Despite the constant push to modernize the Metro transit system, not all Bi-State-era infrastructure has retired into obsolescence.  In particular, I'm talking about some funky old bus shelters that have, for whatever reason, managed to cling tight to the sidewalks as countless others have gradually been replaced by sleek new structures.  

I felt it especially necessary to bring attention to these retro retreats because I fear that it's only a matter of time until they are phased out in favor of the glass-and-steel Wall/JCDecaux shelters that have popped up on street corners throughout the metro area.  In fact, this post comes too late for a couple of my favorite shelters-- one located on S. Kingshighway just north of Gravois (unfortunately reduced to a slab of pavement and a bus stop sign before I could snap a pic), and an especially attractive blue vintage shelter on Martin Luther King Blvd (I have a photo of it somewhere, but I can't seem to find it).

Regardless, this post is intended to celebrate what is left.  This is NOT a comprehensive collection-- just a small sampling of old bus shelters scattered around the city and suburbs.  Come along, won't you?

First, an increasingly common sight. The sleek Wall/JCDecaux shelters (I like them)...


Now, pop in your favorite '80s cassette tape so we can properly honor the old bus shelters that still grace our streets...

Waterman near Skinker...


And his twin across the street...

Shaw & 39th Street...


Manchester Ave, in the shadow of the flashy new Grove sign...


Skinker & Northwood...


The always-bustling stop at Grand & Cherokee...


Now, onto my favorites!  Don't tell Metro officials, but these unique shelters still remain in plain sight, apparently overlooked, or simply deemed "good enough." 

A busy station at N. Kingshighway & MLK.  Perhaps a holdout from the '70s?


This anomaly at N. Kingshighway & Highland Ave. is almost certainly a vestige from the age of 1970s urban renewal...


This variety of bus shelter is sprinkled along Olive Blvd, and appears to be unique to U. City...


Give it up for this mini shelter at Grand near Farty-Far!


A cute little commuter shack at Clayton Rd. & DeMun...


Woah!  A pair of totally late-'80s bus shelters survive unscathed on Brentwood Blvd. by the Galleria!


This super-sized commuter shelter in downtown Clayton looks as good as new...


Can we get a "hell yes" for this awesome transit station on Manchester Ave. in Maplewood?  Could it be a relic from the streetcar age?  Anyone with info, please share!


Still standing-- a pair of old transit shelters on Leland Ave. just north of the Delmar Loop...  

Another view of the shelters in the Loop-- probably a busy transfer station since the streetcar days.  Something about this view reminds me of Queens.  1970s urban renewal to the max!



And the mama of all throwback shelters... Lindell & Kingshighway:


As you may have figured out, I have a special affinity for overlooked and forgotten details of our city.  So, I'll leave you with an image of one of Metro's last remaining original MetroLink station markers (circa 1993).   You can kiss this bad boy goodbye-- the Grand bridge is coming down soon...


For my previous posts on transit-related relics, click these links:
A Bi-State of mind...
Remnants from the rails

Still on a transit high following last week's overwhelming Prop. A victory?  STL-Style certainly is!  As children of the '80s, we fondly remember the once-ubiquitous fleet of blue and green fishbowl buses that ran the streets of St. Louis in decades past.  For months, I have been searching for some images of the Bi-State buses of old with no luck.  Until now, that is! 

Yesterday, I stumbled across a treasure trove of Bi-State bus photos from 1978!  CLASSIC!!!

All images are courtesy of Mel Bernero, and can be viewed at BusTalk US Surface Transportation Galleries.

















I hereby appeal to Metro - PLEASE BRING BACK THE BLUE AND GREEN COLOR SCHEME.  It is infinitely cooler than the red, white and blue we know today.  And for that matter, replace the generic "M" logo with the totally cool, totally retro Bi-State arrows.  Just imagine how sexy the MetroLink trains would look with those sleek blue and green stripes!

Thank you, and have a good day!