East-West Gateway

East-West Gateway Council of Governments released an updated study on a proposed intra-county Bus System for St. Charles County in July of 2007. To access the full report, click here.

Phase 1 of the proposed system would run along 1-70 from Wentzville to Mid-Rivers Mall (West Route) and from Mid-River Mall to St. Charles City (East Route). Service would be provided hourly from 6 AM - 7 PM on weekdays. Buses would be 25 passenger wheelchair-lift equipped. For FAQs on the proposed system, click here.

East-West Gateway suggested that a sales-tax of 1/8 cent (or less) could support the proposed system which would, in turn, provide the local workforce with a transit option that is financially and environmentally friendly.

Polling commissioned by the Transit Authority in January 2008 and paid for by private donations did not indicate sufficient support for a sales tax for public transit.  Voters opposed a bus sales tax for two main reasons:

  1. taxes are already “too high” or
  2. this particular tax would be an “unwise” use of taxes.

In addition, a large group (20%) stated they would not use the bus system or would not access it because its proposed routing is not convenient for them.  For all the polling results, click here.

That same polling data did indicate interest in public transportation in St. Charles County to:

  • Reduce traffic and fuel costs and, thus, improve the environment.  For information about a proposed commuter line, click here.
  • Give seniors access to medical care.  For information about ITN America, “dignified transportation for seniors,” click here. An ITN America affiliate is being pursued in St. Charles County.