Bi-State Development is committed to playing a pivotal role in creating a more connected, vibrant, and thriving region. Our focus is on enhancing the quality of life by delivering excellent public services and pioneering dynamic regional solutions. Emerging from the pandemic, we’ve zeroed in on constructing and refining a team of dedicated individuals who will help us fulfill our promise over the next 60 to 72 months.
A critical part of that path forward is innovation, and we’re transforming the services we provide and making investments to better position the region for job creation and the expansion of inclusive economic growth. To strengthen our competitiveness on a global scale, we are infusing nearly $2.5 billion in capital infrastructure investments within Metro Transit. Remarkably, this capital investment requires no extra funding from our partners in St. Louis County, St. Clair County, and the City of St. Louis.
Metro Transit is advancing with the Secure Platform Plan, ensuring controlled access across all MetroLink Platforms with new security gates, fencing and surveillance cameras. Presently, four MetroLink stations are completed, and seven more under construction, with the remaining 27 set for completion by early 2026. When completed, all 38 stations and transit centers will have secure access points for our customers as well as 24-hour monitoring through more than 1,800 cameras and a team of transit specialists to improve safety.
Simultaneously, the transformation of Metro’s fare collection system is under way, beginning with the installation of validators on MetroBus vehicles. With testing commencing early next year, the entire project, including new ticket vending machines, will be completed in 2026, offering easier and more convenient ways to pay and manage transit fares.
We’re preparing for the next fleet of MetroLink vehicles. The delivery of the first of 55 new light rail vehicles is expected in early 2027, underpinned by $196 million in federal funding. Furthermore, the Federal Transit Administration has granted nearly $10.4 million to Metro Transit to grow our battery-electric bus fleet with the purchase of approximately ten new hybrid diesel-electric buses from GILLIG.
We are working to improve access by connecting residents to growing job centers in Downtown West and Midtown, educational opportunities, and healthcare services through the MetroLink Green Line project, in partnership with the City of St. Louis. This proposed 5.6-mile MetroLink line on Jefferson Avenue, with ten stations, will provide transfer capabilities to existing MetroLink Red and Blue Lines.
Running from Fairground Park at Grand Boulevard along Natural Bridge Avenue, and east to Jefferson Avenue, then south to Chippewa Avenue in South St. Louis, the Green Line will feature modern in-street light-rail technology designed to minimize impact on adjacent properties, operate in a dedicated lane for enhanced safety, and improve travel times, while enhancing the pedestrian experience with level station boarding.
Now at the 30% project phase, with significant public engagement, the MetroLink Green Line represents a long-term, permanent infrastructure investment focused on historically underserved neighborhoods. This project will improve access to economic opportunities, preserve and stabilize unique neighborhoods, and transform the futures of countless urban residents. In doing so, we are striving to expand and fortify the region’s transportation network to support future economic growth and maximize the dynamic potential of the St. Louis region.
