Ray Friem: Thank you all for your interest in transit. Ray and Jessica are here to answer any of your questions, so we'll jump right in.

Mark: Why does it cost only $2 to take Amtrak from downtown STL to Alton, but $7.50 to go from downtown STL to Kirkwood? Seems odd.

Ray Friem: This is a question for Amtrak, which operates the service you are referring to.

Jim H: Does Metro ever plan on utilizing a "pay-before-you-enter" fare system (such as what is used in Chicago) instead of the current proof of payment system? It seems to me that Metro loses out on a lot of revenue from people who illegally ride for free.

Ray Friem: Incorporating barriers into station design is an expensive proposition. Metro is near completion of a system-wide fare collection study that evaluates different fare media and collection mechanisms on all modes. Part of that study evaluates actual physical barriers and "virtual" barriers at existing MetroLink stations. The current estimate for the return on investment for converting to barrier stations is 25-40 years. Still, we are actively following developments in Los Angeles, CA, where such a conversion is in place on one of their light-rail lines. If Los Angeles is able to beat the time estimates, we could be inclined to make the investment.

Jeff: These are interesting times for transportation here in the state of Missouri since both Metro and MODOT are having funding issues. Do you perceive that both will work together to build a true multi-modal system here in Missouri or will there be a fight for transportation funds?

Ray Friem: The sources of funding for Metro and MoDOT are not interdependent. For example, MoDOT relies heavily on proceeds from the state gasoline tax to support their programs. By state law, proceeds from the gasoline sales tax can only be used for highway purposes. Metro is funded primarily by local sales tax. Improved fuel efficiency and declining miles traveled on roads is pressuring MoDOT financially, and the general state of the economy is reducing consumer activity, affecting many local governments and other services, like Metro.

Metro and MoDOT work together to secure federal funds for infrastructure projects, highway or mass transit. Over the past five years, coordination and cooperation between public transit agencies in Missouri and MoDOT has been improving. Metro is currently exploring a number of multi-modal projects that might involve partnerships with MoDOT.

gus: Where can I find information on bridge and road closings ahead of the schedule. An example is the local media has kept us guessing on recent MLK bridge closings.

Ray Friem: We find the MoDOT and IDOT (Illinois Department of Transportation) websites to be the most helpful sources of information on road and highway closures.