Basic FAQs

What provisions are in place for safety and security on the Metro system?

The safety and security of customers on the region’s public transit system are the highest priority of Metro. Metro employs uniformed, sworn Police Officers from St. Clair County, St. Louis County and St. Louis City to protect our customers using the region’s transit system. Undercover Police Officers are also employed to protect transit customers. In addition, Metro contracts with Securitas, an international security firm which staffs MetroLink platforms and trains, and is responsible for fare enforcement. All Metro platforms are monitored twenty-four hours per day, seven days per week by security dispatchers who can immediately call for police assistance. This surveillance includes Park-Ride lots, stairwells and multilevel parking facilities. Parking structures also have emergency phones located throughout. On platforms and light rail vehicles you will see Passenger Assist Telephones. Customers and/or Metro Operators are able to contact security to intercept trains and busses to address any emergency situation. Metro Transit operates 22 hours a day, seven days a week, across 574 square miles throughout the region. Criminal acts are low on the transit system, however they do happen. Some things for commuters to consider when traveling include: Be aware of your surroundings when traveling. Report any suspicious activity to the Operator or use the Passenger Assist Telephone to contact the Security Dispatcher. Try to stay in well-lit areas. There is always safety in numbers. When you can, travel in a group. Never offer money to anyone you don't know. Keep your packages with you. Do not lay them in an adjacent seat. If you see something that does not look right, avoid it and report it.

I’m a Missouri senior over the age of 65. What form of identification do I need to prove that I qualify for the senior reduced fare?

Until December 31, 2008, Missouri seniors can show a Medicare card, a valid state vehicle driver’s license, valid state ID card, valid passport, or Metro’s Reduced Fare Card (Elderly) on MetroBus and MetroLink. Starting January 1, 2009, all Missouri seniors will be required to present a new standardized Metro Reduced Fare Permit. This new permit will serve as proof of their eligibility to receive a reduced fare of approximately half the regular fare. To make it as convenient as possible for existing and new riders to participate, seniors will be able to sign up and receive their new Metro Reduced Fare Permit at several locations across the region beginning August 11, 2008. With the new, standardized permit, seniors will be more inclined to take advantage of the affordability and convenience of public transit. It will also reduce risks for potential fare evasion, while helping to ensure that eligible seniors will be guaranteed the reduced fare without any concerns regarding the validity of their identification. The new permit is expected to streamline the process for Metro operators as they check identification and collect fares. To find the most convenient location to obtain a Metro Reduced Fare Permit, seniors can click on the “Age has its Privileges” icon on the home page, or call 314-982-1495. The Reduced Fare Permit is also be available at the Downtown MetroRide Center located at the corner of 7th and Washington inside America’s Center. The MetroRide Center is open between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

How can I learn the best way to use Metro to reach my destination?

If you are not familiar with the MetroBus or MetroLink system, you can call Metro’s Transit Information Group for assistance at 314-231-2345 from Missouri or 618-271-2345 from Illinois. Transit Information is open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday. A Customer Service Representative will assist you in finding the correct route for you. (The best times to call are 10-3, Tuesday through Thursday, to avoid longer wait times.) You can also e-mail transitinformation@metrostlouis.org.

How can I learn about Metro routes when Transit Information is closed?

You can use Metro’s new TripFinder software at tripfinder.metrostlouis.org. You can also review timetables and locate bus stops through the same software. If you want us to mail a printed timetable, you can leave your name and address on our voicemail system at 314.982.1521.

How can I compliment a driver or leave a suggestion or complaint?

You can call 314-982-1406 from Missouri or 618-271-7879 from Illinois and speak to our Customer Service Representative who will take your information and forward it to the appropriate supervisor. You can also e-mail your information to customerservice@metrostlouis.org.

Does Metro have any locations where I can purchase tickets & passes in person or over the phone using cash, check, credit or debit card?

Yes, there are two MetroRide locations – 7th & Washington, the southeast corner of America's Center, 314-982-1495 and 232 S. Meramec Ave., 2nd Level of the Clayton MetroBus Transfer Center and Clayton MetroLink Station, 314-982-1574. Both MetroRide locations are open 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Where should I transfer?

While Forest Park Station is the hub between the Lambert-Shiloh Branch and the Shrewsbury-Emerson Park branch, customers may generally transfer at other stations along those lines. Westbound customers on the Shiloh-Lambert line destined for the Shrewsbury branch can transfer at any station from Emerson Park west to Forest Park. Westbound customers on the Shrewsbury-Emerson Park line destined for the Lambert-Shiloh branch can transfer at any station from Emerson Park west to Forest Park. Eastbound customers on the Shrewsbury-Emerson Park line destined for the westbound Lambert line MUST transfer at the Forest Park Station if they are riding on a One-Ride Ticket. If using a two-hour pass, eastbound customers can travel further east and reverse westward at another station so long as they complete the trip within the two-hour limit. Eastbound customers on the Shrewsbury-Emerson Park line destined for stations between Emerson Park and Shiloh-Scott may transfer at any station between Forest Park and the Emerson Park Station. Eastbound customers on the Shiloh-Lambert line destined for the westbound Shrewsbury branch MUST transfer at the Forest Park Station if they are riding on a One-Ride Ticket. If using a two-hour pass, eastbound customers can travel further east and reverse westward at another station so long as they complete the trip within the two-hour limit. Eastbound customers on the Shiloh-Lambert line destined for the stations between Lambert Main and Shiloh-Scott DO NOT NEED TO TRANSFER.

