ST. LOUIS — On Monday, nearly 400 Metro Bus stops were either removed or relocated as part of the company's plan to help run more efficiently.
"I get mad sometimes when bus stops are close to each other," Kendell Bass, a Metro Bus rider, said.
Bass said he understands the need to consolidate, but he said the plan eliminated at least four stops he uses every week.
"I rely on the bus for everything," Bass said. "I am not able to drive because I have seizures."
He said the change means he has to walk farther to get to the nearest stop.
For rider Tessa Smith, the new routes no longer include the two stops closest to her home. She said she has to walk an additional 20 minutes to get to her bus stop to travel to work.
"It adds eight blocks to the eight blocks I already walk," Smith said. "I called Metro, and they said they would call me back. They never called."
Despite Smith's experience, a representative from Metro told 5 On Your Side that customers with questions or concerns about the changes are urged to contact the company.
Two people confirmed with 5 On Your Side that their stops were spared after they voiced their concerns to Metro.
In a statement, the company said:
Any rider who has questions or concerns about their bus stop can contact Metro by phone at 314-982-1406, by text at 314-207-9786 and by email at planning@metrostlouis.org.