Metro Transit will host an open house at the Civic Center Transit Center in downtown St. Louis on Thursday, July 17, to allow transit customers and the public to test new accessibility technology from GoodMaps and NaviLens. Metro has partnered with GoodMaps and NaviLens to evaluate how their resources can make it easier for riders of all abilities to navigate MetroLink stations and transit centers to enjoy safe, comfortable and convenient transit services.

Accessibility Technology Open House

Thursday, July 17 | 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Civic Center Transit Center | 401 S. 14th Street, 63103

Representatives from GoodMaps and NaviLens will be available during the July 17 open house to answer questions and provide assistance. Transit riders and the public can continue to test the technology using the GoodMaps or NaviLens apps at the Civic Center Transit Center until later this fall. Metro Transit is accepting customer feedback and comments until October 31, 2025. Please visit metrostlouis.org/wayfinding for more information on accessibility technology, details on how to download the apps, and how to share your feedback.

GoodMaps is a free app that helps users find their way around MetroLink stations, transit centers and bus stops. It works like GPS on a mobile device, except it is built specifically for transit, and is designed to work for everyone. GoodMaps provides voice directions for people who have visual impairments, visual directions for those who are deaf or hard of hearing, and accessible routes for people using mobility devices. The Civic Center Transit Center has already been scanned by GoodMaps, and customers will be able to test the app at the transit center during the open house.

NaviLens is a free app that helps individuals with visual impairments navigate unfamiliar environments. NaviLens supports traditional transit signage, which is not always effective for all riders, with special NaviLens code signs. These code signs are installed next to traditional signage, but are designed to be read even if the user does not know exactly where they are placed. The NaviLens app can read the code signs in all lighting conditions, at 12 times the distance of traditional QR codes, from a wide viewing angle of 160 degrees, and it even works if the camera is unfocused.

NaviLens code signs will be installed at the Civic Center Transit Center and along some stops of the #10 Gravois-Lindell MetroBus route for customers to test starting on July 17.

The post Help Evaluate New Accessibility Technology appeared first on Metro Transit – Saint Louis.

We are making changes to the Gateway Card program as we prepare to introduce a new fare collection system early next year:

• Starting Monday, June 30, 2025, you will no longer be able to load funds to your Gateway Card.

• You can use the available balance on your Gateway Card until December 31, 2025.

• Beginning January 1, 2026:
  • Your Gateway Card will be permanently deactivated.
  • Customers with unexpired ADA Paratransit Gateway Cards can continue to present their card for free rides on MetroLink and MetroBus through the On the Way With ADA program.
  • Customers with unexpired Senior/Fixed Route Reduced Fare Gateway cards can continue to present their card as proof of reduced fare eligibility.

Stay tuned for more information on new fare options and new ways to manage your tickets and passes as we continue to make progress on our new fare collection system.

The post Gateway Card Update appeared first on Metro Transit – Saint Louis.

With this new system, you’ll have more ways than ever to pay for your rides. From the traditional ticket vending machines (TVMs) and cash payments on MetroBus, to cutting-edge mobile options through Transit app and a new Metro app, we’re ensuring there’s a convenient payment method for everyone.

It will take several months to fully update our fare collection system, but you will start to see some new equipment and features rolled out later this year.

Exciting Updates Rolling Out This Year:

MetroBus Customers: “Just Ride Validators” (JRVs) allow you to scan your mobile pass from the Transit app for quick boarding. Later next year, our new Metro RideOn! app will launch, providing a new platform to manage and purchase transit passes, view trip history, and explore even more payment options. Whether you prefer Transit app or our new Metro RideOn! app, the choice is yours.

MetroLink Customers: Enhancements under the Secure Platform Plan are paving the way for a safer and more efficient experience. QR codes, tap-to-ride features, and new ticket vending machines are being deployed, making it easier than ever to access your ride.

In 2026, all MetroLink stations will feature enhanced gates integrated with this new fare system.

At Metro Transit, we’re committed to creating fewer barriers for all customers. No matter how you ride or how you pay, we welcome everyone with greater flexibility, security, and convenience. We’re not just modernizing fare collection—we’re transforming the way our community moves.

Looking Ahead

In 2026, Metro Transit will also introduce an additional new payment option—an account-based transit card. With this card, you can preload passes and tickets, providing you with a convenient way to manage your transit finances. With the ability to “bank” funds for future trips, and pay as you go, the account-based card provides greater flexibility for your commutes.

