![](https://www.bistatedev.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/bill-clinton-with-bus-passengers-june-24-1994.jpg)
The original 17-mile MetroLink alignment opens with 16 stations and operates between the North Hanley Station in Missouri and the 5th and Missouri Station in East St. Louis, Illinois. During a visit to St. Louis, President Bill Clinton took a ride on MetroLink on June 24, 1994, becoming the first president in office to ever ride an American light rail system.