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5/24/2011
Metro Transit-St. Louis’ board approved a $243 million operating budget for fiscal-year 2012, as well as a capital budget that calls for new station construction and other infrastructure, vehicle and equipment projects. The operating budget will not increase fares to encourage ridership growth, which was curtailed after service cuts in 2009, agency officials said in a prepared statement. The agency continues to operate under tight spending and budget restrictions and, as a result, will need to continue improving operational efficiency, said Metro President and Chief Executive Officer John Nations. Capital projects will include the construction of a new Scott Avenue Transit Plaza at the Grand MetroLink Station. The budget also allocates resources to begin planning for future transit projects. The agency will end FY2011 $4.5 million under budget, agency officials said. Other “significant” achievements for the year, which will end June 30, include restorating the transit system footprint following the passage of Proposition A in St. Louis County; adding an economic development division to improve public transportation; and receiving federal stimulus funds to rehabilitate the Eads Bridge, Metro officials said.