'Life-Safety Issue' Keeps Loop Trolley Out Of The Loop

UNIVERSITY CITY, MO — The Loop Trolley finally ran today — just not to The Loop, the Post-Dispatch reports. During yesterday's dedication ceremony, in which officials pretended to drive a golden spike from the comfort of Delmar Hall, the Trolley stayed in its garage because of the snow. Service was set to begin in earnest today, but "there was a glitch," Loop Trolley Company President Les Sterman told the paper.

The Riverfront Times reported passengers were waiting this morning at stops the Trolley would never reach. The company only notified passengers via a Facebook post after they had been waiting almost an hour.

University City Manager Gregory Rose blamed the delay on several complications, one monetary, the other a "life-safety issue."

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First, he told the Post-Dispatch, the Loop Trolley Company hasn't provided a $300,000 bond to the city to restore Delmar Boulevard to its original condition in case the Trolley fails. Second, a utility pole near the University City Library is dangerous for drivers.

Rose said the issues likely wouldn't be resolved until next week at the earliest.

"If we've waited this long, we can wait one more day," said Kevin Barbeau, executive director of the Loop Trolley Company — yesterday. It's not clear how much longer that quote will be applicable.

Read more from the Post-Dispatch.

Photo: University City Mayor Terry Crow speaks at the Trolley's dedication ceremony Thursday. (J. Ryne Danielson/Patch)