As local communities continue to reopen, Citizens for Modern Transit (CMT), Metro Transit and St. Clair County Transit District (SCCTD) today launched the Board, Explore & Win campaign to reinforce how easy it is to utilize the region’s safe, reliable and robust public transportation system to access hundreds of St. Louis’ hottest attractions. From Tuesday, July 14, through Monday, August 31, individuals visiting St. Louis area destinations via MetroLink or MetroBus can log their trip at www.cmt-stl.org by entering their name, email address, venue visited and route taken. Each trip they track equals an entry to win a weekly prize package for restaurants and other venues accessible via public transit.
To aid in these summer adventures, a St. Louis Transit Passport has been released. It serves as a 2020 guide to exploring some of the top, local tourist destinations and provides instructions on how to get to each via transit. The free passport is available at the MetroStore (801 Pine St, St. Louis, MO 63101), A Quick Bite at the Belleville Transit Center (718 Scheel Street, Belleville, IL 62221) and Citizens for Modern Transit (911 Washington, Ste. 200, St. Louis, MO 63101). Those interested in having a passport mailed to their attention can email their name and mailing address to info@cmt-stl.org. It is also available for digital download at www.cmt-stl.org. Throughout the campaign, CMT’s (@CMT_STL) Metro Transit’s (@STLMetro) social media channels will feature informational posts, videos, interviews and other content highlighting how to use the local transit system to Board, