KC Streetcar leaving City Market stop. Photo by Bob Newhouser, June 2021
MetroLink Red Line train laying over east of Shiloh-Scott Station terminal in Illinois. Photo by Bob Newhouser, August 2023
ERA's 2025 convention will be centered on Kansas City and St. Louis, Missouri. This is ERA's first visit to Kansas City in modern memory and its third visit to St. Louis since Jack May's trips in 1994 and 2007.
Kansas City is the sixth most populous city in the Midwest with a 2020 population of 508,000 and 2.4 million in the bi-state metropolitan area. The Kansas City metropolitan area has seen three transformative developments in passenger transportation over the last nine years: (1) opening of the 2 mile KC Streetcar in 2016, whose boardings per mile exceeds major systems such as San Francisco's MUNI Metro or Houston's MetroRail; (2) introduction of free-fare rides on Kansas City buses and streetcars in 2020, the first such program in the United States; and (3) opening of the spectacular brand new 40-gate international airport. A 3.5-mile extension to the KC Streetcar is sleighted to open sometime in 2025, hopefully by the time of our convention.
St. Louis has a population of 301,578 inhabitants within a metropolitan area of 2.8 million. St. Louis has three significant passenger transportation assets which our convention will cover: (1) the 2-line, 46-mile MetroLink light rail system which opened in 1993 was the eight of nine pioneering second-generation light rail networks that opened in US cities between 1991 and 1994,featuring large multi-car trains, running at high speeds and wider station spacing than legacy trolley networks; (2) the 2.2-mile Delmar Loop Trolley, a heritage trolley operation which runs over lines formerly operated by the legacy St. Louis Public Service Company; and (3) the sprawling National Museum of Transportation (NMOT) which exhibits examples of all modes of transportation with special emphasis on railroad cars, trolleys an a functioning trolley operation.
We have prepared an exciting program for this convention. Our Kansas City visit will include escorted rides on the KC Streetcar and a tour of historic 1914 Union Station. We will depart this station on Amtrak's Missouri River Runner to get to our second city, St. Louis. As mentioned above, we will take an escorted tour of St. Louis' MetroLink and its maintenance shop, the Delmar Loop Trolley as well as the National Museum of Transportation. We will also take a day trip to the iconic Midwest Old Threshers Reunion in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, an annual fair attracting international attention, with exhibits of antique steam tractors and agricultural equipment, with fair service provided by restored trolley cars.
Details follow on our outstanding hotel accommodations and program. Book now to save your space! We have space for 50 participants!
The Hampton Inn & Suites Kansas City Downtown/Crossroads is located right at the 16th & Main Street stop on the KC Streetcar line. Most major Kansas City attractions including the acclaimed River Market, Power & Light District are less than 20 minutes ride on one free streetcar ride. Within two stops is the acclaimed WWI Museum and historic Union Station, which we will tour and also board our Amtrak train to St. Louis.
The ERA has secured a block of rooms at the discounted rate of $139 per night plus applicable taxes (currently 17.47%, subject to change without notice) for either one king bed or two queen beds for up to two guests. The room block is available for the nights of August 25 and 26, with checkout on August 27. A smaller room block is available for the nights of August 22, 23, and 24 for those arriving early for pre-convention exploring. See the list of significant Kansas City sights later in the flyer for sightseeing opportunities. You will have limited time on our August 26 ERA tour day.
Hotel amenities in our ERA package include:
Complimentary breakfast buffet each morning from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Onsite Starbucks discount offered of 20% on food and beverage during your stay.
Room check-in time at 3:00 p.m.; check-out time at 11:00 a.m.
Hilton Honors points for signed up members
Complimentary Wi-Fi
Mini-fridge & microwave
Daily housekeeping
24-Hour fitness center
Booking Rooms
There are two ways to book your reservation at this hotel:
Online: Use this hotel’s Special ERA Link to book your room: Using this URL will automatically bring up the hotel rates discussed above for rooms with one king bed or two double beds. These room rates are available for the nights of August 25 and 26, with check-out on August 27, with a more limited block for the nights of August 22, 23, and 24, based on availability and at the hotel's discretion.
