In early June, Metro Transit in St. Louis announced the official rollout of its new fare collection system in tandem with the launch of a new security gating system known as the Secure Platform Plan (SPP). The rollout will take a phased approach with different sections of the system coming online at different times. Phase 1 will begin on July 6, with Phase 2 scheduled for July 17 and Phase 3 for August 17. View the below MetroLink alignment map to see which MetroLink stations are included in Phase 1 of the rollout.
The fare changes, which will affect both MetroBus and MetroLink riders in the St. Louis region, include new fare media options, both digital and physical, and new fare validators on buses that eliminate the need to show fare to the operator. New, modern Ticket Vending Machines (TVMs) are in the process of being installed at many Transit Centers accessed by MetroBus riders. MetroLink riders will be impacted by the afore-mentioned changes as well as an additional change: a new gating system that ensures those using the system are in posession of valid fare. The gates at each MetroLink platform will be opened when a rider approaches the gate and uses valid fare, whether through an app on their phone or a physical pass, to scan on a validator.
During the phased rollout, Metro Transit plans to strategically place Metro Transit Ambassadors, Customer Engagement personnel, and security officers throughout the system to assist riders with questions, fare purchases, access to gates, mobile applications, and more.
View Metro Transit’s website here to learn more.