Enhanced security features will give you peace of mind by allowing you to protect your card if it’s lost or stolen. Additionally, you’ll be able to manage your passes, review purchases, and track your trips with ease. We’re also updating our pass vendor outlets around the region to make it even more convenient for more customers to access Metro Transit.

Test Our New Validators on MetroBus

Starting now, you can help us test the new “just ride validators” by scanning your mobile ticket on all your MetroBus trips. When you scan your ticket on the validator (located inside the entrance of all MetroBus vehicles), the display will flash a green check mark and beep one time.

We’ve created the following Frequently Asked Questions to help make the process easier.

How can I use my mobile phone as a mobile ticket on MetroBus?
It’s simple as 1-2-3:
1) Download Transit App
2) Allow the app to access your location; it will automatically connect you with Metro Transit
3) Select Buy Tickets and enter your information

How do I scan my mobile ticket on MetroBus?
When you board the bus, simply hold your phone screen up to the white area in the middle of the validator. Make sure your ticket barcode or QR code is clearly visible and facing the scanner.

Where is the validator located?
The validator is located near the front door of the bus, close to the driver. Look for a black device with a screen and a scanner.

When should I activate my ticket?
You should activate your ticket just before you board the bus. Tickets must be active before scanning and expired or inactive tickets will not be accepted by the validator.

What kind of mobile tickets can I scan?
You can scan tickets purchased through Transit app and Metro’s new official app (coming soon). These include One Ride, Two Hour Pass, One Day Pass, Weekly Pass, and Monthly Pass.

Is scanning required for all types of mobile tickets?
Yes, all mobile tickets need to be scanned upon boarding to validate your trip.

Do I need internet or Bluetooth turned on to scan?
No internet or Bluetooth connection is needed at the time of scanning. Just make sure your mobile ticket is already activated in the app before you board.

What happens if I accidentally scan my ticket twice?
Don’t worry– scanning the same ticket twice in a short time will not charge you again or use up another ride. The validator will only accept a valid, unused ticket once per boarding.

What if my screen is cracked or my brightness is too low?
Make sure your phone screen is clean, uncracked over the barcode, and your brightness is turned up. If the validator can’t read the code, show your ticket to the bus driver.

What if my device battery dies?
You are responsible for showing proof of payment. Only a visible, active ticket will be considered a valid form of fare payment.

Can I scan a screenshot of my ticket?
No. Screenshots are not valid. You must use the ticket through the official app to ensure it’s active and valid for travel.

What should I do if the validator doesn’t scan my ticket?
Try adjusting the angle or distance from the scanner, and make sure your phone screen brightness is turned up. If it still doesn’t work, let the driver know and show your activated ticket on your phone screen.

How do I know the scan was successful?
The validator will beep and display a green check mark when your ticket is accepted.

The post A New Fare Collection System is Coming to Metro Transit appeared first on Metro Transit – Saint Louis.

The text feature allowed customers to text their Bus Stop ID# to receive the three upcoming arrival times for buses serving the stop from an automated message system. Unfortunately, the technology behind the service is outdated and creates a cybersecurity vulnerability.

Customers are encouraged to download the Transit app to see the real-time location of their bus, as well as plan trips, get rider alerts and purchase mobile fares. The automated voice option is also still available for real-time arrivals. Instead of texting, call 314.231.2345, select option 1 and then enter your Bus Stop ID#.

Visit our Transit Toolbox page for more details on Transit app or the automated voice option.

The post Automated Text Option for Bus Arrival Times Will End on March 14 appeared first on Metro Transit – Saint Louis.

We all love using the Transit app for its easy trip planning and real-time bus information. But, one of its best features is the ability to get service alerts sent directly to your phone.

Sign up for service alerts so you don’t get caught off guard by delays due to the unexpected. You can pick the bus routes and MetroLink lines that you want to get the latest updates and service information.

Here’s how to set it up:

1) Open up Transit on your mobile device.
When the app loads, you will see all of the MetroLink and MetroBus options near you.

2) Select the route that you want to receive service alerts for and tap on the STAR icon to make it a ‘Favorite.’

3) Pick the time frame you want to receive your service notifications.

That’s it – you are all set to receive the latest service updates and information direct to your phone for the route you have selected.

