Capital Projects Archives | Metro Transit – Saint Louis https://www.metrostlouis.org/nextstop/category/capital-projects/ MetroBus, MetroLink, and Call-A-Ride Thu, 13 Mar 2025 18:14:12 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://www.metrostlouis.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/cropped-metro-icon-32x32.png Capital Projects Archives | Metro Transit – Saint Louis https://www.metrostlouis.org/nextstop/category/capital-projects/ 32 32 215977487 Bus Stop Transformation Brings New Amenities to the Neighborhood https://www.metrostlouis.org/nextstop/bus-stop-transformation-brings-new-amenities-to-the-neighborhood/ https://www.metrostlouis.org/nextstop/bus-stop-transformation-brings-new-amenities-to-the-neighborhood/#comments Thu, 13 Mar 2025 18:12:55 +0000 https://www.metrostlouis.org/?p=354566   St. Louis Mayor Tishaura Jones joined Citizen for Modern Transit (CMT), AARP in St. Louis, St. Louis REALTORS®, Ameren Missouri and Metro Transit this morning to unveil a new, transformed bus stop at 13th Street and Gravois Avenue, near the city of St. Louis’ Soulard neighborhood. This new, revitalized transit space was the result […]

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Photo of new shelter and 'Soulard' artwork at updated bus stop at 13th and Gravois

St. Louis Mayor Tishaura Jones joined Citizen for Modern Transit (CMT), AARP in St. Louis, St. Louis REALTORS®, Ameren Missouri and Metro Transit this morning to unveil a new, transformed bus stop at 13th Street and Gravois Avenue, near the city of St. Louis’ Soulard neighborhood. This new, revitalized transit space was the result of the Transit Stop Transformation Project, an effort spearheaded by CMT to strengthen bus stops and transit centers as community amenities that support safety and security, and attract riders.

Photo of Mayor Tishaura Jones, Kim Cella, Charles Stewart and others at a ribbon cutting for a updated bus stop in Soulard“This is our seventh project to date, and the first one completed in the City of St. Louis,” said Kimberly Cella, CMT Executive Director. “There has been more than $33 million in further investment planned or completed at or near the transformed stations. These are small infrastructure projects helping to make a big difference in the respective communities, because transit matters.”

The bus stop at 13th Street and Gravois Avenue has been completely transformed with new, accessible sidewalks and paths, plenty of new seating and lighting, a shelter, beautiful landscaping, and new artwork to help beautify the space and celebrate the neighborhood. The opening of the enhanced bus stop comes after a 14 month-long process of site selection, and collecting input from transit riders, area residents and other stakeholders. A total of $115,000 was invested in the project.

Photo of updated bus stop at 13th and Gravois Photo of new artwork at updated bus stop at 13th and Gravois Photo of updated bus stop at 13th and Gravois

“This project will elevate the experience of taking the bus to or from Soulard, and will make this small part of the neighborhood a more interesting place,” said Mayor Jones. “The transformation of this MetroBus stop is a great example of a neighborhood-friendly and people-friendly project. This is how it’s done.”

Other transformations completed in recent years include a MetroBus stop in Maplewood and projects completed at Emerson Park, Belleville, North Hanley, 5th & Missouri and Fairview Heights Transit Centers. Visit the CMT website for more information on these projects.

“Metro Transit is an integral part of the fabric of the community,” said Charles Stewart, Metro Transit Chief Operating Officer. “When bus stops and transit centers are beautified, neighborhoods and transit customers both win by sharing a more welcoming transit environment.”

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Flood Update: Metro Transit Receives $27.7 Million in Disaster Relief Funding https://www.metrostlouis.org/nextstop/flood-update-metro-transit-receives-27-7-million-in-disaster-relief-funding/ Wed, 09 Aug 2023 20:13:31 +0000 https://www.metrostlouis.org/?p=297618 Last week, U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg came to the St. Louis region to announce that $27.7 million in federal emergency disaster relief funding was coming to Metro Transit. These funds will be used for ongoing recovery following a major flash flooding weather event back in July 2022. “It feels like every week, we […]

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U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg speaks at a press conferenceLast week, U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg came to the St. Louis region to announce that $27.7 million in federal emergency disaster relief funding was coming to Metro Transit. These funds will be used for ongoing recovery following a major flash flooding weather event back in July 2022.

