Expanding the St. Louis Regional Transit Footprint

Legislation moving through the Missouri State House of Representatives could add Franklin County, west of St. Louis, to the Bi-State Development Agency.

1 minute read

January 26, 2018, 6:00 AM PST

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


St. Louis Transit

Metrolink light rail already makes it as far east as Illinois. | Jon Rehg / Shutterstock

"Missouri lawmakers are considering a plan that could one day bring bus and MetroLink light rail service to Franklin County," reports Kurt Erickson.

The key step in the process under consideration in a committee at the state's House of Representatives is to add Franklin County to the Bi-State Development Agency.

"The county is the only county in the St. Louis metropolitan area that is not part of the organization," according to Erickson. "Three Illinois counties also are covered by the agency."

If Franklin County is added to Bi-State, the next step in the process would be to seek federal approval. Bringing public transit farther west of St. Louis would also require tax-payer funded financing.

Thursday, January 25, 2018 in St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Young Professional

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

Get top-rated, practical training for planners

"Planetizen federal action tracker" logo superimposed over black and white image of US Capitol dome.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

September 16, 2026 - Zachary Whalen

Passengers board an Amtrak train under a cloudy sky.

Amtrak, CN end decades-long dispute with eight-year agreement

The new operating agreement establishes an updated framework for the companies to work together, including processes to resolve disputes.

September 18, 2026 - Mass Transit

The Gross Reservoir, a large body of water surrounded by trees and mountains.

Judges permit Denver to divert 77,000 acre feet from the Colorado River for reservoir expansion

Overuse and climate change have caused the Colorado River’s water levels to plummet.

September 18, 2026 - Inside Climate News

Railroad tracks in Idaho passing a home by a river.

Idaho may see an 18% drop in federal surface transit funding — the largest estimated cut in the US

Transit systems in rural communities are much more reliant on federal funding to provide their services.

4 seconds ago - Grist

A Florida family with their belongings in a wagon walks past a destroyed storm after a hurricane.

How ‘post-disaster gentrification’ alters neighborhoods after natural calamities

After hurricanes, fires or other calamities, the original residents of a community are often replaced by younger, wealthier residents.

1 hour ago - Inside Climate News

A person crossing a street under hanging traffic lights in Maryland.

Maryland local governments examine if they should have more power to raise property taxes

Maryland’s housing market is out of reach for the majority of moderate-income residents.

2 hours ago - Baltimore Sun