St. Charles, St. Louis County to Incorporate Independent Transit Board, Build Light Rail System by 2014

In a surprise move that will further solidify the urban-suburban split in the St. Louis region, St. Louis County Executive Charlie Dooley and St. Charles County Executive Steve Ehlmann announced the formation of a transit authority independent from Metro, that will be tasked with building a comprehensive light rail network in St. Louis and St. Charles Counties.

The St. Louis-St. Charles Transit Authority (SLSCTA) hopes to capitalize on public sentiment reflected in a recent bi-partisan poll showing that nationwide 69 percent of suburban and rural residents agree that "increased transit investment would help their community." The result included 74 percent approval by suburbanites and 55 percent by rural residents. When asked if transit should receive more federal funding the numbers dropped, but 59 percent of suburban and 50 percent of rural residents answered in the affirmative.

Armed with polling that appears to show broad support for additional transit funding, Dooley and Ehlmann said the time was right to build transit. "Look, people are clearly stating that they want more transit, that they want better transit options." Dooley stated. "I think it's time we give them what they want." There has not been a similar survey conducted in St. Louis and St. Charles Counties specifically, however a transit tax proposal commonly referred to as "Prop M" was defeated by St. Louis County voters in November, 2008.

"I believe that our suburban residents want transit, they want light rail, but they don't want it connected to the Metro system that's basically in St. Louis City." Ehlmann said. "I mean, where does it go? Downtown, Forest Park, the airport? Sure, but you can't get to Bahama Breeze or West County Mall and there's only one Best Buy on the line."