bpe235 wrote:suicide metrolinker...
http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/s ... enDocument
crazy nut or conspiracy
[sarcasm on]
What size is your tinfoil hat?
or
I didn't know Oliver Stone posted here...
[sarcasm off]
[sarcasm on]
What size is your tinfoil hat?
or
I didn't know Oliver Stone posted here...
[sarcasm off]
Suicides are a common tragedy among Public Transit systems like the Chicago El, and the New York Subway system. St. Louis has been fortunate enough to have a low number of these occurrences. Obviously, I would assume that a light rail line is safer, in this regard, compared to the heavy rails of New York and Chicago, Boston, and other places.
Sorry to beat a dead horse, but that can't be the old Woolworth's on the Northeast corner of 6th and Locust. The 6th street traffic is going the wrong way, and there's no Mansion House at the East end of Locust.
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^I think that's the NW corner of 6th and Locust, not NE, where Woolworth's is shown. The block pictured was torn down for St. Louis Centre. Woolworth's would move across 6th street to what would later become a parking garage. The taller brown building pictured is the former Dillard's (then Stix) on Washington at 6th.
- 10K
southslider wrote:^I think that's the NW corner of 6th and Locust, not NE, where Woolworth's is shown. The block pictured was torn down for St. Louis Centre. Woolworth's would move across 6th street to what would later become a parking garage. The taller brown building pictured is the former Dillard's (then Stix) on Washington at 6th.
That makes total sense - I think you're exactly right.
What a great picture. That's the kind of city I want to live in.
^Yeah, makes sense. BTW, maybe we oughta have a separate thread for these kind of "where-was-it-taken" photos. I really enjoy figuring them out.
I was on the first train from Shrewsbury to Forest Park today. The ride went fairly smoothly as they worked out the kinks; trains to and from Shrewsbury do not continue east of Forest Park, so there was some extra coordination done with the pocket track there.
That first train was fairly crowded leaving Shrewsbury, but no riders were left on the platform when it left at around noon. After turning around at Forest Park and coming back, the platform and ramps were mobbed. Larry Salci had just taken the stage at the opening ceremonies. The lot was 3/4 full and filing up quickly.
The U City/Big Bend and Skinker stations are really beautiful. Kinetic lighted sculpture and other imaginative lighting is really dramatic. The ride to Forest Park is not a long one distance-wise, although it was almost a half hour each way today with various little delays, and trying to get all the people on the station.
The Galleria appears more accessible than I had originally thought; it's a straight shot right into the front of the building, or at least the parking lot.
It also seemed as though the train travels quite quickly around the turns and up and down the various hills of this extension. I feared that the turns would force them to slow down much like between the Stadium and Civic Center stations now (that stretch is a drag); that appears to not be the case.
Overall, a fun experience! Sorry I don't have pictures to share; it was mainly elbow-to-elbow passengers, and I didn't disembark for fear of not getting back on
That first train was fairly crowded leaving Shrewsbury, but no riders were left on the platform when it left at around noon. After turning around at Forest Park and coming back, the platform and ramps were mobbed. Larry Salci had just taken the stage at the opening ceremonies. The lot was 3/4 full and filing up quickly.
The U City/Big Bend and Skinker stations are really beautiful. Kinetic lighted sculpture and other imaginative lighting is really dramatic. The ride to Forest Park is not a long one distance-wise, although it was almost a half hour each way today with various little delays, and trying to get all the people on the station.
The Galleria appears more accessible than I had originally thought; it's a straight shot right into the front of the building, or at least the parking lot.
It also seemed as though the train travels quite quickly around the turns and up and down the various hills of this extension. I feared that the turns would force them to slow down much like between the Stadium and Civic Center stations now (that stretch is a drag); that appears to not be the case.
Overall, a fun experience! Sorry I don't have pictures to share; it was mainly elbow-to-elbow passengers, and I didn't disembark for fear of not getting back on
Just got back from a test ride (I live about a mile away from a station) I will be using this big time. It exceeded my expectations for speed and the stations look great. Road to Skinker and got myself a cup o joe at Kayaks.
The train was packed, it was a riot listening to people ohh and ahh. One lady got excited when we passed the Galeria realizing she could take the train there (how did she not see the map).
Great day for St. Louis, this hopefully will be more glue in binding the city to the county.
The train was packed, it was a riot listening to people ohh and ahh. One lady got excited when we passed the Galeria realizing she could take the train there (how did she not see the map).
Great day for St. Louis, this hopefully will be more glue in binding the city to the county.
I was under the impression that you would be able to ride from Shrewsbury to Emerson Park in IL, but would have to transfer somewhere after DeBaliviere to continue past Emerson.
Some photos from LinkFest and the activities at the Shrewsbury station:
Approaching by bike:
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It looked mobbed going into the lot:
![]()
Some of the communities along the route set up shop at LinkFest. This was across Lansdowne on the closed River des Peres Blvd.
