Proposition M

On November 4th, the opportunity to help St. Louis continue its transit system growth will fall under Proposition M on the election ballot for St. Louis County residents. The actual language on the ballot states:

Shall the County of St. Louis impose, in addition to an existing County‐wide sales tax of one‐quarter of one percent for the same purpose, a County‐wide sales tax of one‐half of one percent (0.50%) which shall have a sunset date twenty years from the date on which the tax is first imposed, for the purpose of providing a source of funds for public transportation purposes, with the revenues from one‐quarter of one percent (0.25%) to be used for MetroLink expansion and revenues from the remaining one‐quarter of one percent (0.25%) to be used for the maintenance of existing transit facilities?

If a Yes vote succeeds, then the initiative is expected to raise $80 million annually. The first half will be used to match federal grants for the expansion of MetroLink. The second half will cover the cost to operate the existing transit system, and make improvements to existing bus system. The measure has a 20‐year sunset!

A “Yes” vote means:

More Metrolink
Increased frequency on express and arterial bus routes nearing capacity
High speed bus service between major residential and employment centers

If a No vote succeeds, then MetroBus service is expected to be reduced 57%, including all service west of I‐270, all express bus routes and night service will be either eliminated or reduced. MetroLink service reductions are expected to reach 42%, with no service after 8pm and no extra trains for special events. Call‐A‐Ride service would reduce by 36%, providing fewer trips for people with disabilities and the elderly.

A “No” vote means:

Metrolink reductions
MetroBus reductions
Call‐A‐Ride reductions