“It feels like every week, we are hearing about a new flood or storm or drought or wildfire or heatwave, or other extreme event, and since we are seeing this with our own eyes we know, as leaders, our duty includes doing something about it,” said Buttigieg. “In terms of our transportation work, that means supporting recovery and rebuilding efforts and it means ensuring that our infrastructure is built to withstand the extreme weather that is coming more frequently.”

On July 26, 2022, more than nine inches of rain fell in less than 24 hours, flooding homes, roads and vehicles throughout our community. MetroLink was severely impacted. The flood damage severely compromised MetroLink service in the hours and days following the flash flooding. Most MetroLink service was restored within 72 hours due to the incredible efforts of the Metro Transit team, which worked around the clock. However, the frequency of MetroLink trains have still not returned to pre-flood schedules because not all of the damaged equipment needed for the signal and communications system to fully function has been replaced.

The final damage assessment estimated more than $40 million in costs for flood mitigation and to repair or replace necessary equipment and transit vehicles. The federal emergency disaster relief funds combined with insurance will cover those costs. A breakdown of MetroLink’s flood recovery is available below.

We appreciate the continued patience and support of MetroLink customers, especially our Blue Line riders, because of the inconvenience caused by this unprecedented natural disaster.


Flood Update

Elevators at Forest Park-DeBaliviere MetroLink Station – Repairs Complete, Back in Service

Both station elevators at the Forest Park-DeBaliviere Station sustained major damage from the flooding. The east elevator was repaired and returned to service on May 1, 2023. The west elevator was repaired and returned to service on July 7, 2023.

Damaged Track – Repairs Complete

About five miles of light rail track bed were damaged between the Delmar Loop and Forest Park-DeBaliviere Stations. The majority of track repairs were completed in the three days following the July 26 flooding, with final part replacements made in February and April 2023. Track repairs are complete.

MetroLink Communications – In Process

There was extensive flood damage to two communications rooms near the Delmar Loop and Forest Park-DeBaliviere Stations. The communications rooms manage several important systems on MetroLink, including cameras, train communications, telephone lines, fiber networks, etc. Repairs to the communications rooms were completed in August 2022, but the long-term plan is to replace both rooms and address flood mitigation.

Signal House – In Process

Signal houses are critical components for controlling trains on the MetroLink system. They let train operators know when it is safe to move, and they control the switches that guide trains onto the correct tracks.

The flash floods damaged three signal houses near the Forest Park-DeBaliviere Station, with one completely destroyed. The destroyed signal house was responsible for controlling train movement at the busiest section of the entire MetroLink system at the Forest Park-DeBaliviere Station – where four Red Line and Blue Line tracks merge to just two tracks.

Repairs to the two damaged signal houses were completed in August 2022. The destroyed signal house must be replaced before MetroLink would have the ability to return to pre-flood service.

A platform to keep the new signal house above potential future flooding is currently under construction. It is expected that platform completion and the new signal house will be delivered this October, with full installation and safety testing completed sometime this fall. We will keep you posted on those milestones.

Photo of flooded Forest Park-DeBaliviere Station

Damaged MetroLink Train – Will Be Replaced

One MetroLink train (two train cars) stranded in flash flood waters at the Delmar Loop MetroLink Station was a total loss. Both cars will be replaced with new Siemens light rail vehicles when the first order of new light rail vehicles is made as part of scheduled fleet replacement. A specific timeline for this order has not been set.

Damaged Metro Call‑A‑Ride Van – Will Be Replaced

One Metro Call‑A‑Ride van stuck in the flood waters while on an area roadway was also a total loss. It will be replaced as well.

When the unexpected occurs, like last year’s flash flooding weather event, know that our teams will do everything we do to keep the region moving. We know you count on us every day to get to work, to school, to doctor’s appointments, and other important destinations. We are here to get you there, no matter what it takes.

