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This Morning, Mayor Spencer and Bi-State Development Board Approve Contract for BRT Exploration in Green Line Transit Corridor
At the request of Mayor Cara Spencer, the Bi-State Development Board of Commissioners voted this morning to approve a contract with HNTB, a planning and engineering firm, to begin a detailed exploration of potential Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) in the Green Line Transit Corridor. This decision comes after years of study and engineering for a Green Line light rail project, which has proven to be financially unfeasible and unlikely to receive federal funding.
Mayor Spencer: High-Quality Public Transit is Essential for All Cities
Mayor Spencer emphasized the importance of high-quality and high-capacity public transit for all cities, stating that it is imperative to have a project that meets objectives and qualifies for federal funding. Unfortunately, the proposed Green Line light rail project has a price tag of $1.1 billion for just 10 stations and less than 6 miles, making it unattainable with current funding streams and uncompetitive for federal funding. Mayor Spencer is excited to explore the potential of BRT, along with a multi-modal component, for the benefit of citizens, visitors, and federal grant administrators.
City of St. Louis Voters Approved Sales Tax Increase for Transit Expansion
In 2017, City of St. Louis voters approved a local sales tax increase for various purposes, including the expansion of transit within the city. Since then, the project concept has been refined twice, with significant engineering work completed for the Green Line Corridor alignment. However, despite efforts to reduce costs, the project remains financially out of reach for the city and unlikely to receive federal funding.
New Opportunities for High-Quality BRT in St. Louis
While the Green Line light rail project may not be feasible, new opportunities have emerged for a top-tier BRT corridor in St. Louis. Many cities in the United States have successfully implemented BRT routes in the last decade, and more are planned around the country. With the lessons learned from local and national BRT projects, St. Louis has the potential to construct a predictable and station-based BRT system at a lower cost and in less time. This would bring the promise of high-quality transit expansion to reality much sooner, with minimal construction impacts and the potential for additional investments to improve walkability and bikeability along the corridor.
Resident: Many Cities Have Found Success with BRT Projects
Catherine Hamacher, a resident who lives near the corridor, expressed excitement about the potential for a BRT project in St. Louis. She noted that many cities around the country have had great success with BRT projects and looks forward to seeing St. Louis take a serious look at this option.
