Connectivity: The Loop Trolley will link two MetroLink Stations to cultural institutions such as Forest Park, the Missouri History Museum, University City City Hall, vibrant mixed-use and residential neighborhoods, and the Delmar Loop restaurant, shopping, and arts & entertainment district.
Economic Development: Trolleys are a proven catalyst for residential, commercial and recreational development in cities like Memphis, Little Rock, Tampa and Portland. Economic development is critical for the eastern section of the Loop Trolley alignment.
Pedestrian-Friendly Neighborhoods: Trolleys make it easy for people to get around and visit several locations without needing to find parking. The Loop Trolley will provide access to Forest Park and all it has to offer, and to The Loop, one of ”Ten Great Streets in America” as designated by the American Planning Association.
Tourist Attraction: Trolleys enhance the unique and special sense of place that is Forest Park, The Loop and the St. Louis region, which is famous for its historic streetcars. The Loop Trolley brings history alive for residents and tourists alike.
The Loop Trolley is a transit mode unseen in St. Louis for the past 50 years and, as such, increased awareness is necessary for all who walk, drive, or ride on or around its embedded tracks. For bicyclists — or those with wheelchairs, strollers, push carts or other thin-wheel equipment — there exists the risk of maneuvering a wheel into the rail groove (or flangeway), the results of which can cause injury. Bicyclists should always be aware of their position within the tracks, and with the flow of traffic. A quick list of do’s and don’t’s is included below.
For a ride with less traffic (vehicle and trolley) or trackage, an alternative route has been established one block to the north on Enright between Eastgate and Skinker, and to the north and south between Skinker and Kingsland, all of which connect to the Centennial Greenway. Further east on Delmar, a marked bike lane runs along the expanded St. Vincent Greenway on DeBaliviere, connecting to Forest Park.
The Loop Trolley will provide a unique experience that we want people of all abilities to be able to enjoy. With that in mind, the trolley cars have been updated to meet current accessibility standards, and each trolley car is equipped with ADA lifts. All of the trolley stops will be accessible for people in wheelchairs or with other disabilities. Service animals will be allowed on the trolley cars.
As an added benefit of this project, nearly all traffic signals located along the route have been replaced, and crosswalk buttons have been added, where required, to meet newer ADA regulations. Intersection ramps along the Loop Trolley route have also been constructed to meet ADA requirements.