By phone: Book your reservation by call the hotel directly at: 816-255-3915. Request reservations for the Electric Railroaders Association 2025 Convention to get the $139 per night per room rate (plus applicable taxes, currently 17.47%).
Should you encounter any difficulties making reservations, e-mail Bob Newhouser at [email protected] or call/text him at 917-482-4235.
Cut-off date for discount rate: These discounted rates expire after July 24, 2025, or whenever the ERA room block is fully booked, whichever occurs earlier. Further offers of the discount rate after July 24 are at the hotel's discretion on a space available basis.
Room Cancellations
You may cancel your reservation for no charge until 48 hours prior to 3 pm day of arrival, otherwise one night's room and taxes will be charged to the credit card on the reservation. Note: If you can't make the first night of your visit, but can make the other nights, call the hotel immediately to preserve the rest of your reservation.
Our room block is limited. If you think you will be participating in this convention, make your hotel reservations as soon as possible to secure your room. This will make it easier if the ERA needs to request additional rooms.
Reaching the Hampton Inn & Suites Kansas City Downtown/Crossroads from the Airport or Train Station
From Kansas City International Airport (KCI): The hotel can be reached in about 75 minutes following departure from KCI Airport. Take RideKC bus route 229 from KCI to the 12th & Main stop (about 60 minutes). Change to the KC Streetcar at Metro Center station (12th & Main) and ride it two stops south to the Kauffman Center stop (16th & Main), about 5-8 minutes travel time. Bus route 229 leaves KCI from berth A or B every 60 minutes on the hour on weekdays, 53 minutes after the hour on Saturdays and Sundays to around 10:50-11 p.m. Updated schedule and route information on route 229 may be found at Ride KC route 229 bus schedule. The KC Streetcar runs every 10-15 minutes. Bus and streetcar fares are free. While buses and streetcars have low-floor boarding, if you have heavy luggage, it is better for you to take a taxi, Uber or Lyft to the hotel. There are no luggage racks on RideKC buses or the KC Streetcar. Travel time is approximately 25-30 minutes. Fares are in the range of $40-$50.
From Kansas City Union Station: Take the KC Streetcar two stops north to the Kauffman Center station. The hotel is located right at that stop. Fare is free and travel time is approximately 5 minutes.
Making Your Hotel Reservations
Embassy Suites by Hilton St. Louis Downtown
Arrival: Wednesday, August 27
Departure: Sunday, August 31
Four Nights: August 27, 28, 29 and 30
Embassy Suites by Hilton St. Louis Downtown
Exterior
Photo from Google Map
Embassy Suites by Hilton St. Louis Downtown
Lobby
Photo from Google Map
Embassy Suites by Hilton St. Louis Downtown
Restaurant
Photo from Embassy Suites by Hilton St. Louis Downtown Photo Gallery
Embassy Suites by Hilton St. Louis Downtown
Guest Room
Photo from Embassy Suites by Hilton St. Louis Downtown Photo Gallery
Embassy Suites by Hilton St. Louis Downtown
Indoor Pool
Photo from Embassy Suites by Hilton St. Louis Downtown Photo Gallery
Photo of the Embassy Suites by Hilton St. Louis Downtown exterior from Google Map. Photos around the hotel (1 of 5)
Embassy Suites by Hilton St. Louis Downtown
610 North 7th Street
St. Louis, MO. 63101 314-269-5900
The Embassy Suites by Hilton St. Louis Downtown is a 3-minutes on foot from the nearby Convention Center station. In addition to the hotel's own restaurant, there are numerous dining opportunities within walking distance of this hotel.
The ERA has secured a block of two-room suites at the discounted rate of $158 per night for a bedroom with one king bed or $168 for a bedroom with two queen beds, plus applicable taxes (currently 18.929%, subject to change) per room per night for the nights of August 27, 28, 29 and 30, with checkout on August 31, as well as a smaller block of rooms for those staying for the nights of August 31, September 1 and 2, based on availability and the hotel's discretion.
