ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. — St. Louis County leaders voted to approve a $128 million budget for Bi-State Development, the company that operates Metro Transit, in a 6-1 vote during a Tuesday afternoon council meeting.
St. Louis County Councilmember Ernie Trakas was the only member Tuesday to vote against a bill to fund Bi-State Development's budget.
The south county Republican argued the agency still needs to do better to improve poor service.
"It is reckless of this body to pass this bill tonight and I will be voting a hard no on this legislation," Trakas said.
But six others supported Bill Number 230, including Councilwoman Shalonda Webb.
"This is not blindly accepting their budget, but this is noting how vital their services are," Webb, a Democrat, said.
Bi-State Development operates Metro Transit - and their transportation services for the disabled.
Critics have complained for months about issues, including with the Call-A-Ride program.
In order to get the budget passed, Metro agreed to make improvements.
Elton Thomas, who works for Lighthouse For The Blind and is vice chairperson of the board of directors for disability advocacy group ParaQuad, was pleased.
"They've hired a consultant, they're listening and they're making a commitment to meet with the disability community," Thomas said.
Thomas, who is legally blind, said changes needed to be made.
"I made a conscious decision to not use Call-A-Ride, so I chose to ride the bus even in situations where there were no sidewalks," Thomas said.
Robyn Wallen, the chairperson of the Missouri Council of the Blind, said more still needs to be done.
"We want them to get their funding. It's just that we want to make sure the problems within the system are addressed and taken care of," Wallen said.
Bi-State Development CEO Taulby Roach sent the following statement:
“We are pleased that the St. Louis County Council voted today 6 to 1 for final passage of our budget appropriation. It now moves on to Dr. Page for his endorsement. We are thrilled to continue to provide vital public transit service to the bi-state region.”