REGIONAL TRANSIT OFFICIALS HIGHLIGHT THE TRAJECTORY OF TRANSIT IN 2026 DURING

The MetroLink extension to MidAmerica St. Louis Airport is scheduled to open in summer 2026, enhancing regional connectivity. However, ongoing funding challenges in Illinois and Missouri threaten the future of transit projects.

CITIZENS FOR MODERN TRANSIT’S “TALKING TRANSIT” EVENT

Scheduled Opening of First, Large-Scale Transit Infrastructure Project in 20 Years Among Key Highlights

to-MidAmerica-Airport-MetroLink-Stop Provided by the Hauser Group

ST. LOUIS (Jan. 15, 2026) … The MetroLink extension to MidAmerica St. Louis Airport is scheduled to open in summer 2026 as ongoing efforts on both sides of the river work to deliver reliable access to opportunity. The circumstances surrounding transit funding are changing. Illinois is headed in the right direction, while Gov. Kehoe just proposed further cuts, and if approved, transit funding in Missouri will have been slashed by 85% since he began his term. Regional transit officials shared these and other updates with over a hundred Citizens for Modern Transit (CMT) members, elected officials, stakeholders and transit riders during the “Talking Transit: Trajectory of Transit in 2026” event hosted by the region’s transit advocacy agency via Zoom on Thursday, Jan. 15 at 8:30 a.m. To view the discussion in its entirety, visit www.cmt-stl.org.

The panel discussion featured Deputy Construction Manager at Gonzalez Companies Jon Schaller, Managing Director for the St. Clair County Transit District Ken Sharkey, President and CEO of Bi-State Development Taulby Roach, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Metro Transit Ron Forrest and Managing Director for Madison County Transit SJ Morrison. The CEO of CMT Kimberly Cella served as the moderator.

Sharkey and Schaller kicked off the conversation by announcing the nearing completion of the 5.2-mile MetroLink extension from the existing Shiloh-Scott Station to MidAmerica St. Louis Airport. This major infrastructure investment—which also includes a new MetroLink station, a 5-mile extension of the MetroBikeLink System of trails that will run adjacent to the alignment and improved roadway access—marks a significant expansion of multimodal connectivity for the region. With major construction now largely complete and only systems work and roadway finishing remaining, the project is entering its final phase and is on track to open summer 2026.

Work began in spring 2023 and has progressed steadily. Once construction wraps in early 2026, the project will move into testing and startup, ensuring safe and reliable operations before revenue service begins. This extension will provide a seamless, high frequency transit connection directly to MidAmerica St. Louis Airport, supporting economic growth, improving regional mobility and strengthening access between Scott Air Force Base, available land ideal for development, surrounding communities and the airport.

“In addition to connecting Scott Air Force Base and MidAmerica St. Louis Airport, which are partnering entities collectively serving as one of the bi-state area’s largest economic engines, the completion of this project will position the transit system as one of the only in the country to connect two major airports with the MetroLink running from St. Louis Lambert International Airport to MidAmerica,” stated Sharkey of St. Clair County Transit District. 

Roach then provided an update on the region’s plans for advancing the proposed Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, which is a pivot from the St. Louis MetroLink Green Line. The project will define the preferred approach within the next six to 10 months, while simultaneously launching a comprehensive six-to-12-month public and stakeholder engagement process beginning in February. It is still being determined whether or not the city sales tax is a viable funding source for the project.

Forrest underscored how Metro Transit is working to ensure reliable service, build its workforce of operators and mechanics, increase bus frequency and return to full use of MetroLink by moving away from single-tracking to double-tracking during the majority of the day. The Secure Platform Plan is nearing completion, the new Fare Collection System is set to roll out by June and new light rail vehicles will start arriving in 2027.

Morrison rounded the briefings by introducing a series of major initiatives from Madison County Transit (MCT) aimed at expanding mobility, enhancing safety and strengthening support for the region’s most vulnerable residents. Building on strong growth in its microtransit zones, MCT will launch a new Troy-Maryville microtransit service, look to adjust express routes to Downtown St. Louis, improve cross county bus connectivity and reduce fares to and from the Emerson Park MetroLink Station. Nearly $11 million in Rebuild Illinois funds will support construction of new facilities, including the Logistics Valley Bus Station with a police substation and future daycare facility, a Collinsville Park & Ride Lot and multiple upgraded operations buildings. MCT is also advancing major improvements to its 138-mile trail system by reconstructing key corridors, extending trails to Bethalto and installing new art. To better serve vulnerable riders, MCT is expanding its partnership with Chestnut Health Systems and continuing emergency cold weather transportation launched in November, providing free trips to overnight warming locations in Madison County when the temperature is 20 degrees or below. Systemwide safety upgrades, including comprehensive video surveillance, integrated access control and new flashing trail beacons, reinforce MCT’s commitment to secure, reliable mobility for all Madison County residents. Additionally, its RideFinders program is enhancing employer partnerships, launching a new vanpool seat booking app to streamline access and expanding subsidies that help low-income and underserved communities access reliable transportation to work.

The transit funding landscape was then addressed before panelists fielded questions.

“After reducing state transit funding by 42% last year, the Missouri Governor is now proposing to cut an additional $5 million from general revenue, leaving just $1.7 million to be split among 30 transit providers statewide for operating assistance,” stated Cella of CMT before each panelist further discussed funding sources and the respective impact it has on both operations and capital improvements.

The event concluded with a call to action. Panelists reinforced that the region’s transit systems are safe, clean, affordable and efficient. Business leaders and residents were encouraged to ride, advocate to legislators, go to public meetings and not shy away from sharing their personal stories about impact of transit accessibility and what service cuts and cessation would mean to them.

Roach of Bi-State Development stated in closing, “Ride. And if you aren’t on transit, understand that your neighbors are and so are the people bagging your groceries and working at your healthcare facilities. The people who make St. Louis work are on transit. They need your support as we work to support them the best we can. This is about economic vibrancy in our area and transit is part of the solution.” 

To learn more about Citizens for Modern Transit or to view the Talking Transit event in its entirety, visit www.cmt-stl.org.

Citizens for Modern Transit (CMT) is the St. Louis region’s transit advocacy organization. Established in 1985 to help bring light rail to St. Louis, CMT’s mission is focused on championing, challenging, encouraging and advocating for public transit in an effort to drive economic growth and improve quality of life. To help support this mission, the organization works to develop ridership programming, transform spaces around transit stops, help secure local and federal transit funding, serve as a strong and effective voice on transit-related issues and opportunities, and ensure safe, convenient, user-friendly and affordable access to the area’s integrated public transportation system. To learn more, visit www.CMT-STL.org or follow the organization on Facebook, X, Instagram or LinkedIn.  

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