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Metro Transit Celebrates Completion of $62 Million Secure Platform Plan, Launch of Next Generation Fare System
ST. LOUIS, MO (August 24, 2026) — Bi-State Development and Metro Transit have marked the completion of the $62 million Secure Platform Plan (SPP) and the rollout of Metro’s Next Generation Fare system, two major investments designed to provide MetroLink riders with safer, more secure station access and a simpler, more convenient way to pay their fare.
SPP has added security gates, fencing and surveillance cameras at all 38 existing MetroLink stations, creating centralized, monitored entrances throughout the system. Metro’s Next Generation Fare system integrates new Ticket Vending Machines and fare validators with the security gates, allowing riders with valid fare to independently enter MetroLink platforms.
“We listened to our riders, and we made a commitment to create a safer, more secure and customer-focused MetroLink system,” said Taulby Roach, President and CEO of Bi-State Development. “Today represents the culmination of years of work and a significant investment in the future of public transportation in our region. These improvements deliver on a commitment to our customers to improve their transit experience.”
SPP began reaching riders in September 2024, when Emerson Park became the first MetroLink station fully updated through the program. Improvements were substantially completed at all 38 stations by July 2026. Metro began activating its Next Generation Fare system and automated security gates that same month through a phased systemwide rollout.
The new fare system gives riders several ways to pay, including the Transit app, Ride On smart card and fares purchased at new Ticket Vending Machines. Riders validate their fare by scanning a QR code or tapping eligible fare media at a validator, automatically opening the security gate. New features such as Tap & Ride and fare capping are designed to make paying for Metro easier while ensuring riders receive the best fare value. Cash continues to be accepted on MetroBus and at MetroLink Ticket Vending Machines.
SPP’s impact was apparent well before the final station came online. During the rollout, Metro Transit recorded increases in passenger boardings at stations that had already been upgraded through the program, along with a decline in safety-related incidents per 100,000 boardings. Riders at those stations pointed to better lighting, clearly defined access points and a stronger, more visible security presence.
“Very few transit agencies have converted an open light rail system into a controlled-access system, and virtually none have done it on this scale,” said Kevin Scott, Executive Vice President of Public Affairs and Security for Bi-State Development. “Every one of these 38 stations was its own project with its own challenges that our teams tackled without impacting service, a testament to the incredible skill and expertise of our team. In fact, other cities are calling to ask how we did it.”
For Jackie Joyner-Kersee, founder and CEO of the Jackie Joyner-Kersee Foundation, the investment in SPP represents much more than new infrastructure.
“MetroLink is a lifeline for people in our community,” Joyner-Kersee said. “Young people and families use the light rail system every day to reach the Jackie Joyner-Kersee Center, work, school and other destinations throughout our region. This investment is about more than gates and security. It helps people get where they need to go safely and efficiently.”
The Jackie Joyner-Kersee Center MetroLink Station was among the first four stations upgraded through the Secure Platform Plan and was also among the first 13 stations where Metro activated the integrated fare system and automated security gates in July.
The $62 million Secure Platform Plan was funded through a combination of Bi-State Development capital and American Recovery Plan funds, bond refinancing proceeds dedicated to security, funding from the St. Clair County Transit District and significant private-sector investment.
“Projects like this do not happen in most places. We are very fortunate to have strong private-sector partners who are invested in this community and understand Metro Transit is critical to the region’s financial health,” added Roach. “Through the power of this public-private partnership, we are helping to create a stronger, more competitive economic future for the bi-state region.”
Today’s event at the Emerson Park MetroLink Station brought together agency leadership and community partners to mark the completion of SPP and demonstrate how the new fare technology and automated security gates work together.
For more information about Metro’s Next Generation Fare system, including fare options and how to use the new technology, visit MetroStLouis.org/NextGenFare.