Loop Trolley testing and operator training to begin July 27

St. Louis region’s Bi-State Development Agency will begin safety testing and operator training for the Loop Trolley July 27-Aug. 3.

The 2.2-mile Loop Trolley, a heritage streetcar project linking St. Louis’ Delmar Loop district with Forest Park, suspended service in July 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Federal Transit Administration requested service resume, or the city of St. Louis would be on the hook to repay more than $37 million in federal funds used to construct the line, which opened in November 2018.

In February, the Bi-State Development Board of Commissioners approved an agreement for the Bi-State Development to operate the Loop Trolley through June 30, 2025.

Safety testing and operator training are scheduled to be conducted on the Loop Trolley route daily from July 27 through August 3. During the July 27 through Aug. 3 period, the Loop Trolley will operate from noon to 5 p.m. on the full route on Delmar Boulevard and DeBaliviere Avenue, between the University City Library and the Missouri History Museum in Forest Park. The general public and media members will not be allowed on board trolley vehicles during the testing and training.

When safety testing and operator training have been completed, representatives from the Loop Trolley Transportation Development District, Bi-State Development, Metro Transit and the Missouri State Safety Oversight Committee will review the results to determine if any adjustments are needed before trolley operations are restarted as part of a three-month trial program.

Bi-State Development plans to operate the Loop Trolley from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from August 4 through October 30, 2022, as part of the initial pilot program.