EAST ST. LOUIS - Bi-State Development and Metro Transit marked the completion of Metro Transit’s $62 million Secure Platform Plan at the Emerson Park MetroLink Station in East St. Louis this week.
The project's key goal at all 38 MetroLink stations was safer stations and simpler ways for riders to pay. The Emerson Park MetroLink Station is located at 929 N. 15th St. in East St. Louis.
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The plan includes automated security gates, upgraded fencing and expanded closed-circuit television cameras across MetroLink stations. Metro Transit also officially launched its next-generation fare system as part of the project.
The upgrades transition MetroLink from an open-platform system to a controlled environment that requires a validated ticket or smart card to pass through automated gates. Stations also have been upgraded from a handful of cameras to nearly 30 cameras per stop, with live footage feeding into a 24/7 real-time monitoring center at Metro headquarters.
The new fare system includes updated ticket vending machines that support physical tickets, contactless options and new “Ride On” smart cards.
U.S. Rep. Nikki Budzinski, St. Louis Mayor Cara Spencer, St. Louis County Executive Sam Page, Kim Cella with Citizens for Modern Transit, Kathy Osborn with the Regional Business Council and Connor Torossian with the Federal Transit Administration joined Metro officials at the ribbon-cutting. Metro also thanked elected officials, community partners, contractors and Bi-State Development and Metro staff who helped complete the project.
