St. Louis Transportation and Commerce Committee Meeting - June 26, 2026

Note: The transcript records the meeting as occurring on Thursday, June 25, 2026, but the provided date for this summary is June 26, 2026. This discrepancy is noted.

The Transportation and Commerce Committee of the St. Louis Board of Aldermen met on June 26, 2026, chaired by Alderman Cohn. The committee approved minutes from a prior meeting, heard testimony on a port authority lease, received a detailed presentation from Metro Transit on its budget and operations, and voted on three board bills. All members were present.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes (June 5, 2026): The committee unanimously approved the minutes from the June 5, 2026 meeting. Motion by Alderman from the 8th ward, seconded by Alderman from the 4th ward. Vote: 4-0.

Discussion Items

• Board Bill 46 – Port Authority Lease Agreement (Alderman Aldridge): The bill authorizes a five-year lease between the City of St. Louis and United Fruit and Produce Company for a small parcel of land (approximately 6,000 square feet) near the near North Riverfront for truck parking. The first year rent is $1,192, increasing by 3% annually, with three additional five-year renewal options. The lease replaces prior Board of Public Service permits. An exhibit map (Exhibit A) was initially missing but was provided during the meeting. The committee recommended passage after receiving the exhibit.

• Board Bills 52 & 53 – Public Transit Sales Tax Funding for Metro: Taulby Roach, CEO of Metro, and CFO Tammy Paris presented an overview of Metro’s Fiscal Year 2027 budget and operational updates. Key points included:

  • BRT Progress: The locally preferred alternative for bus rapid transit (BRT) was approved by East West Gateway on June 25, 2026, and a Federal Transit Administration extension for project development was granted.
  • Secure Platform Project: Implementation begins July 6, 2026, with 13 stations, new ticket vending machines, and open-loop fare payment (cell phones).
  • Call-A-Ride Service: Zero denials for seven consecutive months; service increased from 5,000 to 8,000 rides per week (a 33% increase). The budget adds 20 positions for this service.
  • Budget Request: A 1.5% increase in operating funding from the city (from $47.6 million to $48.3 million). The overall sales tax revenue estimate for the city’s portion is approximately $53.1 million (including a 10% buffer). Average annual operating cost growth over eight years is 1.62%.
  • Fare Policy: Fares have not been raised since 2014. A fare increase is being considered for the next year, with Title VI analysis and public hearings required. Nearly 60% of riders earn under $40,000 annually.
  • Expense Drivers: Increases in parts (supply chain recovery), fuel (managed via hedging), casualty insurance, and GLP-1 medication costs for employees (a $6 million impact) were noted. Offsetting efficiencies were found through overhead reductions and 3D printing of parts.
  • Ridership Demographics: A significant reverse commute (city residents to county/St. Clair County jobs) is observed, reflecting regional economic mobility.

  Alderwoman Schweitzer expressed concern about potential fare increases and questioned the budget’s call-ride service costs. Alderwoman Cox and Twee asked about fuel and parts mitigation strategies. Mr. Roach and Ms. Paris responded to all questions. No public testimony was offered.

• Board Bill 51 – Airport Revenue Bond: The committee deferred action on this bill, pending amendments from the Comptroller’s office. No vote was taken; the bill is expected to be taken up after summer recess.

Key Outcomes

• Board Bill 46 (Port Authority Lease): Passed out of committee with a do-pass recommendation. Motion by Alderman from the 4th ward, seconded by Alderman from the 1st ward. Vote: 4-0 (previous roll call requested by Alderman from the 1st ward).
• Board Bill 52 (Public Transit Sales Tax – One-Half Cent): Passed out of committee with a do-pass recommendation. Motion by Alderman from the 4th ward, seconded by Alderman from the 1st ward. Vote: 4-0.
• Board Bill 53 (Public Transit Sales Tax – One-Half Cent Related): Passed out of committee with a do-pass recommendation. Motion by Alderman from the 1st ward, seconded by Alderman from the 8th ward. Vote: 4-0 (previous roll call requested by Alderman from the 8th ward).
• Board Bill 51 (Airport Revenue Bond): Held for further amendments; no vote.
• Meeting Adjourned: Motion by Alderman from the 4th ward, seconded by Alderman from the 8th ward, with a previous roll call request by Alderman from the 8th ward. No objection.