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Metro Transit to Receive Additional Federal Funding for Electric Bus Program and New Charging Infrastructure https://www.metrostlouis.org/nextstop/metro-to-receive-additional-federal-funding-for-electric-bus-program-and-new-charging-infrastructure/ Tue, 16 Aug 2022 23:40:28 +0000 https://www.metrostlouis.org/?p=268556 Metro Transit will receive a $5.4 million grant award from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to expand its battery electric bus program in the St. Louis region. The funds are part of the $1.6 billion in grant awards from the U.S. Department of Transportation through the FTA to transit agencies across the nation to purchase […]

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Two articulated electric MetroBuses park at the charging stations at the North Broadway Transit Center. The overhead charging pantographs lower to make contact with the buses.Metro Transit will receive a $5.4 million grant award from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to expand its battery electric bus program in the St. Louis region. The funds are part of the $1.6 billion in grant awards from the U.S. Department of Transportation through the FTA to transit agencies across the nation to purchase or lease new low or zero-emissions transit vehicles and to build charging infrastructure to support clean bus technology. The federal grant program will nearly double the number of no emission transit buses on America’s roadways. In the St. Louis region, this project will improve air quality and should provide a better transit experience for MetroBus riders.

This is the second federal grant award notification this year for Metro Transit’s battery electric program. Both sets of federal funds are for the construction of a new bus-charging infrastructure at the DeBaliviere MetroBus facility in the City of St. Louis, and for the purchase of several new battery electric buses. The new battery electric buses will replace clean burning diesel buses scheduled for retirement as they exceed their useful life.

Metro owns 24 battery electric buses that are in service in the City of St. Louis and in St. Louis County, with overnight charging taking place at the Brentwood MetroBus facility in St. Louis County. Fourteen 60-foot battery electric buses currently operate on the #70 Grand in St. Louis, which is Metro’s busiest bus route in the region. Ten 40-foot battery electric buses operate on various routes in St. Louis and in St. Louis County. The 60-foot battery electric buses charge on the fly during the service day at the North Broadway-Taylor Transit Center and then charge overnight at the Brentwood MetroBus facility.

All new vehicles purchased for the battery electric bus fleet are zero-emission buses funded through various FTA grants (70-80%) and local sales tax sources (20-30%) and all offer similar cost savings and environmental benefits. The combination of the two federal grant awards and local matches could support the purchase of up to 12 new 40-foot battery electric buses and the charging infrastructure at the DeBaliviere MetroBus facility. Metro launched 18 of the battery electric buses into service in June 2021 in what was one of the largest initial electric bus deployments in the nation.

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Celebrating 1 Year of Electric Buses https://www.metrostlouis.org/nextstop/celebrating-1-year-of-electric-buses/ Wed, 29 Jun 2022 14:23:36 +0000 https://www.metrostlouis.org/?p=265622 Last summer, Metro Transit’s new battery electric buses hit the roads to give riders a smoother, quieter ride with the newest amenities. And in that time the buses have driven over 285,000 miles, getting you where you need to go throughout St. Louis City and County and along the #70 Grand – our highest ridership […]

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An articulated electric bus and an electric bus face each other in a roundabout in Tower Grove Park. Trees appear in the background.

Last summer, Metro Transit’s new battery electric buses hit the roads to give riders a smoother, quieter ride with the newest amenities. And in that time the buses have driven over 285,000 miles, getting you where you need to go throughout St. Louis City and County and along the #70 Grand – our highest ridership MetroBus route.

These electric buses help us fulfill our commitment to provide economically and environmentally sustainable mobility options for the St. Louis region — and a wonderful transit experience for riders. The zero-emission buses help reduce greenhouse gases by up to 160 tons per year when compared to a diesel bus.

In addition to being environmentally friendly and offering a comfortable ride, these new electric buses also provide a substantial savings in fuel and maintenance costs – up to $525,000 over the life of each bus.

Have you had a chance to ride one? Help us celebrate our one-year anniversary by sharing your favorite photos of the electric buses on social media and tag us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Fast Facts: 60-Foot Battery Electric Articulated Buses

  • Exclusively serve the #70 Grand MetroBus route
  • Range of 50-80 miles on a single charge
  • Have 330 kWh of battery storage (enough to power ten 2,000 square-foot homes for a day)
  • In-service charging at North Broadway Transit Center
  • Charges overnight at Brentwood MetroBus Facility, powered by Ameren Missouri
  • The 60-foot electric buses deliver a superior transit experience, featuring a Smart Ride control system for motion reduction and height adjustments, a more efficient and effective HVAC system, and electric traction motors that are nearly silent compared to diesel engines.

