Stay Informed

• Visit this page (metrostlouis.org/weather) for the latest transit service updates during the winter weather.
• Contact Metro Transit Information for details about your specific bus or transit trip at 314.231.2345 (phone) or 314.207.9786 (text). 
• Also check out the Rider Alert page for details about your specific bus or MetroLink station.
• Download the Transit app and sign up to get rider alerts direct to your phone.

Current Service Status

Metro Call‑A‑Ride

• Customer should expect delays with their trips today due to the winter weather and road conditions. Customers are being contacted directly if there are any delays to their trip.
• You can also check the status of your trip at 314.982.1505.

MetroBus 

• No significant delays at this time. 
• The #1 Main St.-State St. (IL) is operating on snow route.
• Check the real-time location of your bus using Transit app.

MetroLink

• No weather-related delays at this time.
• MetroLink continues to operate modified service, but Blue Line trains will resume service to Emerson Park Station starting on Monday.

Other

• Transit Information is open until 6 p.m.
• Via Metro STL is operating normal service hours.

Metro Transit Information
314.231.2345 (phone) | 314.207.9786 (text)

The post Weather Updates: February 19 appeared first on Metro Transit – Saint Louis.

Winter weather is in the forecast today, bringing a combination of snow, sleet and freezing rain to the area. Please take extra caution and look for slick spots on roads, sidewalks, bus stops, transit centers and MetroLink stations if you must travel today, and please allow plenty of extra time for your trips.

Stay Informed

• Visit this page (metrostlouis.org/weather) for the latest transit service updates during the winter weather.
• Contact Metro Transit Information for details about your specific bus or transit trip at 314.231.2345 (phone) or 314.207.9786 (text).
• Also check out the Rider Alert page for details about your specific bus or MetroLink station.
• Download the Transit app and sign up to get rider alerts direct to your phone.

Current Service Status

MetroBus 

• No weather-related issues at this time.
• Take caution when heading to your bus stop and allow extra time for your trips. 

MetroLink

• No weather-related issues at this time.
• MetroLink continues to operate modified service.

Metro Call‑A‑Ride

• No weather-related issues at this time.
• Call 314.982.1505 for assistance or to check on the status of a trip.

Other

• Transit Information is open until 6 p.m. on Wednesday to assist customers during the winter weather.
• Via Metro STL is operating normal service hours today.

Metro Transit Information
314.231.2345 (phone) | 314.207.9786 (text)

The post Weather Updates: February 12 appeared first on Metro Transit – Saint Louis.

When bad weather hits the bi-state area, our goal at Metro Transit is to keep our region connected as much as possible. Last week, when a winter storm with snow and ice blanketed roads and immobilized many of the region’s essential services, Metro kept moving to connect people to their jobs, families, and critical appointments.

Thanks to the exceptional work of our maintenance crews and train operators, MetroLink maintained service to every station with minimal disruptions throughout the week. And, even in the worst conditions during and immediately after the storm, MetroBus was able to provide limited service on the highest ridership routes while maintaining a high safety standard, due to the efforts of our MetroBus operators, mechanics and other support staff members. Some of our team members volunteered to pick up operators trapped at home so they could get to work for the region.

The post Metro Transit: Keeping the Region Moving appeared first on Metro Transit – Saint Louis.

The recent winter storm has created treacherous conditions on area roadways, and snow and sleet covered sidewalks, bus stops and MetroLink stations. Please take extra caution and look for slick spots on roads, sidewalks and pathways, and please allow plenty of extra time.

Visit this page for the latest updates on Metro Transit services during the winter weather storm.

Service for Friday, January 10

MetroBus 

• MetroBus has resumed regular operations and service hours on all bus routes today.
• Expect delays and allow extra time for your trips. 
• Three bus routes in Missouri and one in Illinois are still operating on their snow routes: #1 Main Street-State Street (IL), #30 Arsenal (MO), #79 Ferguson-Clayton (MO), and #97 Delmar (MO).
• Use Transit app or text Transit Information at 314.207.9786 to check the real-time location of your bus.
• MetroBus will resume regular weekend operations and service hours on all bus routes tomorrow, Saturday, January 11.

MetroLink

• MetroLink is operating regular service hours on Friday. 
• Blue Line trains only operate between Shrewsbury and Forest Park after 6 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 10.

Metro Call‑A‑Ride

• Metro Call‑A‑Ride has resumed regular service for Friday, serving all trips for customers as long as conditions are safe.
• Customers can expect minor delays due to the weather conditions.
• Call‑A‑Ride will directly contact customers if there are issues delivering their scheduled trips because of today’s weather.
• Customers can call 314.982.1505, option #2 or text 314.742.3051 to reschedule their trips for next week.

Other

• Via Metro STL is operating its normal service hours on Friday.
• Transit Information will be open 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday at 314.231.2345 (phone) or 314.207.9786 (text).
• The Transit Access Center is open until 4:30 p.m. Persons seeking a Disability-Based Reduced Fare Permit for MetroBus and MetroLink do not need an appointment, and can walk in 8-Noon, or 1–3:45 p.m. today. 
• MetroStore is open today until 4 p.m.

