Metro Transit in St. Louis is testing a new single-car MetroLink train for two weeks starting October 3, aiming to potentially save between $800,000 and $4.8 million annually in maintenance costs.
Ron Forrest, Metro Transit’s COO, acknowledged past concerns from riders about single-car operations but emphasized a meticulous approach to this pilot program to evaluate its effects on operations and customer experience. During the trial, they will gather ridership data and customer feedback to inform future decisions.
The single-car operation will not alter the current frequency and schedule, but it will be paused during high-demand events and planned maintenance that requires shared tracks. The pilot will conclude in Spring. For more details, visit Metro’s website.
