» Using Metro

UPDATE: As of March 17, credit card vending now available also available at all Missouri MetroLink stations.

Now you can use credit cards to purchase MetroLink tickets in Missouri!  Just in time for Mardi Gras.  Metro is now phasing a credit card option into our Missouri MetroLink station ticket vending machines (TVMs).  These TVMs accept Visa, Mastercard and Discover credit cards, including debit cards with these logos.  The following stations now have credit card options:

Airport Main, Central West End, North Hanley, Arch/Laclede’s Landing, Clayton and Civic Center

Not all TVMs at these stations have the credit card option, so look for them.  As a precaution, since this is a newly installed technology, it’s a good idea to have a cash option in case of an emergency.  The rest of the Missouri stations should have access to credit card vending by the end of March.

Here is a quick video demonstration of how to use the credit card option that I took at the Arch/Laclede’s Landing station this afternoon:

Let us know what you think, or if you encounter any problems.

From Saturday, December 26 at 9:00 a.m. – Sunday, January 3, MetroLink riders will use a bus bridge to go from the Central West End to the Grand MetroLink stations.  MetroLink service between these stations will be interrupted for the demolition and construction of the Vandeventer Bridge.  The elderly bridge is in disrepair and suffering from settling problems.  Automobile and pedestrian traffic was closed on Vandeventer Avenue near the bridge starting December 7, and construction will continue until early spring.  Regular MetroLink service will resume on January 4.

So what is a bus bridge?  A bus bridge is a series of buses that shuttle MetroLink riders from one station to another due to service interruption.  Service could be down for a number of reasons, like scheduled construction or repair, or in the case of an emergency.  These buses are dedicated to serving the bus bridge and will not serve MetroBus routes along the route.  The bus bridge will operate both eastbound and westbound on the Red and Blue MetroLink lines.  Below is a map of the Vandeventer bus bridge route:

Vandenventer Bus Bridge Route Map

If you are planning on taking MetroLink from December 26 – January 3, here’s what to expect from the bus bridge service:

1. When you are heading eastbound, exit the Central West End MetroLink station to and walk towards Taylor Avenue.  If you are going westbound on MetroLink, exit the Grand Station platform and head east towards Scott Avenue (do not go up the stairs).  Metro employees will be guiding passengers towards the buses at both stations.

2. Look for MetroBuses with the overhead sign reading “Bus Bridge”.

3. You will not need additional fare. Please keep your MetroLink fare present.

4. Buses hold up to 40 people, so multiple buses will be used for larger MetroLink loads.

5. Expect some delays in travel time, and please budget extra time for your trip.  Eastbound bus bridge route should take 4-5 minutes; the Westbound bus bridge route should take 6-7 minutes in additional to wait time at the MetroLink stations.

6. On Christmas Day and New Years Day, Metro service runs on a Sunday schedule.  Schedule info at Metro’s website.

We do appreciate your patience through this process, and have safe and warm travels through this holiday season!