Loop Trolley to begin ferrying on Thursday

ST. LOUIS, Mo. – Uniting St. Louis City and St. Louis County at the Delmar Loop, the operating company announced on Monday that the St. Louis Loop Trolley will finally begin transporting passengers on Thursday.

Construction on the trolley line first began in 2015 and was initially expected to start running in 2016. After months of testing and training, the $51 million line is officially certified and ready to go. Clayco and its St. Louis-based real estate firm, CRG, provided a $500,000 grant to bridge a funding gap, allowing the Loop Trolley Company to begin revenue service.

“The Loop Trolley is an important part of the vision to create a vibrant neighborhood in a historic area that brings the City of St. Louis and St. Louis County together,” Bob Clark, Chairman and CEO of Clayco said.

The 2.2-mile line will be running through the western end of Delmar Loop in University City to the Missouri History Museum in hopes to place Delmar Loop has an ideal destination and community to live and work in.

The line will only run Thursdays through Sundays beginning at noon. Thursdays and Sundays service will end at 8:00 pm, Fridays and Saturdays service will end at 11:00 pm. One of the line’s cars is not yet completed, but once all three cars are ready for operation the line’s service days will be expanded, according to Joe Edwards, Chairman of the Loop Trolley Transportation Development District (LTTDD).

There will be two fare structures for the initial fair type, $2.00 for a two-hour fare or $5.00 for an all-day pass. Fare ticket prices will be half-priced for passengers 65 years of age or older and passengers with disabilities. Children ages 5 and younger will ride for free.

Tickets will be available for purchase in physical form at any of the thirteen ticket vending machines, located near or on the trolley platforms, or through a mobile device via an account-based application through iOS and Android app stores.

Kevin Barbeau, Loop Trolley Company’s Executive Director, said in a news release that the company has looked at American transit fare systems and made the decision to settle on a simpler structure that gives fewer fare options.

“In this way, the ticket purchase process will be more straightforward, ensuring passengers aren’t overwhelmed when making their purchases at physical ticket vending machines or through the mobile application,” Barbeau said.

The non-profit Loop Trolley Co. explained in a news release that the clock for two-hour fares will start at the time of purchase on ticket vending machines and all-day passes will only be valid on the day of purchase. Through the mobile application, tickets can be purchased any time in advance and activated on their phone before boarding.

There will be a Loop Trolley dedication ceremony held at the city/county line, the intersection of Limit Ave. and Delmar Blvd., on Thursday at 10:30 am to officially declare the electric rail system open for service.

“We know everyone has been thrilled to see the trolleys running on the street,” Les Sterman, Chairman of Loop Trolley Company said. “And now we are very excited that the general public has the opportunity to ride on these incredible cars.”

At the dedication, key dignitaries, partners and stakeholders within the community will gather to commemorate the testing and operation of the trolley. City and county officials will drive a ceremonial “Golden Spike” at the city/county line as well.

“We are elated to have the trolley open to the public. So many wonderful people have worked together to get us to this point,” Edwards said. “I’m sure everyone is excited at the opportunity to ride on these beautifully refurbished Portland trolleys.”

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