Hotel amenities in our ERA package include:
Room check-in time at 4:00 p.m.; check-out time is 12:00 noon
Complimentary made-to-order breakfast, 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. weekdays and 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. weekends
Complimentary two-hour evening reception
Complimentary standard guest room Wi-Fi
Daily housekeeping
Mini-fridge, microwave and wet bar in each suite
Indoor pool open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
24-hour fitness center
24-hour business Center
Booking Rooms
There are two ways to book your reservation for the nights of August 27, 28, 29 and 30, with check-out on August 31:
Online: Click on the this hotel's Special ERA Link to book your room. Our discounted rate at $158 single king / $168 two-queen bed suites (plus 18.929% tax at current rates). Book as soon as possible to lock in the ERA discount. These room rates are also available for the of nights of August 31, September 1 and 2 on a space available basis at the hotel's discretion.
Phone: You can also book your reservation by calling Hilton reservations at 1-800-HILTONS. Guests should make sure to mention either "Electric Railroaders' Association" or the ERA's code "ERA" to receive the above group rates.
Cut-off date for discount rate: These discounted rates expire after July 28, 2024, or whenever the ERA room block is fully booked, whichever occurs earlier. Further offers of the discount rate after July 26 are at the hotel's discretion on a space available basis.
Room Cancellations
If it's necessary to cancel this reservation, this hotel requires notification no later than 48 hours prior to your check-in date (4 p.m.) to avoid a charge for one night's room and tax. Note: If you can't make the first night of your visit, but can make the other nights, call the hotel immediately to preserve the rest of your reservation.
Our room block is limited. If you will be participating in this convention, make your hotel reservations as soon as possible. This will make it easier if the ERA needs to request additional rooms.
Traveling from the Embassy Suites by Hilton St. Louis Downtown to either St. Louis-Lambert International Airport or the St. Louis Gateway Transportation Center (Amtrak, Greyhound and other intercity bus)
St. Louis Gateway Transportation Center: From our hotel, walk to 8th & Pine Station (a 5-minute walk) and board either any Shrewsbury or Lambert Airport train for two stops to Civic Center Station (a 3-to-5-minute ride), adjacent to the Gateway Transportation Center, where you can connect to Amtrak or buses.
St. Louis-Lambert International Airport: From our hotel, walk to 8th & Pine station (a 5-minute walk) and board only a Lambert Airport bound Red Line train. It's a 35-minute ride to the airport. There are two stations, Lambert Terminal #2 (closer to Downtown) and Lambert Terminal #1 (last stop). Make sure to confer with your airline as to which terminal you should travel to for catching your flight home.
Union Station (1914) with Kansas City Skyline in Background.
Photo by Photo by Bob Newhouser (June 2021).
Union Station (1914) with Kansas City Skyline in Background. Photo by Photo by Bob Newhouser (June 2021)
We will meet in the Hampton Inn & Suites lobby at 8:45 a.m. so that you can check-in with the ERA tour leadership and receive your final itinerary, and badge/lanyard which you should wear at all events. At 9:15 a.m., the group will take travel northbound on regular KC Streetcar line service. Our first stop will be KC Streetcar headquarters, 600 East Third Street, east of the North River Market terminal station. From there it is a ten-minute walk to the KC Streetcar Vehicle Maintenance Facility (VMF). Note: if you are unable to make that walk, RideKC MAX on nearby Grand Boulevard cuts that walk to 5 minutes or take an Uber/Lyft for about $15 including tip. Tom Gerend, KC Streetcar's Executive Director, will give us a presentation on the development of the most successful new streetcar operation in the United States. Our southbound trip will include a photo stop at Delaware Street and 5th Street. One of the last PCC cars to operate in Kansas City is on display at that location. As of our March 2025 publication date, it's not yet known whether the streetcar line operate on the current 2.2-mile route or the extended 5.5-mile route. We should know more by the time you receive your confirmation letter in July 2025.
Following our streetcar ride, we will have a narrated tour of Kansas City's historic 1914 Beaux Arts Union Station at 1 p.m. At its peak, the station served 670,000 passengers a year with ten train platforms. Amtrak still serves this station with six daily arrivals and departures. Besides touring the historic space, the tour will stop by the 8,000 square foot Model Train Gallery. Following this tour, ERA guests are invited to dine at Harvey's at Union Station located in the station's Grand Hall. We have reserved space for the full ERA contingent. Participation is at your own option and at your own expense. Click HERE to see the special menu that Harvey's has prepared for the ERA and features a special priced menu of $24 per person, tax and gratuity included, and covering lunch entrée and coffee, iced tea or soft drink. When you receive your final confirmation about six weeks before our trip, you will be asked to select your lunch so that it's ready at the end of the tour.
