urbanSTL

An extension alone wouldn't solve its issues. I'd argue an even bigger problem than its short length is its limited hours and lack of frequency. If the Trolley came every 10 minutes on a full day/night schedule I imagine it would be more popular (but this would require more streetcars and probably a bigger barn than the one they have currently). But even modern systems with more service are struggling, DC is planning to shut down their streetcar. 

PeterXCV wrote: ↑

Jul 22, 2025

An extension alone wouldn't solve its issues. I'd argue an even bigger problem than its short length is its limited hours and lack of frequency. If the Trolley came every 10 minutes on a full day/night schedule I imagine it would be more popular (but this would require more streetcars and probably a bigger barn than the one they have currently). But even modern systems with more service are struggling, DC is planning to shut down their streetcar. 

Tend to agree. The single biggest issue with it is that it's not designed to be mass transit, Bi-State was never supportive of it, for example. I mean, transit is meant to generate more business and sales by moving more people to those businesses. Extreme heat and extreme cold are both factors that decrease business, transit should provide an air conditioned option for both of those- yet the Trolley doesn't even run.

The 2nd biggest issue is that the route is just not that helpful. The Forest Park and Delmar stations already make the area transit accessible and it's a pretty walkable area- unlike Downtown to Soulard, for example.

In my perfect world, it would be upgraded to modern trains, some form of a timetable and GPS tracking would be added, and it would be integrated with Metro. I would also probably redesign Delmar to ban parking and have a driving land and streetcar lane, but that isn't even necessary. I'd also abandon the tarnished "Loop Trolley" name and give it a color name to better integrate it with Metro.

Once it's a legitimate form of transit that can be used all year, then you can think about an extension across Forest Park. I think an extension to the Zoo would be very used.

But that would all require intelligence, money, and political will. None of which is in abundance right now.

I would use the hell out of a line going through Forest Park.  But it's use is limited if it's only going to have so many cars.

Joe Edwards should work with Forest Park Forever for one last hoorah and get the trolley extended through the park to the zoo. Would probably go 10x in ridership and it would be an actual attraction. The cost of that extra 1.5 mile or so would be nothing compared to the original because you could use the ground and run it whatever route that works best for the various attractions. Would salvage the project to last for generations to come


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Idk why so many of y'all think a loop trolley extension is politically viable. As far as I'm concerned we'll be lucky for it not to be shut down in a few years.

And to be clear, I like the Trolley! But 90% of conversations I have about it are negative, I don't see why any politician or org like Forest Park Forever would go to bat for it.

If there’s one extension that people could probably get more positive about over time it’s probably the extension into the park - cost would be cheaper, non disturbance of businesses, people see the value because walking through the park takes a lot of time, it would be another tourist attraction that families would want to do

You’re right, I am worried it will not last for many more years as well, but the only way it will in my opinion is an extension and I think the park one is the only potentially viable one

Almost all of the criticism deals with the original construction and that it is useless/goes nowhere, so take it somewhere like through the most visited area in the city of StL and by a few of the most popular free attractions in the region. This being an option for people coming to and from the zoo would pack the trolley for months

If we don’t extend, I agree it won’t last for generations


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delmar2debaliviere2downtown wrote: ↑

2:58 PM - Apr 26

If there’s one extension that people could probably get more positive about over time it’s probably the extension into the park - cost would be cheaper, non disturbance of businesses, people see the value because walking through the park takes a lot of time, it would be another tourist attraction that families would want to do

You’re right, I am worried it will not last for many more years as well, but the only way it will in my opinion is an extension and I think the park one is the only potentially viable one

Almost all of the criticism deals with the original construction and that it is useless/goes nowhere, so take it somewhere like through the most visited area in the city of StL and by a few of the most popular free attractions in the region. This being an option for people coming to and from the zoo would pack the trolley for months

If we don’t extend, I agree it won’t last for generations


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Was literally just trying to plan a summer trip to STL with my wife and wanted to check out more of Forest Park, but since we would be taking Amtrak down and would not have a car, I pretty much had to scratch that off the itinerary since it is so hard to access as a pedestrian.  I did see something about a shuttle, but honestly replacing that bus service with the trolley line would improve the experience by so much.  I feel like it would be a boost for the businesses on the Loop since people could hit up restaurants before or after a day at the park.  I imagine the usage of the Red Line Station would increase significantly too.  The financial situation for the trolley is....undoubtedly bleak, but transit options like this tend to be 'loss leaders' to drum up business and the extension into the park could actually achieve that.  

There are options to see Forest Park How about biking it?

BarryGlick wrote: ↑

7:32 PM - Apr 26

There are options to see Forest Park How about biking it?

That sounds like a good idea, hadn't thought of that.  I've walked around a bit near the History Museum but didn't venture too far beyond that.  If there's options for renting them around there, I'd definitely consider it

big shark bikes?

That bike shop closed last year

Isn’t bike rental part of the greenways master plan?


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If you can rent a bike anywhere near your itinerary you should be able to take it on Metrolink:

https://www.metrostlouis.org/bike-and-ride/

I'm not much of a bicyclist, so I haven't tried it myself, but I've seen people with bikes on the train from time to time. Maybe someone more experienced can chime in about the process?

There is usually bike rental available on the riverfront in front of the arch

symphonicpoet wrote: ↑

5:49 AM - Apr 27

If you can rent a bike anywhere near your itinerary you should be able to take it on Metrolink:

https://www.metrostlouis.org/bike-and-ride/

I'm not much of a bicyclist, so I haven't tried it myself, but I've seen people with bikes on the train from time to time. Maybe someone more experienced can chime in about the process?

You could probably try Big Shark's location that's on the greenway - their city foundry location. 

It's super easy to bring bikes on the metro - stations have locations painted on the ground where they do / don't want you to board with a bike. You just stand there and hold the bike while riding the train. Other than like 5:00 pm at the central west end stop, there's always plenty of space. Forest park is a great place to bike, and if you're coming this summer, you may be able to even bike down to tower grove park on the new cycle track (not sure when that's wrapping up). 

A&M at Arsenal and Morganford will also rent bikes to people

Thanks for the recs everyone! I'm glad to be adding FP back onto the itinerary since it really seems like an incredible park.  I'll look into adding Tower Grove to the mix too!

Also, Big Muddy Adventures (typically) rents bikes at the Boathouse, although I think they might be closed this year due to the Boathouse renovations. I heard they may still try to do rentals somehow but haven't heard any updates.

Tim wrote: ↑

5:18 PM - Apr 27

Also, Big Muddy Adventures (typically) rents bikes at the Boathouse, although I think they might be closed this year due to the Boathouse renovations. I heard they may still try to do rentals somehow but haven't heard any updates.

I came here to mention Big Muddy for Forest Park biking. They have a temporary location set up for bike/boat rentals while the boat house is renovated. I believe just to the west, but I may be mixing up the direction.