NextStop Blog

The information below is an update from a previous blog about free COVID-19 testing starting at Emerson Park Transit Center. 

The State of Illinois is expanding the number and locations of free mobile COVID-19 testing sites at Metro Transit Centers in St. Clair County.

In addition to expanding the dates and times at Emerson Park Transit Center, the State of Illinois is opening a new mobile COVID-19 testing site at the Belleville Transit Center on March 18.

Free COVID-19 tests are available to anyone at both locations between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., while daily test supplies last. You do not have to live in Illinois to be tested.

Emerson Park Transit Center

Every Monday and Wednesday in March: March 15, March 17, March 22, March 24, March 29 and March 31.

The Emerson Park Transit Center is easy to reach. It is served by both Red Line and Blue Line MetroLink trains, the #6 Rosemont, #8 Alta Sita and #9 Washington Park MetroBus routes, and the #5 Tri-City Regional, #18 Collinsville Regional, #14X Highland Express and #20X Gateway Commerce Center Express bus routes from Madison County Transit. There are also more than 800 parking spaces available for anyone who wants to drive to the testing site.

Emerson Park Transit Center: 929 North 15th Street, East St Louis, IL 62205

Belleville Transit Center

Every Thursday in March: March 18 & March 25

The Belleville Transit Center is conveniently located. It is served by Red Line MetroLink trains, the #1 Main Street – State Street, #15 Belleville-Shiloh/O’Fallon, #16 St. Clair Square, and #17 Carlyle Plaza-17th Street MetroBus routes. There are also nearly 300 parking spaces available for anyone who wants to drive to the testing site.

Belleville Transit Center: 800 Scheel Street, Belleville, IL 62221

Simple nasal swabs are utilized for the COVID-19 tests and participants will receive their results over the phone within 4 to 7 days. Citizens who have medical coverage should bring their insurance cards. Uninsured residents will have the same opportunity to be tested.

Information about other Illinois Department of Public Health COVID-19 testing sites in the area can be found online at DPH.ILLINOIS.GOV/COVID19

Before you ride, here are some quick reminders:

• Federal mandate requires everyone to wear a mask on Metro Transit. Protect other riders and our team members — wear a mask while you’re riding, on a MetroLink platform, or waiting for your bus.
• You can buy MetroBus and MetroLink one-ride tickets and 2-hour passes through the Transit app with our mobile fares.
• Stay updated on all service and operations updates in response to COVID-19 here: metrostlouis.org/health.