Frequently Asked Questions

Why don't buses connect to MetroLink?
Proposed system is for intra-County transportation only and is scheduled to stop at O'Dell Senior Center in St. Charles City. Currently, SCAT (St. Charles Area Transit) provides transportation from Senior Center to North Hanley MetroLink station. Riders could transfer to SCAT for transportation to St. Louis County.

Why does St. Charles County need public transit?
Job expansion in St. Charles County necessitates a growing work force. Many entry-level workers can't afford to own and operate a car or don't have the ability to drive to work (including older teens and individuals with disabilities). While family and friends may be able to transport them some of the time, they aren't available to transport then to/from work every day.

Why is a tax needed to pay for public transit? Shouldn't the riders' fares pay the cost?
There is no transit system nationwide that is able to sustain itself solely through fare recovery.

Why a sales tax and not a property tax?
Current state statue restricts funding for transit to a sales tax.

What's the proposed route?
The proposed route travels along businesses on I-70 from St. Charles City to Mid-Rivers Mall (east route) and from Mid-Rivers Mall to Wentzville (west route). For more information, click here.

Why doesn't route include Hwy 40?
To minimize cost, the route is designed along I-70 where there is the greatest density of employers and potential riders. Hwy. 40 development does not yet have a similar density of employers and potential riders. Success of the I-70 routes would allow for future expansion of the system along Hwy. 40.

Why now?
With the on-going expansion of job opportunites in St. Charles County, there continues to be a need for public transit for individuals without the financilal resources to own and operate a car or the ability to drive to work (including teens and individuals with disabilities).

In addition, with the increasing cost of gas, public transit provides an affordable alternative to driving. Statistics calculated 2 years ago by the American Public Transportation Association estimate these cost savings:

Public transportation households save over $1,399 worth of gas
Transit availability can reduce the need for an additional car, a yearly expense of $6,251 in a household budget
The average household spends 18 cents per dollar on transportation and 94% of this goes to buying, maintaining and operating cars.

American living in areas served by public transit save $18 billon annually in congestion costs. This also results in improved air quality.

How big are the buses?

Buses can accomodate 25 passengers.

Will buses be accessible?
Yes, all buses will be wheelchair accessible.

Would door-to-door para-transit service similar to Call-A-Ride be required?
No.

Who will own the buses?
The plan developed by East-West Gateway Council of Governments recommends that the Transit Authority lease rather than own buses. The Transit Authority supports this recommendation.

Will drivers be County Government employees?
No.

Will Metro (formerly Bi-State Development Agency) be involved?
No.

Who will oversee the Transit System?
The Transit Authority of St. Charles County will oversee the system. Members are appointed by the County Executive and confirmed by the County Council.

Will bus stop shelters be provided?
Yes.

Will fares be afforable?
The plan developed by East-West Gateway Council of Governments recommends that fares be set at $1 per rider (age 16 or older) and $.75 for seniors over 65, individuals with disabilities and children 5-15 years old. Group discounts and weekly passes are available.

Where will sales tax money go?
Sales tax revenue will be collected by St. Charles County and dedicated solely to the intra-County bus system.

Who will monitor the use of these funds?
An audit will be conducted annually by an independent CPA firm.