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 Below are the answers to some of the questions frequently asked in relation to the Metro South Study. What is light-rail? In many respects light-rail systems, such as MetroLink, are successors to traditional streetcars. Using overhead wires to provide electrical power to the vehicle, (unlike most subways, where power is often provided through the rails) light-rail transit (LRT) vehicles operate within their own right-of-way or, as in many cites, in conventional streets for part of their route, when necessary. LRT vehicles are more maneuverable than traditional railroad equipment. Their size and design allows them to make tighter turns, and to operate on steeper grades than conventional commuter or passenger rail equipment. As a result, it is easier to integrate LRT systems into existing streets, neighborhoods and communities. However, LRT vehicles tend to have lower passenger capacity than traditional passenger cars or subways. MetroLink currently operates trains that are made up of two LRT vehicles. These trains draw power via a pantograph--the raised frame above the roof of the vehicle that stays in contact with the overhead lines. MetroLink vehicles generally operate with within a reserved right-of-way. To ease access and egress, station platforms are configured such that the station platform is level with the vehicle floor. Back to top. What is the history behind the Metro South Study? In 1989, East-West Gateway Coordinating Council (EWGCC) began planning for the St. Louis region’s transportation future by analyzing and prioritizing corridors for potential transit development. One of the prioritized corridors was the Cross County corridor, which includes Mid St. Louis County and its surrounding areas in all directions. In the mid 1990’s, EWGCC identified transportation problems and analyzed potential solutions in the Cross County corridor. One of the suggested improvements for South St. Louis County was building a light-rail extension. The Metro South Study is the next step, as outlined by the federal government, toward bringing MetroLink and other transit improvements to South County. During this study, an alternative suggested earlier along an existing rail line will be reviewed along with several new alternatives. The goal is to select a locally preferred alternative for South County that begins in Shrewsbury where the Cross County Clayton to Shrewsbury extension will end. Back to top. How long will the study take? The study will last approximately two years. During this time, the study team will develop potential alternatives and evaluate their costs, ridership and benefits to the community, and environmental impacts. The Metro South Study is scheduled for completion during the winter of 2004-2005 when a preferred alternative will be selected. Back to top. Hasn’t a light-rail route in South St. Louis County already been decided? No. Back to top. Will Metro South run on the current Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) railroad right-of-way? At this point, no one knows. In an earlier study, the BNSF railroad right-of-way was identified as a possible corridor for a MetroLink extension into South St. Louis County. However, a formal analysis of alternative alignments has never been completed for the South County area, and some conditions have changed since the original study. The Metro South Study is the formal study that will look at a number of potential alternatives for MetroLink and other transit improvements to serve South County. The BNSF railroad right-of-way will be considered as part of the study. Back to top. When will the MetroLink Extension be built? The purpose of the Metro South Study is to submit the locally preferred alternative (LPA) to the federal government for consideration under the Federal Transit Administration’s New Starts funding program. Currently there is no local, state or federal money to build an extension, therefore no construction date can been set. This situation may change by the time the study ends. Back to top. Does community input matter? Yes. EWGCC and its partners want to plan MetroLink and other transit improvements that meet the needs of South St. Louis County. This cannot be achieved without your involvement. During the Metro South Study, there will be several public events for you to attend. Please make every effort to participate in them. You can also obtain study information and give your input in the following ways: Back to top. How can I give my input? Write Us Metro South Study c/o Vector Communications 701 N. 15th Street, Suite 1001E St. Louis, MO 63103-1925 Call Us 314-621-4499 E-mail Us Comments@metrosouthstudy.org Back to top. |
Metro South Study c/o Vector Communications |
701 N. 15th St. |
Mailbox 43 |
St. Louis, MO 63103 |
(314) 621-4499
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