Transport agency in Greater St Louis area (USA) Metro Transit launches today the MetroLink Access Project. This plan consists in temporarily modifying access to three light rail MetroLink stations to study station designs and passenger movement. The objective is to measure the impact station architecture has on fare evasion and security.
How does the MetroLink Access Project work?
The MetroLink Access Project will run for four weeks at the North Hanley, Forest Park-DeBaliviere and Fairview Heights stations. Metro Transit has put up temporary fencing which change how riders access the platforms. Now, each of these three stations has designated platform entrance and exit areas.
Metro Public Safety officers and security officers will ask passengers to show proof of payment as they enter the station. There will be fare validation enforcement for 21 hours each day.
The aim of the project is to establish a temporary access control plan that uses personnel and environmental design changes to help better monitor passengers.
Adapting to the new structure
The MetroLink Access Project alters passenger flow. In order to cut down delays and keep lines moving during peak hours, MetroLink asks riders to follow the directional signage and to have their tickets ready before arriving at the checkpoints.
In addition, Metro Ambassadors will be at the three stations today and tomorrow to assist riders during the morning and evening rush hours.
Collaboration with community associations
The MetroLink Access Project is part of a community collaboration. Metro Transit has teamed up with Citizens for Modern Transit (CMT), East-West Gateway Council of Governments, St. Clair County Transit District, the Organization for Black Struggle and local law enforcement.
The initiative is among other collaborative efforts such as a personal safety smartphone app free of charge or an upcoming extensive MetroLink Security Audit. The goal is to prioritize and ensure safety and security on the MetroLink System.
