St. Louis Trolley Plans Hit a Snag

The St. Louis trolley revival is running out of cash.

1 minute read

November 21, 2017, 9:00 AM PST

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Bi-State Development Agency

Bi-State Development Agency trolleys on Olive Street on April 17, 1963. | Marty Bernard / Flickr

The Loop Trolley Co. in St. Louis is having difficulty getting to the finish line, and has gone in search of funding to cover startup costs and initial operating deficits, according to an article by Mark Schlinkmann.

"The nonprofit firm will be insolvent by January because of recurring delays in completing construction and testing and getting approval from federal and state regulators, Loop Trolley Co. President Les Sterman said in an Oct. 19 letter," reports Schlinkmann. Sterman sent the letter to St. Louis County Executive Steve Stenger, St. Louis Mayor Lyda Krewson, and others.

The new trolley is planned to run between the west end of the Delmar Loop in University City and the History Museum in Forest Park—otherwise known as the Delmar Loop. Planetizen's most recent coverage of the St. Louis trolley revival has tended toward the positive, but cost overruns also threatened the project in 2014. 

Saturday, November 18, 2017 in St. Louis Post-Dispatch

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

High-rise apartment buildings in Waikiki, Hawaii with steep green mountains in background.

Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss

The plan would reduce visitor accommodation by 25,% resulting in 1,900 jobs lost.

April 6, 2025 - Honolulu Civil Beat

Two yellow and white Dallas Area Rapid Transit light rail streetcars at station in Dallas, Texas.

North Texas Transit Leaders Tout Benefits of TOD for Growing Region

At a summit focused on transit-oriented development, policymakers discussed how North Texas’ expanded light rail system can serve as a tool for economic growth.

April 3, 2025 - KERA News

Blue and white Seattle Link light rail train exiting concrete Downtown Bellevue Tunnel in Bellevue, WA.

Why Should We Subsidize Public Transportation?

Many public transit agencies face financial stress due to rising costs, declining fare revenue, and declining subsidies. Transit advocates must provide a strong business case for increasing public transit funding.

April 7, 2025 - Todd Litman

Amtrak Acela

How to Make US Trains Faster

Changes to boarding platforms and a switch to electric trains could improve U.S. passenger rail service without the added cost of high-speed rail.

April 11 - Bloomberg CityLab

Mural showing tools and craft supplies with banner reading 'Things are made here' in front of makerspace in Columbia, Missouri.

Columbia’s Revitalized ‘Loop’ Is a Hub for Local Entrepreneurs

A focus on small businesses is helping a commercial corridor in Columbia, Missouri thrive.

April 11 - Next City

Close-up of wood log with emerald ash borer larvae tracks etched in the wood.

Invasive Insect Threatens Minnesota’s Ash Forests

The Emerald Ash Borer is a rapidly spreading invasive pest threatening Minnesota’s ash trees, and homeowners are encouraged to plant diverse replacement species, avoid moving ash firewood, and monitor for signs of infestation.

April 11 - The Bemidji Pioneer