Dear Bi-State Development, from a concerned voice within the St. Louis region, I implore you: please, do not give up on our public transportation system.
While I may not possess the technical expertise to navigate the complexities of running a transit network, I deeply understand the profound impact, both positive and negative, that a functional (or dysfunctional) system has on a community. My observations are drawn from personal experiences using public transit in seven cities across three countries, coupled with countless conversations and articles from fellow riders, both occasional and daily users. Although my perspective is not rooted in formal research or engineering, I strive to apply logical reasoning to my experiences and the information I gather.
Recent years seem to have presented significant public relations challenges for Metro Transit. Experiments like the single-car train pilot program and service reductions across bus routes have understandably sparked frustration and negative feedback, both online and offline. Speculation abounds regarding the motivations behind these decisions, but without full insight, it remains just that – speculation. Instead of adding to the conjecture, I want to reiterate my plea: please, do not give up. Just as the system relies on riders to pay fares, we, the riders, depend on the system’s continued operation and improvement.
The prospect of acquiring another family car is unappealing, particularly given current vehicle costs. This leaves me with a choice between commuting to work by bus or bicycle. I genuinely enjoy cycling, a passion spanning three decades and one I hope to continue for many more.
However, the joy of recreational cycling is vastly different from the necessity of commuting by bike. While a 10-mile bike ride to work takes approximately 45 minutes, bus routes extend the commute to nearly an hour longer. Paradoxically, cycling 20 miles round trip leaves me less fatigued than enduring two and a half hours of daily bus travel. Were cycling no longer an option, the impracticality of the bus commute would necessitate seeking employment closer to home for my family’s well-being. An hour of commuting each day via current public transit options simply isn’t justifiable.
This issue transcends personal inconvenience; it concerns the entire St. Louis region. Even prior to recent inflationary pressures, many residents struggled to afford vehicle ownership, maintenance, and operational costs. Others face health limitations preventing driving, while some consciously choose to minimize their environmental footprint and contribution to traffic congestion by forgoing personal vehicles.
My appeal extends beyond my own needs. I urge you, Bi-State Development, not to abandon the wider community that relies on and would benefit from robust St. Louis public transportation.
A strong public transit system is, in my firm belief, fundamental to a thriving region. My time living 15 miles south of Seattle provided a clear example. A reliable 30-minute bus journey connected me to a downtown job that sustained my family. Without that accessible transit option, maintaining employment and meeting basic living expenses would have been significantly more challenging, likely requiring multiple jobs and diminished family time. Public transportation afforded me the freedom to pursue opportunities across a wider geographical area.
This is the vision I hold for St. Louis. Increasing, rather than decreasing, route frequency and coverage would benefit everyone in the region.
Firstly, it would empower workers by alleviating commute anxieties and expanding job prospects. Currently, job searches are often constrained by geographical limitations. Personal experience includes declining at least two job opportunities solely due to unsustainable commute distances using existing public transit.
Secondly, businesses would gain access to a broader and more diverse talent pool. I am undoubtedly not alone in having forgone job opportunities due to commute challenges. Indeed, many job applications implicitly acknowledge this barrier with the common question, “Can you reliably commute to this location?” A robust public transit system would remove this impediment, enabling companies to select from a wider range of qualified candidates.
Thirdly, Bi-State Development itself would benefit. An efficient and dependable transit system would naturally attract increased ridership. Higher ridership translates directly to increased revenue, which, in turn, can be reinvested to further enhance the system’s robustness and reliability – creating a positive feedback loop.
This is not an exhaustive list of benefits. Improved public transit would also positively impact visitors to the region, contribute to environmental sustainability, and even ease traffic congestion for drivers. While rider frustrations are often vocalized, it stems from a shared desire for a better system. Negative service changes, regardless of their underlying rationale, directly impact our daily lives and mobility within the region.
We, the riders, are ultimately rooting for your success. We seek a symbiotic relationship – a system that serves us, and that we, in turn, support through ridership and advocacy. We are not ready to give up on St. Louis public transportation. Please, do not give up on us.
