City councilors approve plan for new shuttles at Lambert Airport

ST. LOUIS – The St. Louis Board of Aldermen has approved a plan that could result in new shuttles at Lambert Airport.

President Megan Green signed Board Bill 11 on Friday, and the legislation will now be sent to Mayor Tishaura Jones’ office for consideration.

The bill allows for approximately $110 million in projects and investments for Lambert Airport. These include the “purchase of five electric shuttles” in fiscal year 2023, according to the bill.

In addition to the shuttles, the bill provides for “other necessary and related works or services for the development, implementation, management, control or supervision” of airport projects.

The bill would amend an ordinance first passed in 2001 and last updated in 2006 relating to airport projects. The ordinance previously said the total cost for the projects, excluding the proposed shuttles, would be approximately $105 million.

The bill also comes as the Federal Aviation Administration has approved a master plan for Lambert Airport to accommodate expected growth in air travel through 2040. One of the key components of the plan combines Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, which could allow for a single point of entry into the airport. It’s not yet clear how new shuttles could implement this plan.

The bill, promoted by Alderman Shane Cohn, was approved by the Alderman’s Council by a 15-vote vote. Mayor Jones will have the final say on whether Board Bill 11 goes into effect.