Metro Call-A-Ride is a paratransit service operated by Metro Transit that serves parts of Greater St. Louis. In 2023, the service had an annual ridership of 278,900, or about 1,400 per weekday as of the second quarter of 2024.
Service
Metro Call-A-Ride serves passengers in the city of St. Louis and St. Louis County who have limited access to MetroBus or MetroLink and/or disabled residents who are unable to use those services.[3] Call-A-Ride does not travel on fixed routes like MetroBus and provides service within 3/4 mile of a MetroBus or MetroLink station only when buses and trains are in service.[4]
In April 2023, in response to ongoing operator shortages, Metro announced that it would reduce its service area for Call-A-Ride, primarily in southwest and far north St. Louis County. These reductions in service have led to significant criticism for the transit agency.[5][6]
During a January 15th, 2024 service adjustment, Metro announced it had increased Call-A-Ride driver ranks to 124, up from 102 in November 2023 but still below the 201 budgeted. Despite the increase in ranks, Metro must reduce missed trips due to the lack of drivers before increasing the Call-A-Ride service area.[7]
Fleet
Metro's Call-A-Ride fleet is made up of 123 vans equipped with an accessible lift or ramp and priority seating.[8][9]