The St. Louis Board of Aldermen voted 13–1 to perfect a committee substitute that would put language before voters to allow a previously approved 0.5% sales tax to fund either a north–south Metrolink rail line or bus rapid transit (BRT). Debate focused on cost, feasibility and past promises to North St. Louis.

Metro president/CEO Mister Roach told the committee that concise ballot language will help voters and that demonstrating coordination with local elected officials is important for federal funding eligibility for transit projects.

Board Bill 59 (committee substitute) was reported out with a 'do pass' recommendation; the bill would ask voters whether a portion of a 0.5% sales tax dedicated to North-South Metrolink should also include bus rapid transit.

The Budget and Public Employees Committee voted 5–0 to adopt a new committee substitute for Board Bill 59 that would ask voters to allow the transit portion of the existing 0.5¢ sales tax (60% currently allocated to North–South MetroLink) to also fund Bus Rapid Transit (BRT). The measure does not create a new tax and includes an annual public audit requirement.

The Budget & Public Employees Committee adopted a revised committee substitute for Board Bill 59 and recommended it 'do pass' to the full board; the measure would ask voters to allow the transit portion of an existing 0.5¢ economic-development sales tax (60% currently for North‑South MetroLink) to also fund bus rapid transit (BRT).

Citizens for Modern Transit and Saint Louis Realtors presented a study showing stronger home price appreciation near frequent transit and argued BRT can expand access to jobs and economic opportunity across neighborhoods.

Bi‑State/Metro officials described the Green Line Bus Rapid Transit concept—11.5 miles, about 23 stations, and a capital-cost estimate between roughly $360 million and $590 million—stressing the need for federal capital grants and public vetting to make the project competitive.

St. Louis aldermen held (tabled) Board Bill 59 on Oct. 8 after presentations and public testimony about whether a 2017 0.5% sales‑tax dedicated to North–South Metrolink should be broadened to allow bus rapid transit (BRT) or other mass‑transit initiatives and how much voter control should be preserved.

Board approved third readings and final passage for transportation appropriations supporting Bi‑State Development Agency projects and passed other consent calendar bills; roll calls recorded unanimous or near‑unanimous support.