St. Louis citizens depend on and benefit from a diverse transportation network, comprised of highways, public transit, ports, major rail lines, airports and bicycle/pedestrian facilities. As our current infrastructure ages, the demographics of our population change, and transportation dollars become more scarce, thoughtful planning and collaboration among decision makers is needed to improve our air quality, economic productivity and quality of life.
Over the past half century, regional transportation investments have primarily focused on developing our intricate highway network, which most citizens rely on to satisfy their transportation needs. The average St. Louisan drives 24.9 miles per day, making the region number seven of 35 peer regions for vehicle miles traveled (VMT) per capita. 
The new Mississippi River bridge.The current highway network functions relatively well. Congestion levels and per-mile travel times are very low compared to peer regions. Unfortunately, our heavy reliance on highways and single-occupancy automobile travel has significant disadvantages. Since many of the region’s jobs and communities are served only by highways, the mobility of citizens who do not have access to an automobile or are looking for alternative modes of transportation is limited. Excessive automobile travel also contributes to the region’s poor air quality and discourages businesses from moving to the region, due to limited transportation options for potential employees. Changing demographics and preferences in the region have created a demand for more transportation alternatives. Future investments in a more balanced multi-modal system will provide residents with additional choices to meet their transportation needs. These investments may include expanding the Metrolink system, implementing transit oriented development or Great Streets plans, or adding to the region’s bicycle network. Having a more comprehensive transportation system will not only improve mobility and air quality it will also strengthen the regional economy.
St. Louis is fortunate to have the existing assets to become a leading transportation hub featuring the nation’s second largest inland port by trip-ton miles, access to major rail lines and yards, the junction of four major interstate highways, and an extensive airport network anchored by major international facilities. The St. Louis region ranks 10 out of 35 peer regions on total freight tonnage, and 16 out of 35 on total freight value.7 The region also has a complex freight rail network served by six Class I railroads that interface well with river port and intermodal port facilities. There are many opportunities to expand usage of the St. Louis area’s freight infrastructure because the region is in the center of the country and within 300 miles of seven other major metropolitan areas. The location and existing assets also gives St. Louis the opportunity to improve inter-regional passenger connectivity with high-speed rail—some of which is already underway between St. Louis and Chicago. In order to fully capitalize on this growing industry, coordination among communities, regional decision makers, and the states is vital as the region determines future transportation investment priorities.
