To prepare for the next phase of the Highway 40 project, the Metro transit agency is changing some bus routes and encouraging MetroLink riders to reconsider where they board trains.

Something to keep in mind: Metro bus and light-rail fares are scheduled to increase on Jan. 1. One-way MetroLink fares will be $2.25, and one-way bus fares will be $2.

The bus route changes include:

— The new 258 West County Rapid bus route. It will run every 15 minutes during rush hour from the Chesterfield Mall parking lot to the Ballas transit center, then to downtown Clayton. Midday service will be less frequent.

Service will include branches to Wildwood or the Chesterfield Valley.

The route will replace the 157X West County Express, the Chesterfield Valley Connector and part of the 57 Manchester to Wildwood.

— The 57 Manchester will no longer go to Wildwood but will end at Barrett Station Road. Replacing it between West County Mall and Clarkson Road will be a new shuttle called the 157 Ballas West County.

— The Clayton Road Connector and the Chesterfield Valley Connector are being eliminated.

In addition to the bus changes, Metro is encouraging people who drive to MetroLink stations to take advantage of the newly opened section of Highway 40 and use the parking garage near the Brentwood/I-64 station.

For more information, go to Metro's website — metrostlouis.org — or call the agency at 314-231-2345 in Missouri, and 618-271-2345 in Illinois.

kleiser@post-dispatch.com | 314-340-8215