Fast Facts: 40-Foot Battery Electric Buses

  • Serve a variety of MetroBus routes in Missouri
  • Range of 150 miles on a single charge
  • Have 444 kWh of battery storage
  • Charges overnight at Brentwood MetroBus Facility, powered by Ameren Missouri
  • The 40-foot buses also deliver a superior transit experience with the latest features and amenities, including a Thermo King Electric HVAC system with integrated thermal management, and superior ride quality with low noise levels and smooth, seamless acceleration.
  • Known for being the lowest cost transit buses to maintain, GILLIG buses are built on the company’s proven low-floor platform design and feature Cummins propulsion systems.

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Metro Transit Awarded $4M Grant to Expand Electric Bus Program https://www.metrostlouis.org/nextstop/metro-transit-awarded-4m-grant-to-expand-electric-bus-program/ Wed, 23 Mar 2022 17:54:43 +0000 https://www.metrostlouis.org/?p=257866 Metro Transit will receive a $4.1 million grant award from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to help expand the electric bus program launched in June 2021. The funds will be put toward improvements that include new charging infrastructure at a new location and the purchase of several new electric buses to replace diesel buses that […]

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3/4 shot of the fronts and sides of an electric bus and articulated electric buses lined up in the Brentwood Garage.

Metro Transit will receive a $4.1 million grant award from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to help expand the electric bus program launched in June 2021.

The funds will be put toward improvements that include new charging infrastructure at a new location and the purchase of several new electric buses to replace diesel buses that are exceeding their useful life and are scheduled to be retired.

Electric Bus Benefits for Riders:

Metro Transit is committed to implementing the latest in environmentally responsible, cost-effective electric bus technology to the MetroBus fleet. Here is the difference you will see when you ride:

  • They are some of the quietest buses on the market.
  • They offer the newest amenities and a smooth ride.
  • They reduce greenhouse emissions up to 160 tons per year.

“Our initial electric bus fleet launch last June was one of the largest electric bus service deployments in the country,” said Taulby Roach, Bi-State Development President and CEO. “With this new funding from the Federal Transit Administration, we will be able to continue to expand our electrification program with additional electric buses and charging infrastructure improvements. Electric buses are better for the environment, support sustainability, and can deliver long-term cost savings for Metro Transit and taxpayers in the St. Louis region.”

A total of 18 battery electric buses went into service as part of the initial launch last year and another six new buses have been added to the MetroBus battery electric fleet in recent months.

A 40-foot electric bus stops along a residential street. Trees, cars, and housing appear in the background.All of the new vehicles being purchased for the electric bus fleet are zero-emission buses funded through various FTA grants (70-80%) and local sales tax sources (20-30%) and all offer similar cost savings and environmental benefits. The federal funds and local matches could support up to six new 40 foot battery electric buses and charging infrastructure at the DeBaliviere MetroBus facility. The existing fleet includes 14 60-foot battery electric articulated buses manufactured by New Flyer America and 10 40-foot battery electric buses made by GILLIG. The 60-foot battery electric buses operate exclusively on Metro’s busiest route, the #70 Grand, and carries about 10 percent of Metro’s customers on a daily basis. The battery electric buses made by GILLIG provide service on a variety of MetroBus routes in the City of St. Louis and in St. Louis County.

The 60-foot battery electric buses are charged while in service at the North Broadway-Taylor Transit Center, and every night the 40-foot buses and 60-foot buses are charged at the Brentwood MetroBus facility. Ameren Missouri built a new substation next to the Brentwood MetroBus facility to help with increasing electric needs in the area. The $11.3 million investment at Brentwood upgrades the power supply to triple capacity and modernizes the energy system for Brentwood and the surrounding communities. The new charging infrastructure planned for the DeBaliviere MetroBus facility in the City of St. Louis will allow Metro to accommodate more battery electric buses as the program grows.

