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Southwest Illinois News ETC... A Pictorial Review of News & Events within the Southwestern Illinois
After leaving the 5th and Missouri Station in East St. Louis, the inaugural MetroLink train arrives at the new Emerson Park MetroLink Station for the first ceremonial ribbon break-through.
 Clyde Mason, a twenty-five year veteran with Bi-State including eight with MetroLink, proudly stated, "I was one of the first operators on the MetroLink, so they chose me to be the first to drive the train on the St. Clair County extension." |
 (L. to R. front row) Illinois Rep. Tom Holbrook and Delores Lysakowski, director of St. Clair County Transit District, join Fairview Heights Mayor Gail Mitchell and Illinois Rep. Jerry Costello for the ribbon-cutting ceremony at the new Fairview Heights MetroLink station. (L. to R. back row) Norm Rieso, St. Clair County Board, John Baricevic, chairman of St. Clair County Board and Illinois Rep. Jay Hoffman. |
 Former Missouri Congressman Robert A. Young proudly displays his honorary Lifetime MetroLink pass as he waited for the first train to arrive at the Emerson Park Station in East St. Louis. Young was one of the initial sponsors of the region's light rail system. |
by Betty Magrath
Photos by Bob Moore
© 2001, Southwest Illinois News
EAST ST. LOUIS (SWI-News.com) May 4, 2001 - After waiting eight long years, area residents, local and state officials gathered, May 4, to take part in progressive celebrations at eight new stations along the 17.4 miles of the St. Clair County MetroLink extension in Illinois.
At 10:25 a.m., the inaugural train sounded its horn as it drew near the Emerson Park Station, at 929 N. 15th Street in East St. Louis. The crowd cheered loudly as the train broke through the red and white ribbons stretched across the track. After a ribbon-cutting, the train headed toward the Jackie Joyner-Kersee Center Station and Washington Park Station.
The historic occasion was also enjoyed by one of the first supporters of light rail in the region. "I was the main sponsor of the MetroLink when I was in Congress," noted Robert A. Young, as he waited excitedly for the first train at the Emerson Park Station. "It was my dream. We were able to follow the new feeling that we were going to have to do something other than build highways and concrete bridges. As we started financing something other than old streetcars, I stuck my nose in early and we were able to get some of the first funds for the St. Louis area," he said.
"It's been a great success on our side," Young said proudly. "Initially, everyone said it wasn't going to work. They said I'd have to get a dollar out to give everybody to ride my train. But, things didn't quite work out like that," he laughed. "It's really been a great thing for the whole metropolitan St. Louis area."
Young acknowledged that the region's light rail system was also the result of everyone working together. He spoke highly of Rep. Jerry Costello's (D-IL) efforts to raise millions of dollars for the system. "We would never have been able to do what you see today without bi-state involvement. The legistators from both the Missouri and Illinois House and the four Senators were able to help us keep this dream alive."
Special activities were planned for each station. After cutting the ribbon at the Fairview Heights Station, Fairview Heights Mayor Gail Mitchell told riders that they would see a big difference in the ride on the East side compared to the other side of the river. As the Grant Middle School Band played and flags waved, the train pulled away from the station, heading toward the stations at Memorial Hospital, Swansea and Belleville.
Stepping off the College Station at Southwestern Illinois College in Belleville forty minutes later, Mayor Gail Mitchell noted with a big smile that "the ride was smooth as silk."
For many supporters, the ride was viewed as an historic event. "I'm so proud that our young people were able to get on the MetroLink and ride out here," said Dr. Lilian Parks, board member with Jackie Joyner-Kersee Center and former superindent of East St. Louis School District. "I've always taken the MetroLink to get to Lambert Airport and now it makes it much easier, because one of the stops is right where I live. I think it was a good experience for my grandchildren as well," she said. "In years to come, they'll be able to say they were there on the first day it opened."
The $350 million St. Clair County extension of MetroLink stretches 17.4 miles, from the 5th and Missouri station in East St. Louis to the campus of Southwestern Illinois College in Belleville, Illinois. The extension connects residents and visitors in St. Louis along the existing 17 miles to those in St. Clair County, Illinois. MetroBus routes in St. Clair County have been integrated with the MetroLink system, allowing coordinated transfers between bus and train. An additional 24 trains have been added to MetroLink's current fleet of 41 light rail trains to service new passengers.
 Enthusiastic supporters wave at the first MetroLink train as it pulled into the Southwestern Illinois College Station in Belleville. |
 MetroLink Ambassadors pass out "Go METRO" flags as part of the festivities at each new station on the St. Clair County MetroLink Extension. |
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