St. Louis Trolley Streetcar Ridership Dismal in the Early Days

[Updated October 14, 2019) Mark Schlinkmann reports from St. Louis, where, "[a]fter more than a half-year in business, the Loop Trolley’s ridership and farebox revenue is lagging as the line continues to operate on a limited-hours schedule with just two of its three cars in service."

The trolley launched service on Nov. 16, 2018, and has been operating four days a week, instead of seven as planned in early budget documents that set ridership targets. Since opening, "11,364 tickets have been sold, producing farebox revenue of $22,283," reports Schlinkmann.

The trolley's third car is underway with testing, after a delayed delivery in January, which Loop Trolley officials hope will help increase the number of people who find reason to ride the streetcar.