![]()
![]()
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some band:
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They were handing out little Metro coolers:
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Now, on to the station.
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The spaces in the entrance driveway were full. People were stopping in the driveway hoping to find someone pulling out...but there were plenty of spaces just up and around the corner:
![]()
The platform was busy but not impossible. It was easy to get a seat on the train, if you wanted.
![]()
![]()
Approaching by bike:
It looked mobbed going into the lot:
Some of the communities along the route set up shop at LinkFest. This was across Lansdowne on the closed River des Peres Blvd.
some band:
They were handing out little Metro coolers:
Now, on to the station.
The spaces in the entrance driveway were full. People were stopping in the driveway hoping to find someone pulling out...but there were plenty of spaces just up and around the corner:
The platform was busy but not impossible. It was easy to get a seat on the train, if you wanted.
trent wrote:I was under the impression that you would be able to ride from Shrewsbury to Emerson Park in IL, but would have to transfer somewhere after DeBaliviere to continue past Emerson.
You can, just not today. They said it would be less confusing for people who didn't know where the free zone ended today. Judging from my ride this morning, there were a LOT of people who had never been on a Metrolink vehicle before, possible never on any public transportation. A few fell down when the train started from a stop
trent wrote:I was under the impression that you would be able to ride from Shrewsbury to Emerson Park in IL, but would have to transfer somewhere after DeBaliviere to continue past Emerson.
I guess you're talking about bprop's ride.
I assume the Shrewbury to Forest Park was just for the open house today. Starting Monday the trains will go Shrewsbury to Emerson Park in IL.
anyone have any pictures of the tunnel? i saw this article and really want to see pics
http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/s ... enDocument
http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/s ... enDocument
STLMO314 wrote:anyone have any pictures of the tunnel? i saw this article and really want to see pics
http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/s ... enDocument
if nobody has them, I'll get some tomorrow.
I took a ride with my folks today and I was really impressed. As it's been said, the Skinker and especially the Big Bend stations are the highlights. They are very cool - much neater than the 8th and Pine or Convention Center stations downtown. There was a very large turnout. We got there around 3ish and we actually waited as one train left so we could sit down instead of stand. I too heard many people ohh and ahh about how close the Gallaria was how they could take it to the ball game. It is very exciting and hopefully people will realize as the system expands what a benefit it is th the region. Other nice touches I noticed were banner signs telling you when the next car was arriving and heaters that can be turned on and off on the platforms - I don't remember these from the original line. All in all a great day for Metro!
Now with the extension done, you hear alot of talk about the importance of the upcoming January court case with the CC Colaberative. My question for those in the know:
What does winning this case mean for Metro? Could they recoup part or all of the cost overruns? If Metro did recoup part of this money, what impact would that have on the need for future funding?
What does winning this case mean for Metro? Could they recoup part or all of the cost overruns? If Metro did recoup part of this money, what impact would that have on the need for future funding?
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STLMO314 wrote:anyone have any pictures of the tunnel? i saw this article and really want to see pics
http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/s ... enDocument
here are some pics I took of the Skinker and U City/Big Bend station tunnels.
Seems like the tunnel is endless!
I like this view at the Skinker stop, wish there were two trains in this shot!
good pics, 10-intuition.
I have a couple more, and a video from the U City/Big Bend station with the light sculpture.
The pictures relate to a disappointment I have with the new extension. Fortunately, this is an easily rectifiable situation. Maybe busdad or someone else can give us an idea of what may happen.
The letdown for me was getting off at the two great underground stations, U City/Big Bend and Skinker, and going to street level, only to find that the entrances are not well-marked at all. Where's the big universal "M"? Something to show the passers-by that "hey, you could have taken the Metrolink here!" Here is the Skinker station by Wash U:
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It may as well be an entrance to an underground parking garage.
On the other side of the intersection:
![]()
This one shows the common design elements, most obviously the elevator, but again doesn't do a great job of advertising the station.
Those aside, the ride today was really cool. There were many families entering from Clayton to Skinker, many with kids and grinning ear to ear. Because there were no park 'n' ride lots along this stretch, these were likely people who live close enough to make the Metro system a more accessible alternative to driving.
There were also a lot of senior citizens -- very senior -- including an intrepid couple who walked to the Galleria and back from the Richmond Heights station. I tried to clear up confusion from many people who didn't understand the fare or transfer system. Many thought they'd have to pay twice to get from Shrewsbury to Forest Park, and then to continue anywhere else. Most of the confusion stemmed from the way the system was run this weekend, with Shrewsbury as a spur rather than a continuous line to Emerson Park.
Kayak's at Skinker was hopping, with at least 10 or so people coming from the train I just disembarked. I joined them, and then walked to the Loop, which is a pleasant enough walk.
