St. Louis suburb affirms Loop Trolley plans

University City, Mo.’s City Council has unanimously approved a permit for the Loop Trolley, allowing for construction and operation of the streetcar between University City and the Missouri History Museum in St. Louis, west of downtown St. Louis.

Voters in University City and in St. Louis approved the proposed 2.2-mile, $44 million project in 2007. The proposed route would include nine stations, connecting with two Metrolink light rail transit (LRT) stops at Forest Park and Delmar.

Federal funding of roughly $25 million already has been awarded to the line. The Loop Trolley Co., a private concern, is raising money to match the federal portion for construction and for initial operations.

The company’s website says the company “will operate six historic-looking ‘replica’ vehicles using hybrid battery/overhead electric technology.” A request for qualifications was issued in January 2012 seeking industry interest.

A second streetcar plan is being advanced by citizen advocates in St. Louis seeking to serve the city’s downtown with the Central West End as part of an economic development package.