is also interested in improving the customer experience throughout the system with additional bus shelters and benches, more lighting, improved passenger information and more informative bus signs, etc.  Do you have any specific recommendations for these types of passenger amenities?

We appreciate it! Leave comments here, or email to restoration2010@metrostlouis.org.  Thank you for your time and feedback in helping us bring better service to St. Louis.

Starting this week, members of the Metro planning department will be out in the community giving presentations on the proposed changes in transit service for Restoration 2010. The proposed changes are based on route performance and ridership information, but they are open for public comment and suggestion. We want to know what you think about these changes: How will it affect your ride? Does it serve the needs of the community as effectively as possible? Will this enable you or someone you know be able to access jobs, education or medical services? Does it encourage you to explore or access another part of the region?

Please take some time to review the proposed changes, either at one of our public meetings, or here on Nextstop over the next week. Then please leave a comment for our planning department. You can leave your thoughts on Twitter using the #restoration2010 hashtag, or comment on Metro’s Facebook page. You can also email us at restoration2010@metrostlouis.org or leave a message at (314) 982-1400 ext. 3433.

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MetroLink

Rush hour frequency will be improved from 15 minutes to 12 minutes. That means a train every 6 minutes for stations between Forest Park-DeBaliviere and Fairview Heights stations.

Drum roll please….here is the list of proposed transit service changes through the rest of 2010. The changes will come in three phases while we hire and train operator and procure more buses. Also, it allows for time for public comment and outreach.  Metro will be conducting public meetings and asking for feedback through May 10.

Next week, look for a post further examining the transit planning process during Restoration 2010, and how the events of the few years (service reductions, restorations, bus stop assessments, etc.) have allowed our planning department to better understand the transit market needs of the region. The transit service Metro will provide by the end of 2010 will look markedly different from that delivered in March 2009.  But its very important we receive input on the proposed changes and the needs of the community.

Please consider leaving us comments or attend one of the upcoming public meetings to let us know what you think.

(Scroll through the end of the presentation to see the proposed changes for specific routes.)

Metro Transit Restoration 2010 Presented 04 16 10

Starting last Wednesday morning, just hours after St. Louis County voters approved Proposition A, we started receiving calls about service restoration. Not surprisingly, many people who have lost service, sometimes even entire bus routes, are very interested in how Metro intends to keep up our promise to restore service.

So we need your input. Starting on Friday, Metro’s planning department will be unveiling a schedule of proposed service enhancements.  We need your input to help determine the social, environmental and economic impact of the proposed changes. Every proposed change will be documented on the website for our long-range plan, Moving Transit Forward, and on Nextstop so you can continue the discussion.

In the meantime, you can tell us what you’d like to happen. Email comments/suggestions to: restoration2010@metrostlouis.org or leave a message at (314) 982-1400 ext. 3433.

The deadline for comments is close of business, Monday, May 10, 2010.

Metro will also host a series of informational public meetings to introduce proposed changes and solicit feedback. Please consider attending one of the following meetings:

April 27, 2010, 5:30pm – 7:30pm
Mehlville High School, Library
3200 Lemay Ferry Road
St Louis, MO 63125
MetroBus Access: 73

April 28, 2010, 3pm – 6pm
Riverview Transit Center
9000 Riverview
St. Louis, MO 63147
MetroBus Access: 16, 27, 36, 40, 41, 61, 90, 240X

May 4, 2010, 5:30pm – 7:30pm
St. Louis Community College at Florissant Valley, Multi Purpose Room
3400 Pershall Road
St. Louis, MO 63135
MetroBus Access: 36, 74

May 5, 2010, 3pm – 6pm
Ballas Transit Center
790 S. New Ballas Road
St. Louis, MO 63141
MetroBus Access: 49, 58, 98, 58X, 258

May 7, 2010, 12pm – 1:30pm
St. Louis City Hall, Kennedy Room
1200 North Tucker
St. Louis, MO 63102
Metro Access: 4, 10, 11, 13, 30, 32, 40, 40X, 41, 57, 58X, 59, 73,
74, 94, 97, 99, 174X, 240X, 410X, Civic Center MetroLink

Service restoration will begin June 2010.

Did you know that Metro is carrying on a Bus Stop Enhancement program? Last year, 65 bus stops – mainly in St. Louis County – were upgraded to ADA compliance, thanks to a Freedom Grant  that Metro received from the FTA for this very purpose. This year, 115 additional stops have been flagged for upgrades.

