EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. – Beginning Monday afternoon, MetroLink customers at the Emerson Park MetroLink Station will start using newly installed security gates to access the station platform.
This installation is part of MetroLink’s ‘Secure Platform Plan’, aimed at enhancing safety by adding security gates and fencing at various stations across the system.
In St. Clair County, the rollout of security gates will happen in phases at three additional stations throughout September. After Emerson Park, the Jackie Joyner-Kersee MetroLink Station is set to activate its gates the week of September 16, Washington Park Station the week of September 23, and College Station the week of September 30.
Security officers will manually operate the gates until a new fare collection system is implemented and integrated with the gates.
During this transition, customers will be required to show a valid pass or transit ticket to security personnel, who will then activate the gate for access to the platform. MetroLink officials advise passengers to allow extra time to adjust to the new procedures during their commutes.
Kevin Scott is the General Manager of Security for Bi-State Development. He explained the importance of the security upgrades.
“We want a more secure system, and we want to increase ridership. And we want people to feel safe here,” Scott said.
He also emphasized that security is a constantly evolving process, adding, “It’s not a perfect science. Security is always fluid. You may say, hey, when are you going to be done with all of your security upgrades? And I’ll say I’m not ever going to be done with my security upgrades.”
In Missouri, security gate installation is underway at several stations, including Delmar Loop, Forest Park-DeBaliviere, Central West End, Cortex, Grand, Union Station, and Civic Center. These gates are expected to be operational by fall 2024.
By January 2026, all 38 MetroLink stations (soon to be 39) will have security gates and fencing installed and fully operational.
The ‘Secure Platform Plan’ is funded through a combination of public and private sources. The total estimated cost of the project is $52 million, with $17.25 million coming from Bi-State Development (BSD) capital and the American Recovery Plan, $12 million from bond refinancing proceeds dedicated to security, $12 million from an Illinois allocation via federal stimulus, and $10.4 million from private sector contributions.