Late afternoon and evening are free for you to explore Kansas City further. One of the reasons for the popularity of the KC Streetcar is that fine dining dots almost stop on the line. See this list of eating and drinking places near the KC Streetcar. To that list, we would add:
Excellent Austrian and Central European cuisine at Grunauer's or outstanding American comfort food at Brown & Loe just steps from the City Market KC Streetcar station.
Dine at a Kansas City BBQ restaurant. Kansas City has most BBQ restaurants per capita in the US; it's known as the BBQ capital of the world. The publication Tourist: 50 Travel Tips From a Local cites these six restaurants as the best in Kansas City: Arthur Bryant's BBQ (burnt ends), Joe's Kansas City ("Zman"), Fiorella's Jack Stack Barbecue -- Country Club Plaza (rack of ribs), Q39 Midtown (sampler of pulled pork and chicken), BB's Lawnside Blues & BBQ (everything). Other than Arthur Bryant's on 18th Street and Brooklyn Avenue or Fiorella's, don't take transit; an Uber/Lyft is much faster. Reservations are encouraged at all establishments where this is available.
Other significant tourist attractions are listed below. There are so many that one free afternoon wouldn’t do them justice. The ERA discounted Hampton Inn room rates are available for arrivals up to three days prior to the August 24 check-in for our convention.
Shopping:Country Club Plaza is Kansas City’s premier shopping destination. Opened in 1923, it is considered to be the first planned large outdoor suburban shopping center in the United States and among the first regional centers to accommodate shoppers arriving by car. Planned in 1922 by J. C. Nichols and designed in Baroque Revival and Moorish Revival style echoing the architecture of Seville, Spain, The Plaza comprises numerous, large city blocks of over 70 high-end retail establishments, restaurants, and entertainment venues, as well as offices. It encompasses a 15-block area, and includes 40 statues, fountains and sculptures; 12 towers; carriage rides and sidewalk cafes. My favorite sidewalk or indoor café for breakfast or lunch is The Classic Cup Café. It is only open to 2 pm each day and reservations are suggested. If all goes to plan, Country Club Plaza will become the new southern terminal of the expanded 5.5-mile KC Streetcar.
Kansas City has curated a reputation as a preeminent destination for museum goers:
The National WWI Museum and Memorial: Directly opposite Union Station, two streetcar stops from our hotel, this museum is America's leading institution dedicated to remembering, interpreting and understanding the Great War and its enduring impact on the global community. The Museum and Memorial holds the most comprehensive collection of World War I objects and documents in the world and is the second-oldest public museum dedicated to preserving the objects, history and experiences of the war.
Adjacent to the museum are the memorial sculptures including the 1926Liberty Memorial Tower. From the summit 268 feet up from ground level, one can capture the money photo of the Kansas City skyline with iconic Union Station in the foreground.
The Harry S. Truman Presidential Library & Museum. Reopened in 2021, following a $29 million world-class transformation, visitors can expect a cinematic experience of some of the most dramatic chapters of world history, from the Great War to WWII to the Red Scare and the Korean War, plus, the creation of the State of Israel, civil rights victories, the extreme makeover of The White House and Truman's Whistle Stop campaign and 1948 victory. Hailed as "the new standard for presidential libraries" this museum is a must-see experience. This library and museum is one of 15 presidential libraries operated by the National Archives and Records Administration. Bus service to the library was eliminated in January 2025 as part of budget cuts. Uber or Lyft will get you there in 20 minutes. The library, along with the National WWI Museum and Memorial and Country Club Plaza are signature tourist attractions not to be missed.
Art Museums: The acclaimed The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art and the nearby Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art are home to over 43,000 works combined. The Nelson-Atkins Museum is near Country Club Plaza and features neoclassical architecture, a large collection of Asian art and impressionist works, and extensive outdoor gardens featuring a famous sculpture of shuttlecocks.
