Bi-State Development

Gov. JB Pritzker, state legislators, mayors and other officials gathered at the airport Thursday to spotlight the investment.

Some Metro Call-A-Ride users who have depended on the service for decades will soon have to find alternatives, because the paratransit service is reducing routes in St. Louis County beginning April 10. One rider says she will lose her independence and miss out on social activities.

The goal of the facility is to help make MetroLink safer for the region.

Metro Transit will cut the frequency of 12 MetroBus routes on March 21 because it lacks bus operators. The transportation company will extend wait times on those routes by as long as 15 to 20 minutes. Six other routes will see bus stop changes or adjustments.

Under a newly revised agreement, Bi-State Development Agency is required to operate the trolley four days a week through June 2025 — but will not be financially responsible for the project.

MetroBus, MetroLink and Call-A-Ride continue to see shortages of drivers due to the coronavirus pandemic. Bi-State Development officials want to hire 150 drivers. The company has increased drivers’ pay and will provide on-the-job training to attract more employees.

Bus riders in St. Louis are facing more cancellations and longer wait times as bus operators leave Metro Transit.

Major Case Squad detectives looking for the person who shot a MetroBus driver in north St. Louis County took a person into custody late Monday. Metro Transit is promising increased security.

A pair of two-person teams from Chestnut Health Systems will be on hand 40 hours a week to assist transit riders suffering from substance-use disorders or other challenges. The yearlong pilot will cost $350,000.

The St. Louis-area transit system, down at least 120 operators, joins nationwide clamber for labor.