Learn more about the electric bus program here: metrostlouis.org/electric-buses

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$7.5 Million Enhancements Completed at Central West End MetroLink Station https://www.metrostlouis.org/nextstop/7-5-million-enhancements-completed-at-central-west-end-metrolink-station/ https://www.metrostlouis.org/nextstop/7-5-million-enhancements-completed-at-central-west-end-metrolink-station/#comments Fri, 14 Jan 2022 16:05:24 +0000 https://www.metrostlouis.org/?p=254037 You may have noticed some exciting upgrades to our Central West End Transit Center. A new elevator and staircase, upgraded lighting and security features, and a new welcome center are part of the $7.5 million enhancements completed in Fall 2021. This redesign of our busiest MetroLink Station began in December 2019 and was funded by […]

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Photo of Euclid Avenue Plaza entrance to Central West End MetroLink Station

You may have noticed some exciting upgrades to our Central West End Transit Center. A new elevator and staircase, upgraded lighting and security features, and a new welcome center are part of the $7.5 million enhancements completed in Fall 2021.

This redesign of our busiest MetroLink Station began in December 2019 and was funded by Washington University and BJC HealthCare, in collaboration with Metro Transit. The CWE improvement project provides new amenities that help relieve pedestrian congestion, improve safety and visibility, and deliver a more comfortable and convenient experience for riders. The enhancements benefit employees, students, patients and visitors to Washington University School of Medicine, BJC HealthCare facilities and other destinations in the Central West End.

Central West End MetroLink Station Enhancement Details

Euclid Avenue Plaza

The west entrance of the Central West End MetroLink Station has been completely redesigned as the new Euclid Avenue Plaza. This unique plaza includes access to the MetroLink platform, new lighting and a welcome center staffed by School of Medicine personnel, making it easier for visitors to ask questions, get assistance and find their destinations at any of the medical facilities in the area.

New Staircase and Elevator

A new, wider staircase with a center handrail and LED lighting was constructed to connect the platform to Euclid Avenue Plaza, making it easier and safer to accommodate the large number of transit riders who use the station. The project also included a new elevator that was relocated to further alleviate pedestrian congestion, and includes glass panels for improved visibility and security monitoring. The new elevator and staircase contribute to improved mobility, visibility and reliability at the Central West End Station.

Platform Canopy

The previous canopy at the Central West End Station has been replaced by a new canopy that is three times larger, providing passengers better shelter from the elements. The canopy’s attractive glass panels are designed to significantly reduce the effect of harsh sunlight, while also improving platform visibility. This change makes it easier for Metro Public Safety, MetroLink Operations personnel, and security partners to monitor the platform, passenger levels and light rail operations.

Lighting and Other Improvements

Upgraded lighting has been installed throughout the Central West End MetroLink Station along the platform, staircase, the new plaza and at the entrance to the MetroBus area northeast of the station to improve safety and visibility at all hours of the day. In addition, the project also included new signage, landscaping, and an illuminated crosswalk at the entry to the MetroBus area in the adjacent garage. The concrete on the MetroLink platform was rehabilitated and refinished as part of the project.

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MetroBus Electric Bus Fleet Grows with 6 GILLIG Buses https://www.metrostlouis.org/nextstop/metrobus-electric-bus-fleet-grows-with-6-gillig-buses/ https://www.metrostlouis.org/nextstop/metrobus-electric-bus-fleet-grows-with-6-gillig-buses/#comments Fri, 19 Nov 2021 20:57:56 +0000 https://www.metrostlouis.org/?p=252471 Our electric bus fleet is growing! This month marked the arrival of six new 40-foot battery electric buses at Metro Transit, including the 100th battery-electric bus produced by GILLIG. Metro Transit has been partnering with GILLIG since 1992, and this recent delivery brings our total electric bus fleet to 10 40-foot buses and 14 60-foot buses. […]

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Photo of Gillig's 100th battery electric bus outside of its facility, with a group of people in front of it
Our electric bus fleet is growing! This month marked the arrival of six new 40-foot battery electric buses at Metro Transit, including the 100th battery-electric bus produced by GILLIG.

Metro Transit has been partnering with GILLIG since 1992, and this recent delivery brings our total electric bus fleet to 10 40-foot buses and 14 60-foot buses.

The battery electric buses provide a substantial savings in fuel and maintenance costs – up to $525,000 over the life of each bus. As zero-emission transit assets, these buses will provide a reduction of 100 to 160 tons of greenhouse gas emissions when compared to a diesel bus.

These new additions will operate on various MetroBus routes in the City of St. Louis and St. Louis County, and provide riders with a quiet, comfortable ride.