The National Museum of Toys and Miniatures. This museum boasts the world's largest collection of fine-scale miniatures and one of the nation's largest collections of antique toys on public display. The museum boasts more than 33,000 square feet of exhibit space and a collection of more than 72,000 objects.
Hallmark Visitor Center. The Hallmark Visitor Center highlights the history and evolution of the founder of Hallmark, how Hallmark, and what it represents. Inside the museum there is a gift bow machine you can create a genuine Hallmark bow and take it home as a souvenir. In another room, there is a unique camera that takes your picture wearing a funky virtual crown (and send your picture to you via email). There is also a full-size theater with comfortable seating where you can enjoy a feature video of the history of the Hallmark company. There are many collections of gift items, ornaments, cards; products from the past and today. There are also many historical items that symbolizes this company's values and history.
American Jazz Museum. In Kansas City's historic 18 th & Vine Jazz District, this museum has been touted by the New York Times as an interactive paradise, with numerous listening stations, touch-screen adventures and custom mixing soundboards, allowing visitors to delve into jazz legends and honor their legacy. The museum also hosts the Blue Room, its working jazz club, the Gem Theater for special events, or jam sessions at the Mutual Musicians Foundation.
Negro Leagues Baseball Museum. Adjacent to the American Jazz Museum, the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum (NLBM) recreates the look, sounds and feel of the game's storied past. Video presentations and memorabilia in the 10,000 square-foot multimedia exhibit chronicle the history and heroes of the leagues from their origin after the Civil War to their demise in the 1960s. The museum is laid out as a timeline of the Negro Leagues and American history.
Day 2
Wednesday, August 27: Kansas City to St. Louis on the Missouri River Runner
One of the new Siemens Venture coaches on Amtrak Midwest service. Taken at St. Louis Gateway Station.
Photo by Bob Newhouser, August 2023.
One of the new Siemens Venture coaches on Amtrak Midwest service. Taken at St. Louis Gateway Station. Photo by Bob Newhouser, August 2023.
Interior of a Siemens Venture coach.
Photo by Bob Newhouser, August 2023.
Interior of a Siemens Venture coach. Photo by Bob Newhouser, August 2023.
We will leave the Hampton Inn & Suites at 7 a.m. sharp and board the KC Streetcar for the two-station ride south to Kansas City Union Station. Our Amtrak train, the Missouri River Runner, departs at 8:40 a.m. and scheduled arrival at St. Louis Gateway Transportation Center at 2:20 p.m.. We are leaving early since we're a big group and the Amtrak boarding location is at the back of the very large train station. Neither station has red caps. Our train has no baggage car. Please pack light for this trip and be prepared to take your own bags on and off the train as well as stow them. While not guaranteed, this trip may be operated with Amtrak's new Siemens Venture coaches (same as used on the Florida Brightline trains), featuring bright interiors and large European picture windows. This trip will have a café car on-board for purchasing lunch.
ERA has a group ticket to cover all who select the option to travel by train. You are responsible to have government issued photo identification (such as a drivers' license, state government ID or passport) if requested. Amtrak limits baggage to two carry-on bags, up to 50 lb. and 28 x 22 x 14 inches each, per passenger. We will board as a single group and be assigned to one car. Prior to arrival in St. Lous, you will be supplied with Metro Transit Day Passes to take MetroLink two stops to the 8 th & Pine station, a 5-to-7-minute walk to our Embassy Suites by Hilton Downtown St. Louis Hotel.
After our check-in and arrival, the rest of the day is on your own. Please note: Our Friday visit to the National Museum of Transportation has very limited dining facilities. You are encouraged to purchase your lunch and drink today at Snarf's Sandwiches, or Hi-Pointe Drive-In, across the street from our hotel or on Friday morning. Only Snarf's Sandwiches is open Friday morning. The hotel restaurant has sandwiches available for purchases during its evening operating hours of 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Each of your hotel rooms has a mini-fridge for storing food and drink.
Signature attractions which you can explore on your own this afternoon or your free time on Saturday August 30 that are not covered by our excursions and are either walking distance or a short MetroLink ride include:
The famed St. Louis Gateway Arch, with views of the city 630 feet up with the famed curved tram ride. Advance reservations and ticket purchase prior to arrival in St. Louis are strongly recommended. Adjacent to the Gateway Arch is the picturesque Citygarden Sculpture Park.
