Metro Call-A-Ride is a paratransit service operated by Metro Transit that serves parts of Greater St. Louis. In 2023, the service had an annual ridership of 278,900, or about 1,400 per weekday as of the first quarter of 2024.
 | |
 A Metro Call-A-Ride van in 2011 | |
| Parent | Bi-State Development Agency |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1987 |
| Service area | City of St. Louis St. Louis County |
| Service type | Paratransit |
| Fleet | 123 vans |
| Daily ridership | 1,400 (weekdays, Q1 2024)[1] |
| Annual ridership | 278,900 (2023)[2] |
| Fuel type | Diesel |
| Operator | Metro Transit |
| Website | metrostlouis.org/metrocallaride |
Service
Metro Call-A-Ride serves passengers in the city of St. Louis and St. Louis County who have limited access to MetroBus or MetroLink and/or disabled residents who are unable to use those services.[3] The fleet consists of 123 paratransit vans that do not travel on fixed routes like MetroBus. Call-A-Ride provides service within 3/4 mile of a MetroBus or MetroLink station and only operates when buses and trains are in service.[4] Each Call-A-Ride van is equipped with an accessible lift or ramp and includes priority seating.[5]
In April 2023, in response to ongoing operator shortages, Metro announced that it would reduce its service area for Call-A-Ride, primarily in southwest and far north St. Louis County. These reductions in service have led to significant criticism for the transit agency.[6][7]
During a January 15th, 2024 service adjustment, Metro announced it had increased Call-A-Ride driver ranks to 124, up from 102 in November 2023 but still below the 201 budgeted. Despite the increase in ranks, Metro must reduce missed trips due to the lack of drivers before increasing the Call-A-Ride service area.[8]
See also
References
External links
- Metro – Official website for Metro Transit
- Bi-State Development – Official website for Bi-State Development
- Citizens for Modern Transit – St. Louis transit advocacy group