40-foot electric bus on the streets of St. Louis with trees showing fall leavesFast Facts: GILLIG’s 40-Foot Battery Electric Buses

  • Serve a variety of MetroBus routes in Missouri
  • GILLIG: Purchase price = $950,000 | Operating cost = $0.43 per mile
  • Range of 150 miles on a single charge
  • Have 444 kWh of battery storage
  • Charges overnight at Brentwood MetroBus Facility, powered by Ameren Missouri
  • The 40-foot buses also deliver a superior transit experience with the latest features and amenities, including a Thermo King Electric HVAC system with integrated thermal management, and superior ride quality with low noise levels and smooth, seamless acceleration.
  • Known for being the lowest cost transit buses to maintain, GILLIG buses are built on the company’s proven low-floor platform design and feature Cummins propulsion systems.
  • Buses were built in Livermore, California

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Metro Transit Puts First Electric Buses into Service https://www.metrostlouis.org/nextstop/metro-transit-puts-first-electric-buses-into-service/ https://www.metrostlouis.org/nextstop/metro-transit-puts-first-electric-buses-into-service/#comments Thu, 01 Jul 2021 19:25:39 +0000 https://www.metrostlouis.org/?p=230926 New additions to the MetroBus fleet represent one of the largest initial electric bus fleet deployments in the nation, support sustainability and deliver significant cost savings for Metro Transit United in their commitment to enhancing the sustainability of the bi-state St. Louis region, representatives from Bi-State Development, Metro Transit and several partners and regional stakeholders […]

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60-foot and 40-foot electric buses on the street with trees behind themNew additions to the MetroBus fleet represent one of the largest initial electric bus fleet deployments in the nation, support sustainability and deliver significant cost savings for Metro Transit

United in their commitment to enhancing the sustainability of the bi-state St. Louis region, representatives from Bi-State Development, Metro Transit and several partners and regional stakeholders gathered on June 29 for the official launch of the first electric buses into service on the MetroBus system. This important milestone for the region was made possible by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA ) and Metro Transit’s collaboration with the Center for Transportation and the Environment, Ameren Missouri, GILLIG, New Flyer and Metro’s key transit partners – the City of St. Louis and St. Louis County in Missouri and St. Clair County in Illinois. Metro is putting a total of 18 electric buses into service as part of the initial launch, with another six new buses joining the MetroBus battery electric fleet by the end of this year, providing economically and environmentally sustainable mobility options along with a wonderful transit experience for Metro riders.

The launch marks one of the largest initial electric bus fleet deployments in the nation. New Flyer America manufactured 14 60-foot battery electric articulated buses for Metro, and Metro purchased four 40-foot battery electric buses made by GILLIG, with six more of those GILLIG vehicles to follow later this year. All of the vehicles are zero-emission buses funded through various FTA grants (70-80%) and local sales tax sources (20-30%) and will offer similar cost savings and environmental benefits.

“We congratulate Metro Transit for investing in zero tailpipe emission technology for its MetroBus fleet in the St. Louis region,” said Mokhtee Ahmad, Regional Administrator for Region VII, Federal Transit Administration. “Not only are the battery electric buses better for the environment, but they are so quiet and provide a really smooth ride for passengers. If you have never ridden on an electric bus before, get ready St. Louis, because you are in for a real treat.”

“Electric buses create cleaner air, combat climate change, and reduce our dependence on fossil fuels,” said Erik Bigelow, Midwest Director at the Center for Transportation and the Environment. “We are honored to be a part of this new chapter for Metro St. Louis, and look forward to helping ensure the deployment is a success.”

The 60-foot battery electric buses will operate exclusively on the #70 Grand MetroBus route, which is Metro’s busiest route and carries about 10 percent of Metro’s customers on a daily basis. The battery electric buses made by GILLIG will provide service on a variety of MetroBus routes in the City of St. Louis and in St. Louis County.

“In the broader scope, when we think of our clean energy program, we are helping to support communities that are livable, that are more socially equitable and that are more environmentally sustainable,” said Rose Windmiller, Chair of the Bi-State Development Board of Commissioners. “With the help of the Federal Transit Administration and local matching funds from our three key transit partners – St. Louis City and County and St. Clair County – we are making important investments today that our children and our neighbors are going to benefit from both now and in the future. Today’s important launch of these battery electric buses is only the beginning of Metro’s clean energy program so stay tuned for additional investments.”