Bus stops in St. Louis area that have already received ADA upgrades

Working list of bus stops to receive ADA-compliance upgrades in 2010

A little background: The Americans With Disabilities Act was enacted in 1990 to provide protection against discrimination for individuals with disabilities. Part of that mission includes ensuring that public facilities, like courthouses and bus stops, are accessible to all. It’s particularly important for transit to be accessible, because people who are dependent on transit due to disability absolutely must be able to access our facilities! Our old bus stops were “grandfathered in” but any new stops we build have to be ADA-compliant. What to do about those old stops, though? We want to upgrade these stops to make our system as accessible as possible, even though the law says we don’t have to. That’s where the Freedom Grant comes in – it supplies the funds necessary to bring the old stops into compliance and provide much-needed mobility to our transit-dependent customers. I recently sat down with Dave Sander in Metro’s Engineering Department and with Lance Peterson and Linda Baker in Metro’s Planning Department to discuss Metro’s Bus Stop Enhancement program. Here’s what I learned:

• Metro planners surveyed each one of our 9,100+ (at the time) bus stops to determine which were ADA-compliant and which were not.
• Metro planners developed criteria to help prioritize which stops needed help first; factors included: Number of customers using the stop, whether the stop was a transfer point (a place where you can get off one bus and catch another), whether ADA-compliance was technically possible at a stop, who the stop serves, the condition of adjacent sidewalks, and more.
• Metro partnered with Paraquad for input and reviewed customer complaints, along with the above criteria, to decide which stops would be addressed first.

Bad sidewalk at St. Louis Ave. & Newstead

“Enhancements” are different depending on the location of each stop, but include:

- creating the concrete “landing pad” for boarding the bus
- adding a concrete pad for a bench
- correcting the slope of adjacent sidewalks
- adding missing accessible curb ramps,

and even in some cases fixing sidewalks that were, as the planners put it, in “deplorable” condition – even if those sidewalks don’t technically belong to Metro. In some cases, fixing the sidewalks was the only way to get the slope down to ADA compliance. The planners then share that information with St. Louis County, the City, and the municipal streets departments to alert them when sidewalk conditions are bad. At the same time, Metro is using the information gained from this project to evaluate each bus route, stop by stop, to eliminate unnecessary stops and improve operating speeds and efficiency. And the planners are adding a unique stop number to each stop, so if customers have a question about schedules or routes, they can give their stop number to Customer Service when they call. The contractor is getting permits and, weather permitting, construction can start any time.

Do you have any bus stops to nominate for this program? If you do, let us know here at the blog and we’ll check with Planning to see whether your stop is on the list.

It’s that time of year in St. Louis – INCLEMENT WEATHER!  St. Louis weather is notoriously fickle, jumping from a blustery chill to warmer temperatures in a matter of days.   Metro Transit Operations has to be ready for the worst wintery weather, including snow and ice, and all of the slushy, slippery and wet conditions that follow.  The following actions go into preparing the system for snowy weather:

Sidewalks, platforms, and parking lots

Maintenance crews are mobilizing to remove snow and ice from sidewalks, parking areas, and MetroLink platforms. We keeps large containers of salt on platforms for easy application. Locations with the highest number of passengers receive priority attention, but Metro addresses needs at all locations.

Keeping MetroLink running

MetroLink trains operate on steel rails and are powered by electricity delivered by wires above the trains. Heavy ice and snow buildup on the rails and wires make operation difficult or impossible. Wires in locations prone to ice build-ups already have been protected by the installation of wire caps designed to minimize electrical faults caused by wet weather. The trains are also equipped with heated, ice-cutting mechanisms that use a hard surface to cut through any ice or snow that collects on the overhead wires. Using the ice cutters require the trains to reduce their top speed to 45 mph from the normal 55 mph. If the tracks get too slippery, boxes inside the train will drop sand onto the rails to increase friction.

Metro will run the trains all night to keep the tracks and wires clear of snow and ice build-up, but will not carry passengers after the regular weekday schedule ends.

Delay for MetroBus routes

If roads become icy and slippery, expect some delays on MetroBus routes. Just like other vehicles, they are subject to poor road conditions during snowy weather, and may take longer to reach riders.

Snow schedules for Metro Call-A-Ride

Call-A-Ride passengers should turn to TV and radio news to find out whether a snow schedule is implemented for paratransit service. Expect delays of up to two hours behind a scheduled trip if the snow schedule is in effect.  Metro Call-A-Ride passengers who think they may want to cancel a scheduled trip are urged to do so as soon as possible

Travel home safely

Snowy weather is beautiful, even as it wrecks havoc on St. Louis transportation. Just remember to dress warmly and be safe out there as everyone is heading home and traveling through our first snowfall of 2010.