You can also always check MetroLink or any MetroBus route for Rider Alerts in the Transit app, even if you don’t make it one of your favorites. Simply select the route and look to see if there are any active service alerts.

Download Transit to your mobile device and make sure you have the latest information on your Metro Transit commute.

The post Sign Up for Service Alerts on Transit App appeared first on Metro Transit – Saint Louis.

As Metro Call‑A‑Ride switches phone providers on Friday, there may be short periods during the day where the main Call‑A‑Ride phone number, 314-982-1505, is unavailable.

An alternate numbers – 314-202-7041 – are available if the main number is offline. 

Here is what to do if you need to contact Metro Call‑A‑Ride on Friday, May 24:

• Call 314-982-1505 as usual
• If 314-982-1505 does not work, please call 314-202-7041

Important note: The alternate number will only be available on Friday, May 24.

The post New Metro Call-A-Ride Phone Provider Starting May 24 appeared first on Metro Transit – Saint Louis.

Metro Transit’s successful first-mile/last-mile transit service, Via Metro STL, is celebrating its two-year anniversary this month with sky-high ridership. This service supplements Metro Transit service by extending the reach of the system to better connect you to your destinations. The service provides shared rides for $2 to all residents, workers, and visitors. Riders can hail a Via Metro STL vehicle directly from their smartphone with the Via app when they need it, no schedules required.

Since launching in June 2020, Via Metro STL has completed more than 80,000 rides, and provided close to 10,000 rides in the month of May alone. Via Metro STL has seen steady ridership growth since its launch, including a 42% percent increase since early March 2022. Service is now available in three zones:

• North St. Louis County: 8 p.m. to 1 a.m.
• South St. Louis County: 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• West St. Louis County: 5 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.

Take a test drive with Via Metro STL

To celebrate the 2-year anniversary, we are offering two free rides during the month of July for new and existing riders. Simply open the app and your two free rides will be there!

Recent rider survey results and data demonstrates how Via Metro STL is expanding access to affordable, equitable transportation in St. Louis County:

• Nearly 80% of riders’ annual household income is less than $50k, and 17% of riders report they wouldn’t have made a trip if Via Metro STL wasn’t an option. Many riders say “it’s the only source of transportation” they have.
• 87% of survey respondents shared that they do not own a personal vehicle. The majority of riders use Via Metro STL to commute to/from work, while 50% depend on the service to take care of daily errands like accessing medical care and schools.
• 59% of riders report having shorter travel times than before Via Metro STL. Riders often share their appreciation for “very direct routing.”

The service’s ultimate goal is to improve transportation accessibility through filling first-and-last mile transit gaps and expanding residents’ access to essential destinations. Wheelchair-accessible vehicles (WAVs) are also available for Via Metro STL riders.

Via Metro STL was recently named a “Leader in Equity-focused Transit Expansion” in the 2022 Via Impact Awards, which recognize cities and transit agencies who have leveraged tech and innovation to deliver exceptional service to their communities. Metro Transit is one of three transit agencies or cities that has been recognized with this award to-date, out of Via’s 500+ global partners.

How to Ride

• Create an account. Download Via from the App Store or Google Play store and follow the simple sign-up steps. If you don’t have a smartphone, please call 636.251.3328 to set up your ride.
• Set up a payment method in the Via app.
• Request a ride. Enter your pickup and drop-off addresses and choose the ride option that works for you.
• Meet your driver. Check the app and walk a short distance to your pick up spot.
• Get where you need to go.

For more information, check out our How To Ride Guide or watch our test drive to see how easy riding Via Metro STL is! If you need a wheelchair-accessible vehicle for your Via ride, be sure to toggle on the “Wheelchair Accessible” option in your account profile. If you need any assistance, please call 636.251.3328.

To ensure riders have a seamless trip planning and payment experience, this service is integrated with the Transit app.

Here’s What Riders Are Saying

• “I am able to get where I need, at a cost I can actually afford.”
• “There aren’t buses where I live, so I would have to walk 6 miles to get on a bus to get to work 20 miles away. It saves me a lot of walking. I don’t think I would keep my job without it.”
• “[The service] is reliable and gets me to transfer points…there isn’t a bunch of stopping; [the route] is direct – it just makes things more convenient.”
• “Via STL Metro helps me get to appointments that I couldn’t have gotten to otherwise.”

Book a ride using the Via app or call 636.251.3328.

