NextStop Blog
Secure Platform Plan Update
Return to BlogThe Secure Platform Plan implementation is on track and moving steadily forward. This important MetroLink project will help create a more secure transit environment and better transit experience for you, our customers. When MetroLink opened in 1993, it was designed as an open access light rail system. You didn’t have to go through a fare gate or turnstile like you do in New York City and other cities to get to the station platform to board a train.
The Secure Platform Plan will convert all 38 current MetroLink stations from open access to closed access. The installation of security gates and new fencing will create secure customer entrances at all station platforms. That means if you don’t have valid fare to open the security gate, you won’t be allowed on the MetroLink platforms. The access to the platforms will be limited to paying customers only.
To bring the Secure Platform Plan online as quickly as possible, the project has been divided into groups. New gates and fencing will be installed at four to eight MetroLink stations at a time. The first four stations are in St. Clair County in Illinois:
- Emerson Park MetroLink Station
- Jackie Joyner Kersee Center MetroLink Station
- Washington Park MetroLink Station
- College MetroLink Station
You will see the security gates and fencing go up next spring at these first four stations. Design work is well underway on the next group of stations: Forest Park-DeBaliviere, Central West End, Cortex, Grand, Union Station, Civic Center and Delmar Loop. Security gates and fencing installation will be completed next year for these seven stations and a third group of stations. The stations will constantly be moved toward completion through simultaneous design, soliciting bids for construction and installation among the six total groups of stations. The gates and fencing installation at all of the MetroLink stations is slated to be completed in 2025.
Another key element of the Secure Platform Plan is the new Real Time Camera Center, which will allow security teams to monitor 1,800 digital cameras positioned on the transit system. Currently, 1,000 cameras have been installed and are being monitored in the Real Time Camera Center. Eventually, security will be able to see live cameras aboard Metro Transit vehicles.
Every 10 years or so, Metro Transit updates the fare collection system, and that process is underway now. Current Ticket Vending Machines will be replaced with new state of the art equipment in the coming years. The new security gates will work in conjunction with the new fare system.
If you would like more information about the Secure Platform Plan, click here.
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Looks like garbage. Fare costsc probably don’t even cover the installation of these. Bikes and wheelchairs will have difficulty getting through it even possible.
They shouldn’t always be stuff eastside and north county. Metrolink or bus service. I’m tired of it. Forest Park and CWE are really bad. Thank God Barnes has video and with sound. I’ve used them several times along with their security. Everything doesnt happen across the river. Show me numbers on crime and violent acts of crime at all the stations. Then let’s start with the top 4.
looks horrible, and so inaccessible. assuming you have sensors so it doesn’t crush people, there’s no reason why someone can’t just sand under the sensors and then let everyone on the platform.
Chicago has had secure platforms for as long as I can remember. It does nothing to deter crime. As in St. Louis, there are periodic incidents; eveyone gets upset; then they forget. What we need is thoughtful and consistent security personnel riding the trains. Perhaps they could even remind people not to smoke on the train? Wouldn’t that be great? The secure platform initiative is a collosal waste of money.