THE city of St Louis in the United States has cancelled plans for the Metrolink Green Line light rail project. St Louis mayor, Cara Spencer, says the $US 1.1bn cost of the 9km line makes it uncompetitive for federal funding, confirming that the city will explore a bus rapid transit (BRT) project for the corridor instead.
“High-quality and high-capacity public transit is necessary for all cities,” Spencer wrote on X. “But the Green Line has a $US 1.1bn price tag. I’m excited to see what BRT can offer our city and the competitive federal grant administrators.”
The proposed north-south light rail line would have run from Grand Boulevard and Fairground Park to Chippewa Street with 10 stops, including an interchange with the existing east-west line at Scott Avenue.
The project was intended to provide residents with access to growing employment centres in the Downtown West and Midtown districts of St Louis, as well as educational opportunities and healthcare services. The line was expected to be served by 12 new LRVs.
City residents voted to approve a tax increase to fund the light rail project in 2017.
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