MetroLink Update: Secure Platform Plan
Pictured Above: A MetroLink train approaches the Shewsbury-Lansdowne I-44 station. the operator can be seen through the windshield.
Date Posted: June 13, 2022
Posted In: Discussion, News,
From Metro St. Louis: The Secure Platform Plan (SPP) is part of a multi-tiered plan to grow ridership on the Metro Transit system by creating a more secure transit environment. This state-of-the-art security plan will also greatly enhance customer convenience, and the transit experience, by creating centralized, highly secure customer entrances at all 38 MetroLink stations.
Highlights
Each station will include:
- Fare collection gates
- New ticket/fare purchasing system with expanded mobile and payment solutions
- Card readers and ticket vending machines
- Passenger Assist Telephones
- Facial recognition capabilities
- Additional fencing
- State-of-the-art security cameras monitored from a real-time camera center
Timeline
Once started, the construction portion of the project is expected to take 24 to 30 months to complete. We are in the process of contracting the services of an engineering firm for the SPP final design. The project includes 68 entrance gates and 81 exit gates. New safety infrastructure around the tracks, stations and platforms, plus the installation of fully monitored cameras, will help create a more secure environment across the 46-mile system and strengthen the safety and security program Metro Transit and its partners have been implementing over the last two years.
Funding
The total estimated cost is $52 million:
- $17.25 million | BSD capital and American Recovery Plan funds
- $12 million | Bond refinancing proceeds dedicated to security
- $12 million | Illinois allocation (federal stimulus)
- $10.75 million | Private sector funding
More Information
The Secure Platform Plan (SPP) goes beyond the safety and security recommendations already implemented in the last few years and recognizes the call by area residents and elected officials for a more secure transit system. It signals that we are committed to rebuilding ridership and regaining the region’s confidence in this important regional asset.
SPP has received support and endorsement from each primary elected official in our three funding jurisdictions (St. Louis County and St. Louis City in Missouri, and St. Clair County in Illinois). SPP received approval from the Bi-State Development Board of Commissioners, as well as unprecedented financial support from the private sector.
This rare investment of private sector funding in our transit system emphasizes the importance of this project and reinforces how essential public transit is to the future success of our region.