Unbelievable TOD potential exists at most every station. The Boulevard shopping center will likely benefit greatly from the extension (although the sidewalks aren't particularly friendly to navigate).
Finally, the two videos.
U City/Big Bend (trying to get the light sculpture):
Skinker:
I have a couple more, and a video from the U City/Big Bend station with the light sculpture.
The pictures relate to a disappointment I have with the new extension. Fortunately, this is an easily rectifiable situation. Maybe busdad or someone else can give us an idea of what may happen.
The letdown for me was getting off at the two great underground stations, U City/Big Bend and Skinker, and going to street level, only to find that the entrances are not well-marked at all. Where's the big universal "M"? Something to show the passers-by that "hey, you could have taken the Metrolink here!" Here is the Skinker station by Wash U:
It may as well be an entrance to an underground parking garage.
On the other side of the intersection:
This one shows the common design elements, most obviously the elevator, but again doesn't do a great job of advertising the station.
Those aside, the ride today was really cool. There were many families entering from Clayton to Skinker, many with kids and grinning ear to ear. Because there were no park 'n' ride lots along this stretch, these were likely people who live close enough to make the Metro system a more accessible alternative to driving.
There were also a lot of senior citizens -- very senior
-- including an intrepid couple who walked to the Galleria and back from the Richmond Heights station. I tried to clear up confusion from many people who didn't understand the fare or transfer system. Many thought they'd have to pay twice to get from Shrewsbury to Forest Park, and then to continue anywhere else. Most of the confusion stemmed from the way the system was run this weekend, with Shrewsbury as a spur rather than a continuous line to Emerson Park.Kayak's at Skinker was hopping, with at least 10 or so people coming from the train I just disembarked. I joined them, and then walked to the Loop, which is a pleasant enough walk.
Unbelievable TOD potential exists at most every station. The Boulevard shopping center will likely benefit greatly from the extension (although the sidewalks aren't particularly friendly to navigate).
Finally, the two videos.
U City/Big Bend (trying to get the light sculpture):
Skinker:
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I rode it today, and it was awesome. The stations were well designed. Skinker and Big Bend were definitely well designed. But don't forget about the Forsyth station. While it is not entirely underground, it is very well designed. And the view of Clayton is breathtaking from the trains.
Hopefully, this propels the company to make haste on the north/south city lines.
Hopefully, this propels the company to make haste on the north/south city lines.
bprop, thanks for the pics and especially for the videos. I need to plan a trip, just to ride the new line! I can't wait.
I was planning on going on Saturday. But on Friday, my car's tire was going flat so I had to order a new one. I was really bummed that I couldn't get there.
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I have read so much about the new Metrolink stops. Where are they located, and how many are there?
And what in the world does "Light Rail" mean?
Thanks
jt
And what in the world does "Light Rail" mean?
Thanks
jt
As I am sure Urban Elitist will soon tell you, there is already a thread on this subject, but I will try to answer your questions anyway.
I don't know that there is any official definition of light rail vs. heavy rail. Basically, light rail train cars do not weigh as much as heavy rail cars, and light rail trains are shorter (have fewer cars). Since they weigh less, all of the infrastructure that supports the light rail train tracks does not have to support as much weight and is thus less expensive to build (theoretically
). The power requirements are also considerably lower for a light rail system. Light rail trains also make much less noise and provide a smoother ride, and I would assume that light rail can accelerate and decelerate more quickly than heavy rail. Heavy rail is usually faster (in terms of top speed) and can service a much higher volume of passengers.
If you have been to Chicago, New York, Boston, D.C., or Atlanta, and have ridden the rapid transit systems in any of those cities; those are heavy rail systems. Light rail trains are more like trolleys or streetcars, if you have seen either of those anywhere, but can also have their own elevated or below-grade right-of-way, like a heavy rail system.
For the new stations, see Xing's map below. New stops are those on the green line from Forest Park to Shrewsbury - Lansdowne
![]()
I don't know that there is any official definition of light rail vs. heavy rail. Basically, light rail train cars do not weigh as much as heavy rail cars, and light rail trains are shorter (have fewer cars). Since they weigh less, all of the infrastructure that supports the light rail train tracks does not have to support as much weight and is thus less expensive to build (theoretically
). The power requirements are also considerably lower for a light rail system. Light rail trains also make much less noise and provide a smoother ride, and I would assume that light rail can accelerate and decelerate more quickly than heavy rail. Heavy rail is usually faster (in terms of top speed) and can service a much higher volume of passengers. If you have been to Chicago, New York, Boston, D.C., or Atlanta, and have ridden the rapid transit systems in any of those cities; those are heavy rail systems. Light rail trains are more like trolleys or streetcars, if you have seen either of those anywhere, but can also have their own elevated or below-grade right-of-way, like a heavy rail system.
For the new stations, see Xing's map below. New stops are those on the green line from Forest Park to Shrewsbury - Lansdowne
