MetroLink trains run after Cardinals opening day loss
Busch Stadium crowds filed into MetroLink trains without waiting too long after today’s opening day game between the Pirates and the Cardinals.
Trains were still running on rush-hour schedules after the final out of the Cardinals’ 6-4 loss. And many people on the MetroLink platform near Busch Stadium said station crowds weren’t much worse than normal - despite the recent cutbacks in MetroLink service.
“There’s always somewhat of a wait,” said MetroLink rider Paul McCormack of Roxana.
Earlier in the day, Metro transit agency officials urged light-rail riders to plan ahead. Opening day was expected to be the first major event “challenge” since budget-driven service was slashed last Monday. Under the new schedules, MetroLink trains run less often and entire bus routes were eliminated.
We haven’t ripped out the Metrolink for scrap yet? If it saved a few cents and was put on the ballot the provincial voters lead by Tom Sullivan would rally around such an idea.
Let’s do a little math here. The parking rate in the garages next to the stadium is $20, walk a block or two and its $15. Metro’s fare is $2.25 each way or $4.50 round trip. If 4 people are going you can drive down and park and walk a block for less and be home and get the kids in bed a half hour sooner than you can riding Metro. And if you have a bigger group most full size cars can seat 5 comfortably if not 6 and with a SUV even more, and then you’ll save enough to hit White Castles after the game.
…………….Kurtis, your post regarding the advantages of a driving a full car to the ballpark got me thinking about Metro employees and wondering what percentage of them use public transportation to get to and from work?
Perhaps most of them do (I would certainly hope so), but I’ve never heard anything one way or the other on that from Metro or it’s supporters. Seems like all we hear is that WE should use public transportation.
I’ve taken Metro from Busch Stadium to DeBaliviere station after a game a couple years ago and had to wait for the 3rd train to have enough room to get on. The wait was about 20 minutes.
…………..Use Google Earth and have a look at the parking lot for the Metro Brentwood Garage (S. Brentwood & Marshall).
I counted 104 cars on the Metro Garage parking lot. It would seem that Metro employees prefer private cars too, they just want public money.
crashtest…because you looked at ONE Metro lot at what time of day? And just because someone is employed at a business does not mean they use that product or service. Should they? Probably. But you can’t not hire or fire someone who isn’t a patron of your business. Also, I don’t know the details on stops around the Brentwood garage, but you definitely can’t catch a bus that takes you to the actual garage, those buses are “out of service”.
On the subject of parking lots. Look at the one at Ballas and 40 - it’s empty.
Another one, it THEM shoving it down our throats and up our rectums. All we keep hearing is THEM trying to push the idea of riding their equipment. Who in “west of 270″ needs it? Show your hands. THEM being the parasites affiliated with Bi-State Development Agency, some local public officials, and a bunch of “green” outfits. They are the parasites because we’re paying for their existence. I won’t feel sorry if entire Bi-State folds. There is no law mandating its existence, and there should not be one.