“Paired with local matching funds, we are making an important investment that will benefit everyone in St. Louis, whether they rely on public transportation or not,” said St. Louis Mayor Tishaura O. Jones. “This initial group of 18 battery electric buses is the first step as we work together to build a healthier region and a better transit experience for residents, businesses and visitors.”

St. Louis County Executive Sam Page applauded the partnership that is delivering this cleaner transportation alternative for the region. “This is a partnership to be proud of, a partnership to safeguard our future and help protect the health of all of us,” said Page.

Since these battery electric buses do not have combustion engines or transmission systems, they will offer substantial savings for taxpayers over the life of the buses, which is about 15 years. Metro Transit estimates a savings of about $400,000 in diesel fuel and another $125,000 in maintenance costs over that time.

“This project will provide tremendous cost-saving and environmental benefits for the bi-state community,” said Taulby Roach, President and Chief Executive Officer at Bi-State Development. “Metro Transit will be leaner and greener by introducing this battery electric bus technology, not just with the buses on high volume routes, but also through the charging infrastructure and operating facilities. We’re proud to celebrate this win for our region with our many partners who helped to make it possible.”

The 60-foot battery electric buses will be charged while in service at the North Broadway-Taylor Transit Center in St. Louis, the northernmost end of the #70 Grand MetroBus route. The 40-foot buses and 60-foot buses will be charged every night at the Brentwood MetroBus facility in Brentwood, Missouri.

Ameren Missouri built a new substation next to the Brentwood MetroBus facility to help with increasing electric needs in the area. The $11.3 million investment upgrades the power supply to triple capacity and modernizes the energy system for Brentwood and the surrounding communities. The substation also features smart technology, including new automated sensors, switches and self-healing equipment to more rapidly detect and isolate damage in order to restore power quicker. Ameren Missouri’s partnership with this project is further evidence of the company’s commitment to clean. Ameren has established a net-zero carbon emissions goal by 2050 across all its operations in Missouri and Illinois. In addition, Ameren has laid out plans for its largest-ever expansion of clean wind and solar generation that maintains the reliability and affordability that customers have come to expect.

“We are partnering with our customers and communities to make the transition to cleaner energy. It takes a commitment from all of us to leave the earth better than we found it,” said Marty Lyons, President of Ameren Missouri. “Converting a fleet to electric vehicles makes sense – from an environmental perspective but also from an economic perspective. These electric buses cost less to operate and that makes good business sense.”

View the slideshow below to see photos from our launch event on June 29, 2021.

Electric Bus Launch - June 29, 2021

Check out the video to see our full press conference.

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]]> https://www.metrostlouis.org/nextstop/metro-transit-puts-first-electric-buses-into-service/feed/ 1 230926 New Electric Buses Will Support Sustainable Mobility Options for the St. Louis Region https://www.metrostlouis.org/nextstop/new-electric-buses-will-support-sustainable-mobility-options-for-the-st-louis-region/ https://www.metrostlouis.org/nextstop/new-electric-buses-will-support-sustainable-mobility-options-for-the-st-louis-region/#comments Thu, 15 Oct 2020 18:32:22 +0000 https://www.metrostlouis.org/?p=215920 Metro Transit is preparing for the 2021 launch of its first battery electric buses into service thanks to the help of several partners including Ameren Missouri, the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), New Flyer, GILLIG, and the Center for Transportation and the Environment (CTE). The first two of a total of 14 battery electric articulated buses, […]

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New 60-foot battery electric bus coming to Metro Transit

Metro Transit is preparing for the 2021 launch of its first battery electric buses into service thanks to the help of several partners including Ameren Missouri, the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), New Flyer, GILLIG, and the Center for Transportation and the Environment (CTE). The first two of a total of 14 battery electric articulated buses, manufactured by New Flyer of America Inc., have arrived in St. Louis.

“The introduction of these battery electric buses into the MetroBus fleet next year represents our commitment to providing economically and environmentally sustainable mobility options as well as an excellent transit experience for our riders,” said Jessica Mefford-Miller, Metro Transit Executive Director. “We will be leaner and greener by introducing this battery electric bus technology, not just with the buses but also through the charging infrastructure and operating facilities.”

