Forest Park Trolley

The no. 3 MetroBus route does deserve its own call out from the rest of the Metro transit system. Like the no. 99 Downtown Trolley, this route’s a short circulator that runs a somewhat unique schedule (…compared with the rest of the system).
One of the best ways to make a quick visit the park, the trolley can serve as both an expediter (since you don’t have to worry about parking) or as a quick, mini-​tour. Some of the operators are chattier than others and will provide information about the goings-​on in Forest Park or suggestions of things to see, if you ask. The Art Museum, Zoo, Boathouse, Science Center and tons of events are best accessed via the Trolley.
Among the most genuine fans of Shakespeare I’ve met, the trolley operator that dropped me off at Shakespeare Glen last season might’ve been the most sincere.
If you’ve ever wanted to introduce someone to public transit, this is the route to do it on.
Notes:
1) There’s a Metro Park and Ride lot at the Forest Park-​DeBalivere station that connects to the route.
2) The bus isn’t supposed to stop at unmarked stops. Look for either Metro’s standard blue signs with a 3 listed in the Routes Served section or a special, colorful Forest Park Trolley service sign. Google Maps/​Google Transit is the easiest way I’ve found to map out stops.
3) Forest Park Trolley is seasonal, running more often in the summer months and less in the winter.
4) As fellow Unilocaler John H. points out, the fare is cash-​only and no change is given (it’s the same way on other MetroBus routes). If you’re in a true cash pinch, there’s the option to purchase a day pass from ticket vending machines at the MetroLink station (assuming that you’re on that end of the route) using Discover, Mastercard or Visa since the route is pass and transfer eligible. The day pass is $ 7. A two-​hour pass ($ 3) would also work, but you’ll probably want more time than that in the park.

My parking experiences in Forest Park have not always been pleasant. There’s the night at Steinberg Ice Rink when a thief busted a window to take two iPods off the back seat. There’s the time I missed Balloon Glow after driving around for 60 minutes, and never finding a space. Why would I want to put up with fighting for parking and worrying about my vehicle when, instead, I can take the MetroLink to Forest Park/​DeBaliviere station, and ride the trolley ALL DAY for the same low fare? If you decide to try it, then know that you exit the train, walk up the stairs, cross the street to the «Forest Park Trolley» sign, board the bus (yes, it’s a specially-​marked MetroBus, not an actual trolley), feed your two one-​dollar bills (exact change only) into the cash-​fare meter, receive your all-​day ticket from the driver, and take a seat. The brochure with a map of the Forest Park loop and attractions is posted on the website. When you’re ready to get off, pull the little stringy thing to request a stop.