The St. Louis Loop Trolley isn't running at full capacity, yet, but it's also falling well short of its projected ridership.
[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.
FULL STORY: Loop Trolley ridership and fare revenue lag — it's raised just $22,283 in fares since Nov. 16
Loop Trolley on the Ropes in St. Louis
Extremely poor ridership might be dooming the St. Louis Loop Trolley less than a year after it opened to the public.
The Uncertain Future of the St. Louis Loop Trolley
St. Louis faces losing federal funds if the Loop Trolley remains defunct. But is the 2.2-mile line worth it?
Crime, Cheap Gas, Declining Population: A Cocktail for Decreased Transit Ridership
St. Louis transit planners are evaluating the reasons behind a decline in transit use as the Metro Transit system prepares its first light expansion in years.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”
The Make Autorail Great Again Act would withhold federal funding to the system until the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), rebrands as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA).
The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns
In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.
The States Losing Rural Delivery Rooms at an Alarming Pace
In some states, as few as 9% of rural hospitals still deliver babies. As a result, rising pre-term births, no adequate pre-term care and harrowing close calls are a growing reality.
The Small South Asian Republic Going all in on EVs
Thanks to one simple policy change less than five years ago, 65% of new cars in this Himalayan country are now electric.
DC Backpedals on Bike Lane Protection, Swaps Barriers for Paint
Citing aesthetic concerns, the city is removing the concrete barriers and flexposts that once separated Arizona Avenue cyclists from motor vehicles.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)