The iconic 1894 Romanesque Union Station. This was America's largest railroad terminal in the 1920s and served trains from 22 railroad companies, the most in the world. Besides strolling this grand station, now a Hilton hotel, lunch is available in the elegant 1894 cafe or either lunch or dinner at: The Train Shed. Stunning views of the city including of the Gateway Arch can be viewed from the adjacent St. Louis Wheel, with a 200-foot rise is St. Louis' version of the London Eye Ferris wheel.
Museums: The St. Louis Art Museum is a world-renowned fine arts museum known for its outstanding and comprehensive collection spanning 5000 years of cultures and genres. The Missouri History Museum is one of the most visited history museums in the nation. It looks at the history of the St. Louis region from the Mississippian people up to the present day. Its historic 1913 building was the first national monument to Thomas Jefferson. Both this museum and art museum can be combined with a visit to the large, iconic Forest Park, near MetroLink's Forest Park-Bellaviere Station.
A reminder: visiting all of these attractions may go beyond the time you have during the August 27-30 portion of our convention. Our discounted ERA hotel rates allow for extending your visit for up to three additional nights beyond the August 31 convention check-out day.
Day 3
Thursday August 28: Midwest Old Threshers Reunion, Mt. Pleasant, Iowa
Early start today! We leave the Embassy Suites at 7 a.m. sharp! The hotel opens its breakfast buffet starting at 6 a.m. We are traveling 210 miles to the Old Threshers Reunion, an annual fair featuring antique and steam powered agricultural equipment. Visitors are transported throughout the grounds with the Midwest Electric Railway, a 2.5-mile trolley loop. As of the printing of this flyer, five trolley cars will be available for ERA members to ride.
Car 320, a beautiful wooden interurban from the Chicago, Aurora & Elgin railroad built in 1914.
Car 1100, a freight car/flat built by the American Car Company built in 1911, used in Keokuk, Iowa.
Car 1779, a Rio De Janeiro open car built in 1911 using the "Narragansett" design with a continuous upper side step for easier boarding. Thousands of streetcars were built using this design.
Cars 1811 and 1945, "Peter Witt" streetcars from Milan from the 1930s. This car type was first built in the United States. Thousands such cars were built, especially for larger US cities.
For those of you who registered for this trip, admission to the fair and unlimited rides on the Midwest Electric Railway are covered by your ERA ticket. There will be ample time to photograph this operation, for lunch at the fair, view demonstrations of the old-time steam farm equipment. You can also take photos of the steam-powered Midwest Central Railroad. You may ride that train at your own expense. We will break up our return trip to St. Louis with a sit-down dinner (at your expense).
Day 4
Friday August 29: The National Museum of Transportation & Delmar Loop Trolley Visit
St. Louis Waterworks Railway #10, built in 1914.
. Photo by Bob Newhouser, August 2023
St. Louis Waterworks Railway #10, built in 1914. . Photo by Bob Newhouser, August 2023
St. Louis Public Service car 1743, built in 1946.
. Photo by Bob Newhouser, August 2023
St. Louis Public Service car 1743, built in 1946. . Photo by Bob Newhouser, August 2023
Delmar Loop Trolley replica streetcar at the Missouri History Museum terminal.
. Photo by Bob Newhouser, August 2023
Delmar Loop Trolley replica streetcar at the Missouri History Museum terminal. . Photo by Bob Newhouser, August 2023
Daytime. We will depart the Embassy Suites hotel at 9:30 am sharp by chartered bus for the National Museum of Transportation. (As a reminder, make sure you have packed a lunch with you as the museum's café menu and facilities and menu are very limited and cannot handle a bus load group. Snarf's Sandwiches, across the street from our hotel opens at 8 a.m. to order and pick up sandwiches. There are picnic tables for lunch.) We will have five hours at this 42-acre museum, whose collection is recognized as the largest collection of rail, transit, automobile, airplanes in the world. The museum's rail and transit collection encompasses over 190 exhibits, including mainline railroad motive power, including steam, diesel and electric locomotives and railcars. We have arranged for a 60-minute guided tour of this large museum for those of you interested (included in your registration) on arrival around 10 a.m.
