ST. LOUIS – Metro Transit is continuing to enhance security at its Metrolink stations, with the Civic Center Station and Union Station being the latest to receive upgrades as part of a $52 million ‘Secure Platform Plan.’

The new security features at these stations include security gates, fencing, and real-time surveillance cameras, which are set to go live at the two stations Friday morning. The initiative began in September at the Emerson Park Station in East St. Louis, and with Friday’s additions, eight stations will now have the upgraded security features.

Kevin Scott, the General Manager of Security for Bi-State Development, believes the security upgrades are making a positive difference.

“You are seeing enhancements of overall physical security,” Scott said. “We are trying to build as much of a security buffer around our product as we can, not only on MetroLink but MetroBus as well, right with the technologies that we use.”

Metro Transit officials plan to have all 39 Metrolink stations equipped with the new security features by January of next year. Currently, customers are required to show their tickets to security officers, who then activate the gates for platform access. A new fare collection system is also planned to streamline this process.

Metro Transit officials are holding an event Friday at 10 a.m. to officially mark the activation of the new security features at Civic Center Station and Union Station, furthering their commitment to enhanced safety across the transit system.

All facts from this article were gathered by KTVI journalists. This article was converted into this format with assistance from artificial intelligence.  It has been edited and approved by KTVI staff.