Metro Transit Information:
314.231.2345 (phone) | 314.207.9786 (text)
7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesday
6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursday

The post Weather Updates: Friday, Jan. 10 appeared first on Metro Transit – Saint Louis.

Navigating winter weather in the St. Louis region can be tricky whether you are walking, driving, or taking public transit.

Here at Metro Transit, we take a number of steps every season to keep our riders and team members safe during winter weather events. When winter weather shows up in the forecast, rest assured that Metro team members are already preparing for what may come.

MetroBus & Metro Call‑A‑Ride

Snow, ice, freezing rain and sleet can cause issues for MetroBus and Metro Call‑A‑Ride operations, particularly due to bad road conditions. While MetroBus and Metro Call‑A‑Ride service may see delays during these periods, both services operate as scheduled during winter weather unless conditions become so hazardous that temporarily suspending service is necessary.

We can only drive as fast as the other traffic is safely moving around us on streets, roads and highways. Allow extra time to walk to your bus stop and be ready early for your Metro Call‑A‑Ride pickup. Be patient with your drivers. They are doing the best they can to get you where you need to go in challenging winter conditions.

Preparation for winter weather starts in late fall when we transition from using normal bio-diesel in our transit vehicles to bio-diesel with additives that prevent the fuel from turning into gel in extreme cold weather. And if a bus or van does become stuck while on its route, we have snow buses available that are equipped with tire chains to tow the bus back to a garage.

MetroLink

A few inches of snow isn’t usually a major issue for MetroLink trains. They can plow right through, but ice is a different story. During ice storms or weather events that include freezing rain or sleet, ice can build up on the catenary (the system of overhead wires used to supply electricity to our light rail vehicles). A build-up of a quarter an inch of ice or more can interfere with that connection and cause the train to lose power.

To prevent ice build-up on the overhead wires, MetroLink uses ice cutters on the pantographs (an apparatus mounted on the roof of our trains to collect power from the catenary). During icy weather, operators engage the ice cutters (which have heaters) in order to clear ice from the catenary. Ice can also build up on the pantographs, so we watch for that and try to put fresh trains on the system in order to prevent a train from breaking down because the ice buildup on the pantograph is keeping it from getting overhead power.

If the forecast calls for ice accumulation outside of our normal operating hours, the Metro team will run extra trains throughout the night  and early morning to prevent ice from accumulating on the wires.

Ice and snow can also clog track switches, which allow trains to switch tracks. To prevent ice and snow from building up, we use heaters that are built into the system. A large part of winter preparation is clearing the track switches of any debris like leaves or garbage so the heaters can operate safely.

Transit Centers and Facilities

Transit Centers, MetroLink Stations and Metro Transit facilities can also be impacted by winter weather events. Preparation for Metro Transit’s snow detail starts in September when we begin ordering salt and other chemicals. At that time, we also begin general maintenance on salt spreaders and snowplows.

During winter weather events, the Metro Transit maintenance team is responsible for clearing ice and snow from MetroLink platforms, Park-Ride lots, sidewalks on Metro property, and MetroBus lanes. The clean-up strategy largely depends on the weather forecast, but also what our team members and riders report to us is also taken into account. Different kinds of precipitation require different responses and treatments. Snow can be plowed away easily, but freezing rain and ice must be treated with salt and other chemicals to melt and clear it.

What You Need to Know When You’re Riding During Winter Weather

As riders, it is important that you check the weather before heading out on your trip. You’ll know if you need to add extra layers to stay warm while outdoors, and also if you should watch for slick spots when headed to your bus stop, transit center or MetroLink station. Please allow extra time to get to where you are going. Running to catch the bus or the train during winter weather is never a good idea. Expect delays and please be patient. Know that we are doing the best we can under the conditions.

While waiting for your train on our outdoor MetroLink platforms, look for the heaters to help you stay warm. You can turn on a platform heater during regular service hours when the temperature is 45 degrees or below.

The Transit app is a great resource for knowing when your bus will show up, and if there are any delays due to road conditions. Our team also uses the app to push rider alerts directly to your phone. Learn more about planning your trip, tracking your ride, and paying your fare with the app here: metrostlouis.org/transit-toolbox.  You can also contact the Metro Transit Information team at 314-231-2345 (phone) or 314-207-9786 (text), Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. for assistance.

Interested in joining the team? Visit workatmetrostl.com for more information on open positions.

The post Metro Transit: Winter Weather Preparedness appeared first on Metro Transit – Saint Louis.

All of our outdoor MetroLink Stations have platform heaters. These heaters can be used when the temperature is 45 degrees Fahrenheit or below, and only during regularly scheduled MetroLink service.

Each heater has a green button – press that to get the heater started and it will stay on for 15 minutes. If you ever need additional time, you can press the button again once it turns off.

All platform heaters have signs explaining how to use them, but if you have any questions contact Customer Service at 314.982.1406 (call) or 314.207.9786 (text).

The post Winter is Here – Use the MetroLink Platform Heaters to Stay Warm appeared first on Metro Transit – Saint Louis.