Free Electric Shuttles Launch in St. Louis

New electric shuttles in downtown St. Louis will offer free rides to help residents and visitors get around the city and connect to other transit options, reports Chad Davis. "The STL Downtown Link includes the area between Cass Avenue and Clark Street and between 20th Street and Laclede's Landing. The city will use about $240,000 from the American Rescue Plan to run the pilot program for about a year."

The city is working with the St. Louis County-based company Labyrinth Smart Mobility, which will manage the shuttles. The company's two electric vehicle shuttles can seat five passengers. Patrons can request a ride through an app or by calling the dispatch number from the shuttle zone.

On-demand microtransit can serve as a useful first/last mile solution to bring riders closer to bus stops and bridge the gap between their homes and available transportation networks. If the program is successful, the city plans to expand it to other parts of the city.