NextStop Blog
What Does A Million Miles Look Like?
Return to BlogTo be specific, 1,250,758 miles. This MetroLink train was the fifth set of light rail vehicles Metro, then known as Bi-State Development Agency, received in 1992. The 1000 Series trains are still in active service.
The train’s odometer does not go past 999,999 miles, so it has started over at zero.
The train still has many of its original components, though things like seat covers have been replaced or repainted over the years.
The view from the front of the train, and the driver’s controls.
Trains make routine visits to the “train hospital” at our Ewing facility to receive regular check-ups and physicals. Superintendent of Light Rail Maintenance Marc Cruz said, “It’s just like going to your regular dentist’s visit. We look for any ‘cavities’.”
According to Metro maintenance, this train is approximately 7-8 years from retirement, so it has many more miles before it sleeps.
Look for the 1000 Series trains, the elders of our MetroLink fleet. They’ve traveled a long way for transit riders.
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This isn’t the famed Bill Clinton train, is it? I’ve chanced upon that car at least twice.
I thought they might go for 50 years of service?
Keep Em Rolling ..We still need overhead straps/handles in door areas…
I am so thankful that the region did something progressive and got MetroLink. Now if only Madison County, IL, would do the same!
We need to write Bachmann and many other model train car makers to model the St Louis MetroLink car. Thanks to the failure of Prop M in 2009, the service cutbacks forced these 1000 series cars to show some age. I would love to expand my volunteerism even more! I would love to help put new life into these cars. But when they run, they handle like if they were brand new!
Are the 1000 series trains expecting a fresh coat of paint in the near future? I like riding them but the paint is starting to show a little age. It’s amazing that those trains are actually a few years older than me. I actually liked the Bi-State colors. It would be nice to pain a few of those 1000’s trains the old Bi State color before they retire. Does anyone agree?
-Thanx.
Yes, actually! Metro has a paint booth that is set to open shortly that will allow the older trains to get a fresh coat of paint. Thanks!
But do you think it’ll be nice to paint them the old Bi State colors. Just a few to bring back some old memories.
Thanx
What is the lifespan of a Bus and how many miles do they put on yearly?
The FTA allows buses to retire at 500,000 miles, though we tend to run ours to 650,000 – 700,000. I’ll have to check on the yearly mileage for you.