Metro Transit asks St. Louis committee for $47.6 million appropriation, outlines budget, ridership and security plans

Metro Transit officials told the St. Louis City Board of Aldermen Transportation and Commerce Committee on June 11 that they are seeking $47.6 million in local appropriations for 2026 and outlined an operating plan that relies on local sales taxes, state grants and federal capital funding.

The agency presented a 2026 revenue projection of roughly $344.2 million and said passenger fares are budgeted at about $19.5 million. Tammy Fulbright, identified in the meeting as Metro’s chief financial officer, told the committee the 2026 passenger-revenue projection is lower than 2025 actuals as the agency is being “realistic” about fare revenue while it implements a new fare system.

Why it matters: Metro’s budget affects the region’s transit frequency, paratransit service and capital projects such as light-rail vehicle replacements and charging infrastructure for electric buses. Committee members pressed Metro on reserve levels, service frequency, bus-stop amenities and the agency’s security strategy tied to a new fare collection project.

Officials told the committee the largest revenue sources are sales tax receipts and negotiated contracts with St. Clair County, St. Louis County and St. Louis City, plus federal vehicle-maintenance and some state funds. Fulbright said the agency expects sales-tax and contractual revenue to rise versus 2025 and asked the committee for local appropriations that include…