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MetroBus Riders Encouraged to Plan Ahead for Delays
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Due to fewer workforce resources, it is necessary to reduce the frequency of MetroBus services, and riders are encouraged to plan ahead for delays and allow more time for their commutes on MetroBus.
“MetroBus, MetroLink and Metro Call‑A‑Ride Operators have been heroic in their efforts to serve the region throughout the COVID-19 crisis. They are working on the front lines to ensure doctors, nurses, hospital staff, food service workers, grocery and pharmacy workers and others are able to connect with their important responsibilities,” said Jessica Mefford-Miller, Executive Director of Metro Transit. “But, like many in the region during this challenging time, they also need time off for their health or to care for children and loved ones.”
We are currently operating a modified weekend service schedule. It takes several hundred operators every day to provide those services, and as the available manpower numbers are reduced, it will not be possible to operate every scheduled MetroBus trip. Riders may experience delays in the days ahead as the region continues to address COVID-19.
Details of MetroBus Service Adjustments:
All MetroBus routes may experience delays. Eliminating MetroBus trips will reduce the frequency of a bus route. For example, if a bus is scheduled to arrive twice an hour, eliminating a trip will mean it only arrives once an hour. Metro is focused on maintaining service levels on higher ridership routes serving medical centers and other important destinations, but all MetroBus routes may experience delays.
As the region continues to be impacted by COVID-19 into April and beyond, a new service plan is being developed that will align operations to available workforce resources, which will allow for more reliable, on-schedule transit services.
New limits to total number of bus passengers. To help minimize potential exposure to COVID-19, all buses will limit the number of passengers that can be on board at the same time equal to the maximum seated capacity of the bus, which for most buses is between 30 and 40 passengers. Once a bus it at capacity, it will not pick up additional passengers until others have exited the bus and more room is available.
Metro Call‑A‑Ride vans may support MetroBus services. Some MetroBus routes currently experiencing very low ridership may be operated by Metro Call‑A‑Ride vans.
For MetroBus Customers:
Stay home if possible. Limit travel for essential trips only. Even though the transit system is seeing low ridership numbers due to COVID-19, reducing frequency may create a situation where keeping a safe social distance is a challenge. Residents are encouraged to stay home and shelter in place if possible, which will help us better serve health care workers, food service employees, nursing home workers and others who need public transit.
Allow extra time for MetroBus commutes until further notice. With delays possible on all MetroBus routes, riders are encouraged to plan ahead and allow more time for your MetroBus commute. The best way to stay up to date on whether a specific bus or MetroBus trip is in operation is through the Transit app. Available for iOS and Android devices, the Transit app provides real-time information on all MetroBus routes. All changes made to MetroBus service are updated to the Transit app, and you are able to see in real-time when your next bus is arriving. Learn how to use the Transit app here.
You can also contact Metro Transit Information for more details on your MetroBus commute. Metro Transit Information is available from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, at 314.207.9786 (text) and 314.231.2345 (phone). Due to high call volumes, the texting option is recommended for a quicker response.
Learn about all that we are doing to help prevent the spread of COVID-19: https://www.metrostlouis.org/health/
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VTA Transit System in CA has an automated system in place in the transit app to detect cancelled trips. Why is Metro too weak to implement this?
Not knowing exactly what VTA does, our process is probably similar. When trips are cancelled, they are removed from the database that Transit app pulls its trip information, and it is no longer displayed.
You should bring back the articulated buses on the 70 Grand since there are so many missed trips people will be left. Also, make sure to spread out operators so all routes have some level of service. Ultimately, a special schedule should be created to even out service since as you are admitting here, there is no way to meet the planned weekend schedule. Also, without a listing of missed trips, you really should promote this site to riders: https://www.transsee.ca/routelist?a=stlouis so people see what “you see.” Transit App doesnt give you the bigger picture. Please pass this on to garage managers, operations managers, planning, and your IT group.
Thank you for the feedback, we will send this information to our teams to review.
Can our jobs be informed of this cause they are not so understanding about being late .
Hi Linda – I apologize your work is not being understanding. You could try showing them this information from us about our current status of service.
The 91 never came going east bound from dilman my son was left to walk all the way home. The route is still posted
these changes and delays absolutely are not reflected in the transit app, and with the hotline closed on the weekend, it’s impossible to figure out what’s going on with my bus.
the northbound 10 seems to have stopped arriving altogether?
I would like to know if the #2 Red will be running it’s regular time on Monday morning and also how late in the evenings as I work nights and that’s the only bus that gets me to work
The #2 will be on its regular Saturday schedule on weekdays until further notice. The updated schedule is on our website here: https://www.metrostlouis.org/route/2-red/. However, you should be aware that due to a reduction in the number of operators we have available, delays are possible on all MetroBus routes.
Are the bus rides still free? If you can pass along how much I appreciate the drivers who get me back and forth to work. Thank you!
We have extended our policy of no fare enforcement on MetroBus until April 14.
At what time that route #8and9 will stop running ? because last time I been waited and no any of these buses come
Our sincere apologies – due to reduced workforce resources, not all scheduled trips are going out on time. As such, delays are possible on all MetroBus routes.