The collection includes trolleys on display including:
St. Louis Public Service #1743: PCC car built by the St. Louis Car Company in 1946
St. Louis Waterworks Railway #10: suburban trolley built by the St. Louis Car Company in 1914
Philadelphia Transportation Co. #2740: PCC car built by the St. Louis Car Company in 1947
Chicago Transit Authority #44: A CTA 1-50 series car built by the St. Louis Car Company in 1959
One or more of these cars will be operated on an internal trolley loop between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Other cars available for viewing and photography include PRR P5 #4700, a GG1 locomotive and a Hudson & Manhattan subway car. Other than the introductory tour, you are on your own for strolling, riding the trolleys, lunch until our 3 p.m. departure.
Our chartered bus will then proceed to ride the Delmar Loop Trolley, a 2.2-mile line running over former St. Louis Public Service trackage. The cars are replica trolley cars. With their limited capacity, we will drop half the group at the Missouri History Museum end and the other half at the University City Public Library end. Each group will be picked up at the end of the roughly 20-minute one-way ride.
Evening. We will meet at the Mercantile Room at the Embassy Suites at 7:30 pm for a presentation on MetroLink St. Louis current and future transit plans by Taulby Roach, President & CEO of the Bi-State Development Agency.
Day 5
Saturday August 30: MetroLink Tour and ERA Annual Banquet
MetroLink trains operate at high speeds on manicured former railroad rights-of-way.
Photo by Bob Newhouser, August 2023
MetroLink trains operate at high speeds on manicured former railroad rights-of-way. Photo by Bob Newhouser, August 2023
ERA’s last stop on its five-day tour will be the 1894 St. Louis Union Station.
Photo by Bob Newhouser, August 2023
ERA’s last stop on its five-day tour will be the 1894 St. Louis Union Station. Photo by Bob Newhouser, August 2023
Daytime. We will depart our hotel at 9 a.m. via an ERA-provided Metro St. Louis day pass, and ride MetroLink to either Grand or Cortex MetroLink station, then picked up by a Metro St. Louis shuttle bus to take us to the Missouri Metrolink Maintenance Facility. We will then tour MetroLink's car house, maintenance facility and Operations Control Center (OCC). You may take photos in the maintenance area at street/track level and outdoors safely but cannot take any photos in the OCC for security reasons.
Following the above tour, we will have an escorted ride through the western Illinois prairie to Shiloh and back to Shrewsbury on the newer southwest branch of the network. We will get off at Union Station for those who wish to visit this beautiful facility and dine at one of the restaurants cited earlier. The afternoon is free for you to ride on your own, ride the Delmar Loop trolley on your own, or explore any of the tourist sites described earlier. Good photo spots for photographing MetroLink as well as adjacent freight and passenger trains are Grand Avenue and Shrewsbury Stations. Consult Amtrak schedules for the times for either the San Antonio-Chicago (Texas Eagle) or the Missouri River Runner trains passing into or out of St. Louis.
Evening. ERA's annual banquet will be held in a private room at the Embassy Suites Hotel. An informal reception and cash bar will be held from 6:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. A buffet dinner will follow promptly at 7 p.m. featuring chicken and fish entrees. Our guest speaker is Mark Goldfeder of the St. Louis Railway Enthusiasts and a traction historian of substantial esteem. His slide program will cover the large street railway systems of St. Louis, including the Illinois Terminal and the Waterworks Railway. This is the final event of this convention.
Harvey's special menu for the ERA members
Important For All Events !
Please begin arriving 10-15 minutes before any scheduled trip to ensure an on-time departure.
Do not wear sandals or flip flops for any events given our proximity to transit equipment.
Scheduled ERA trip or event times shown in this flyer are subject to change in the final itinerary or during the trip without prior notice. Daily trip itineraries may be changed without prior notice to ensure on-time return at the end of each day.
Entrance to public transit property facilities is dependent on completing arrangements with them, some of which are pending as of this printing. Announcements will be made each day to update guests on essential information during all ERA events.
Providing your phone number (and email address) on your registration form is essential. If you have any questions, please e-mail Bob Newhouser at [email protected] or call/text him at 917-482-4235.
