Vending

St. Louis-area mass transit expands ticket kiosk network

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July 29, 2026

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MetroLink, the light-rail transit system serving the St. Louis metropolitan area in Missouri and Illinois, has activated upgraded ticket vending equipment at 13 additional stations in Missouri and Illinois on July 27, bringing the new system to 26 of its 38 stations. The rollout includes locations such as Lambert Airport Terminal 1, Stadium, Convention Center, Belleville and Fairview Heights, according to a First Alert 4 report. The remaining stations are expected to receive the technology in mid-August.

The machines work with new platform security gates, allowing passengers to scan or tap their tickets to enter without assistance from security personnel. Rider Tiffany Bunting told the news outlet the system could discourage fare evasion, although she noted that staff still had to admit passengers on one platform while technical problems were addressed.

Bi-State Development, which operates MetroLink, is also working to strengthen police coverage across the transit system. A contract with the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department expired on June 30, but officers have continued to provide service while officials consider using St. Louis sheriff's deputies. Negotiations remain unresolved because any arrangement must account for the police department's authority within the city and receive additional approval.