The post Via Metro STL Celebrates 2 Years of Service appeared first on Metro Transit – Saint Louis.

Planning your trip, tracking your ride, and paying your fare is getting the Royale treatment!

Metro Transit is starting our holiday gifting early this year, giving all riders free access to the Transit app’s new subscription service, Transit Royale.

In addition to important features like checking the status of your MetroBus, trip planning, accessing offline transit schedules and directions, and receiving rider alert notifications straight to your phone, this new service unlocks additional, premium features.

These exciting new features include new customization options, including special app themes and icons, as well as a custom avatar and nickname that appear on the leaderboard for GO, Transit’s popular crowdsourcing feature, and complete access to the app across the more than 300 cities supported worldwide.

In addition, some previous capabilities, like looking up departure times far into the future or browsing lines farther away, will be exclusive to Transit Royale.

The post A Gift for Riders – Transit Royale appeared first on Metro Transit – Saint Louis.

The Transit app is a great resource for planning your trip, purchasing fares and seeing the real-time arrival times for your bus. But, it can also tell you if your bus trip has been cancelled.

Due to a nationwide labor shortage, MetroBus service continues to experience delays and cancelled trips. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to address this challenge.

Is my bus cancelled?

Cancelled MetroBus trips will show up in the Transit app with a line through them (screenshot 2). If you see your scheduled trip on the app with a line through it, then this trip has been cancelled and the bus will not arrive at that time.

What this means for you: If you open Transit while you are at your bus stop, it will show you the real-time location of the next bus heading your way. If the next scheduled bus trip has been cancelled, that time will be crossed off.

Can my bus be cancelled, but not crossed off in Transit?

Yes. Sometimes, it is necessary to cancel a bus trip with little advance notice. Our team works hard to update Transit app as quickly as possible, but it is not always possible to have a trip crossed off in time. However, an easy way to check on your bus status in these situation is with the real-time tracking feature in Transit (screenshot 3). In this image, the next bus is supposed to arrive in 3 minutes, but the time is shown in gray and there are no real-time tracking bars – which indicates that the trip has been cancelled.

An important note: Be sure to check Transit close to your departure time to check the status of your bus. Updated information on cancelled trips is only available on Transit within 90 minutes of the scheduled departure time of your bus. 

Download Transit today from the App Store or Google Play.

The post Checking the Status of Your MetroBus in Transit appeared first on Metro Transit – Saint Louis.

This exciting launch follows a successful pilot program and delivers on one of the top customer amenity requests by our riders: Wi-Fi service.

You can conveniently connect to the internet to access email, study, watch videos or stream music, read the latest news or a book, listen to your favorite podcast, visit and post on social media sites and more, all from your personal mobile devices on nearly 400 clean-burning diesel and battery electric buses and 83 light rail vehicles. Metro has partnered with T-Mobile to provide this free service.

To access the free Wi-Fi service on MetroBus and MetroLink, open the Wi-Fi option on your mobile device so it can scan for available networks, then connect to “Metro Public Wi-Fi” and a login screen will appear. Once you agree to Metro’s Terms of Use policy, you will be connected to the network during your trip.

“More than 92% of our transit riders have a smartphone, and they rely on connectivity to harness the full power of their technology, especially when they are on the move,” said Taulby Roach, President and CEO of Bi-State Development. “We’re happy to provide this added convenience through T-Mobile for our customers, whether they are using the internet for work, school or entertainment. We know that having reliable internet access can be a bridge to brighter futures and we’re excited to offer yet another mobile customer amenity.”

Metro’s Wi-Fi service makes purchasing daily and monthly transit even easier through the Transit app. The Transit app can also be used for trip planning, including trips that combine Metro Transit with ride-sharing.

Metro Transit secured more than $1.3 million for the Wi-Fi project through two grants from the Federal Transit Administration, matching funds from St. Clair County ($63,464), and funds from Proposition M ($253,855). The next phase of the project includes plans to install Wi-Fi service on Metro Call‑A‑Ride vehicles and also calls for nine Metro Transit centers to be added as Wi-Fi connection hubs for customer convenience between their trips.

Need help getting connected?
Text us for assistance at 314.207.9786

Arrive more connected. Powered by T-Mobile.

The post MetroLink and MetroBus Launch Free Wi-Fi for Riders appeared first on Metro Transit – Saint Louis.