New 60-foot battery electric bus coming to Metro Transit

The 60-foot battery electric buses have 320 kilowatts of battery storage on each bus. That is enough power to support about 10 2,000-square-foot houses for an entire day. They will operate exclusively on the #70 MetroBus route, which is Metro’s busiest route and carries about 10 percent of Metro’s customers on a daily basis.

Since these battery electric buses do not have combustion engines or transmission systems, they will offer substantial savings for taxpayers over the life of the buses, which is about 15 years. Metro Transit estimates a savings of about $105,000 in diesel fuel and another $125,000 in maintenance costs over the life of the buses.

“These buses deliver incredible benefits for the St. Louis region. In addition to the potential cost-savings they offer taxpayers, they are also zero emissions, and each year they will provide a reduction of 100 to 160 tons of greenhouse gas emissions when compared to a diesel bus,” said Taulby Roach, President and Chief Executive Officer at Bi-State Development.

Interior of the new 60-foot battery electric bus coming to Metro TransitThe battery electric bus program builds on the commitment of Ameren Missouri and Metro Transit to continually find innovative ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

“Ameren has made a commitment to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, and we’re eager to help our customers as they also transition to cleaner energy. We have incentives available to help local businesses install electric vehicle chargers through the Ameren Missouri Charge Ahead program,” said Marty Lyons, President of Ameren Missouri. “Metro Transit is moving St. Louis forward on a path to cleaner energy and a cleaner environment, and we are proud to partner with them in this effort.”

New 60-foot battery electric bus coming to Metro TransitThrough the partnership, Ameren Missouri has built a new substation in Brentwood next to the Brentwood MetroBus facility to serve the growing electric needs of Metro Transit and the surrounding communities. The $11.3 million investment upgrades the power supply to triple capacity and modernizes the energy system for the area. The substation also features smart technology, including new automated sensors, switches and self-healing equipment to more rapidly detect and isolate damage in order to restore power quicker.

Charging infrastructure is currently under construction at the Brentwood MetroBus facility and construction will begin in the near future to add new infrastructure at the Broadway & Taylor Transit Center to charge buses while they are in service.

New 60-foot battery electric bus coming to Metro Transit“This is a landmark investment in American infrastructure and zero-emission technology, and we’re pleased to provide sustainable mobility solutions through buses, technology, and infrastructure,” said Chris Stoddart, President, New Flyer. “Metro is leading sustainable mobility and shaping the community’s quality of life for the better. Together, we’re making the evolution to electric a reality for greater St. Louis.”

In addition to the battery electric articulated buses, Metro Transit will also introduce four 40-foot battery electric buses made by GILLIG into the MetroBus fleet. They are scheduled to be delivered early next year and will offer similar cost savings and environmental benefits when they are deployed into service on the MetroBus system in 2021.

“We are honored to provide our latest zero-emission bus technology to Metro and the community they serve,” said Derek Maunus, GILLIG President and CEO. “GILLIG has delivered nearly 700 safe and reliable transit buses to Metro throughout our 20-year partnership. Metro’s new GILLIG battery electric buses and investment in clean technology demonstrate their continued commitment to best-in-class transportation and a sustainable future.”

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A New Look is Coming to Your MetroBus Stop https://www.metrostlouis.org/nextstop/a-new-look-is-coming-to-your-metrobus-stop/ https://www.metrostlouis.org/nextstop/a-new-look-is-coming-to-your-metrobus-stop/#comments Thu, 01 Oct 2020 18:57:27 +0000 https://www.metrostlouis.org/?p=214591 You may have noticed something a little bit different at your bus stop in the past few weeks. This summer, we began the process of installing approximately 4,000 new bus stop signs throughout Missouri. These signs feature a new design that make it easier for MetroBus operators to see while they are on the road […]

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Image of new bus stop signs

You may have noticed something a little bit different at your bus stop in the past few weeks.

This summer, we began the process of installing approximately 4,000 new bus stop signs throughout Missouri. These signs feature a new design that make it easier for MetroBus operators to see while they are on the road and for you to get all of the information you need for your MetroBus trip. The sign replacement is expected to be completed by the end of the year.

The post A New Look is Coming to Your MetroBus Stop appeared first on Metro Transit – Saint Louis.

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