St. Clair County MetroLink Extension Glossary

The following glossary is intended to provide you with a general understanding of some of the Metro components mentioned within this site.

Alignment – The specific route of the extension.

Code Blue Phones – Security telephones located in the Park-Ride lots of St. Clair County MetroLink stations. These phones are marked by blue lights and connect directly to MetroLink Central Control.

Fare Vending Machine – The method by which fares are collected and tickets distributed throughout the MetroLink system.

Feeder Bus System – Within St. Clair County most MetroBus routes are designed to connect to MetroLink stations. MetroLink stations serve as hubs to the new bus routes and allow synchronized transfers between bus and rail that makes travel more convenient and saves time during a commute.

Grade Crossing – The intersection of the MetroLink alignment with a road. Each grade crossing is clearly marked with crossing gates that come down, bells that sound and lights that flash when a MetroLink train is approaching.

Headway – During operating hours, the time between vehicles or trains.

Light Rail – A modern version of the streetcar that uses an overhead power source. The transit vehicle may operate on a street or cross streets along its alignment.

Light Rail Vehicle (LRV) – An electrified railway car characterized by its ability to operate on exclusive right-of-way, in bridges, tunnels or at street level. LRVs are able to board and discharge large numbers of passengers in short periods of time.

Maintenance Facilities – These facilities are used to perform routine maintenance as well as major work on MetroLink vehicles. The MetroLink system includes one maintenance facility in Missouri and one in Illinois.

Passenger Assistance Telephones – Assistance/Security telephones located at each MetroLink station that connect directly to MetroLink Central Control.

Public Transit – Moving large numbers of people in metropolitan areas by means of bus, light rail, subway, commuter trains, etc.

Proof-of-Payment System – Riders purchase tickets from vending machines or from approved vendors before boarding transit vehicles. Fare inspectors check patrons randomly for proof of payment.

Signature Design Elements – Elements of the system that are unique to the St. Louis MetroLink system. These elements include: bridge piers, station canopies and station platforms.

Bridge Piers – The supporting structure connecting spans of a bridge along the alignment.

Station canopy – The rooflike covering protecting riders on the station platform from the elements. Canopies are constructed out of polycarbonate and steel.

Station platform – The part of a MetroLink station where passengers wait for a MetroLink train. Each station platform is raised to the level of the passenger doors on the Light Rail Vehicles to allow easy and safe access to MetroLink for all passengers.

Transit Station – Facility for transit vehicles to pick up and drop off passengers. Can be located at grade, under or above street level.