Can I bring my bicycle on MetroLink or MetroBus?

Bicycles are allowed on MetroLink as long as you don’t block the aisles or seating areas for persons with disabilities. You should board MetroLink with your bicycle in the rear open area of the first car or the front or rear area of the second car. Do not use the kick stand or leave your bike for any reason. Only one bike will be allowed in each area. (Motorized bicycles, scooters or motorcycles are not allowed on MetroLink or MetroBuses.) Metro offers bike racks on most MetroBus routes. Stationary bike racks are available at the following MetroLink stations: North Hanley , UMSL North, UMSL South, Rock Road, Wellston, Delmar Loop, Forest Park-DeBaliviere, Shrewsbury-Lansdowne I-44, Manchester-Maplewood (to be installed by the end of 2008), University City-Big Bend, Skinker, Central West End, Union Station, Emerson Park, Washington Park, Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Fairview Heights, Memorial Hospital, Swansea, Belleville, College, Shiloh-Scott. Riders must provide their own locks. For more information, please see the Bike-N-Ride FAQ.

Where do I call for a refund if a ticket machine or validator malfunctions?

You can call 314-982-1400, extension 2589, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (voicemail during non-staffed hours).

Can I bring my pet on MetroLink or a MetroBus on a leash or in a pet carrier?

No, only service animals accompanying customers with disabilities can travel on Metro’s transit vehicles, and they do not need to be in a pet carrier.

Is there special seating for customers with disabilities on MetroLink or MetroBuses?

Yes, there are seats in the front of both marked with signage asking other customers to yield those seats to customers with disabilities.

I’ve heard about a free-fare zone. Where is it and how does it work?

Metro operates a Ride-Free-Zone between the Arch-Laclede’s Landing Station and Union Station between 11:30-1:30, Monday-Friday. This means you may ride between those Stations during that time without paying a fare. However, you must complete your trip by 1:30 p.m. or buy a fare to complete the trip even though you are traveling within the Zone.

Does Metro operate different service levels on holidays?

Yes. Please consult the Holiday Schedule in the Schedules & Info area.

Where can I find daily/overnight parking lots adjacent to your stations and how much does it cost to park?

Our MetroLink Station List identifies which Stations have parking. Unless noted, all parking is free and you can park up to 24 hours. Free, long-term parking (up to fourteen days) is permitted in designated spaces on a first-come/first-served basis at the Shrewsbury, Brentwood I-64, 5th & Missouri, Emerson Park, Washington Park, Fairview Heights, Swansea, Belleville, College and Shiloh-Scott Stations. Long-term parking at the Shrewsbury-Lansdowne I-44 Station is along the west side of the lot. The Meridian Parking Facility at the Brentwood I-64 MetroLink Station is a mixed use facility. Floors five through 10 are free for Metro commuters on weekdays until 6 p.m. and on Saturday until 1 p.m. Floors two through ten are available to commuters after 6 p.m. on weekdays, after 1 p.m. on Saturday, and all day on Sunday. (Long-term parking is available on the upper level at the end farthest away from the MetroLink platform in specially-signed spaces.)

Is there a special, reduced fare for college students?

Metro offers a Student Semester Pass which costs $125 and is valid for any student under the age of 23 with a current photo ID card. It may be used on all MetroBus and MetroLink service for the period specified by the pass but is not valid on special and seasonal services. It can be purchased at either of our MetroRide Centers -- downtown at 7th & Washington in America's Center or Clayton on the second level of the Clayton MetroBus Center/Clayton MetroLink Station -- or by phone with a debit or credit card. The number for the Downtown Center is 314-982-1495 and Clayton is 314-982-1574.

If I attend SWIC, UM-St. Louis or Washington University, should I buy a Student Semester Pass?

No. Metro has separate agreements with those institutions. Contact your Registrar for details.

What do I do if all the ticket vending machines at my station are out of service or taking only coins?

Use the Passenger Assist Terminal on the platform to report the outage or machine problem. The dispatcher at the other end can document and report the machine problems for service and also authorize you to ride to the next station and buy your ticket there without fear of being cited for riding without a valid fare.

May I take photos of the MetroLink System or MetroBus Centers?

Photography on the Metro system is permitted with the following limitations. Photographers and videographers who plan to take photos or video for commercial use, or who need to set up tripods, lighting or other equipment need prior approval. For approval call 314-982-1440 or e-mail SpeakerTourResearch@metrostlouis.org. Please be advised that security personnel may approach photographers and videographers to inquire about their purpose. Activities may be limited for security, safety or customer convenience. Photography of critical infrastructure including MetroLink tracks, bridges, and tunnels is not permitted.

Can I bring luggage on board Metro link?

Yes. We ask that you not block the aisles with it and not take a seat that others could be using. There is room at the front and rear of each car to stand comfortably and safely with your luggage during your trip.