Marina
The City of St. Louis has officially canceled plans for the highly anticipated north-south MetroLink Green Line expansion, a proposal that carried an estimated price tag of $1.1 billion.
The project, which would have connected Jefferson Avenue, Chippewa Street, and Fairground Park, has been deemed financially unviable and ineligible for federal funding support.
Why the Project Was Canceled
Mayor Cara Spencer confirmed that the project, once touted as a major milestone for public transportation, is no longer feasible under the city’s current funding stream.
She explained that while the plan aimed to improve transit access in underserved areas, the cost for just 10 stations across less than 6 miles made it uncompetitive for critical federal grants.
Spencer emphasized the importance of pursuing projects that are both impactful and fundable:
- Green Line estimated cost: $1.1 billion
- Projected stations: 10
- Total track length: Less than 6 miles
- Federal share (if approved): Up to 60% through the Capital Investment Grant Program
Shift Toward Bus Rapid Transit
Instead of moving forward with the Green Line, city leaders are now considering Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) in the same corridor.
Spencer said BRT could be a multi-modal, cost-effective solution that improves mobility while meeting federal funding criteria. This pivot reflects broader national trends, as many cities adopt BRT for its flexibility, lower construction costs, and quicker implementation compared to light-rail systems.
Background of the Green Line
The cancellation follows months of concerns:
- In 2017, St. Louis voters approved a sales tax increase that allocated 60% of proceeds toward MetroLink expansion.
- In 2023, the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) approved the application for expansion under the New Start Program.
- By early 2024, 26 projects nationwide were already in line for federal transit funding, highlighting stiff competition.
While the FTA could have covered up to 60% of costs, local officials remained doubtful about securing those funds given the Green Line’s scale and price.
Key Facts About the Green Line
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Project Name | MetroLink North-South Green Line |
| Estimated Cost | $1.1 billion |
| Planned Length | Less than 6 miles |
| Number of Stations | 10 |
| Primary Corridor | Jefferson Avenue, Chippewa Street to Fairground Park |
| Federal Funding Potential | Up to 60% through Capital Investment Grant |
| Current Status | Canceled |
| Replacement Consideration | Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) |
Public and Political Reactions
The cancellation marks a major setback for advocates who viewed the Green Line as essential for connecting underserved neighborhoods.
Some residents and transit supporters argued the project would have enhanced economic opportunities by making jobs, schools, and healthcare more accessible.
However, city leaders maintain that a responsible funding approach is necessary to avoid burdening taxpayers with a costly and unsustainable project.
The end of the north-south MetroLink Green Line is a turning point in St. Louis’ transit planning. While the vision for expanded light-rail is shelved, the city is shifting focus toward bus rapid transit and other cost-effective solutions.
The challenge now lies in creating a sustainable transit system that balances ambition with financial reality, ensuring accessibility for St. Louis residents without overextending public resources.