Ongoing improvements in ridership and declines in safety-related incident numbers are some of the highlights included in Metro Transit’s latest update on the Secure Platform Plan (SPP), continuing positive trends first noted last month.

The Secure Platform Plan is a comprehensive strategy to enhance safety and improve the passenger experience by installing new security gates, fencing, and surveillance cameras, fed into the Real-Time Camera Center, at all existing 38 MetroLink stations in Missouri and Illinois, and a 39th station under construction at Mid-America Airport.

Eleven MetroLink stations are fully upgraded and operational in an interim mode until new fare validators are installed.

Installation of the new security infrastructure is currently underway at multiple MetroLink stations as part of Phases III and IV of SPP, including concrete and electrical work at each station in preparation for their new advanced security gates, which are expected to be delivered in the coming weeks.

Construction activities for both phases remain on schedule to complete infrastructure upgrades at all MetroLink stations by January 31, 2026.

Although construction is still in progress, SPP is already seeing positive results. The update notes that Metro Transit continues to see ridership growth at stations that have already completed their SPP upgrades, with riders enjoying improved lighting, a better station layout with clearly defined access points, and a stronger on-site security presence.

This growth in ridership is complemented by a significant decline in safety incident numbers per 100,000 passenger boardings between the first and second quarters of 2025.

“We are still in the early stages of the Secure Platform Plan implementation, but are very pleased to see these initial results. By combining thoughtful design with new technology and targeted security measures, we are providing a stronger, safer transit experience, and our customers are noticing,” said Kevin Scott, executive VP of public affairs and security for Bi-State Development, which operates Metro Transit.

The August update also highlights progress on Metro Transit’s upcoming transition to a new contactless fare system. The agency has partnered with Masabi and Indra on the new fare system, and their representatives were recently in town with prototypes of new ticket vending machines and fare validators to allow staff to begin testing and early system integration.

When completed, the new fare system will provide transit riders with new, easy-to-use fare options that will integrate seamlessly with the new fare gates.

“The Secure Platform Plan project is delivering real, measurable results in the form of safer stations and stronger public confidence in our transit system,” Scott added. “We look forward to seeing these positive trends grow as we continue to make progress on this important initiative.”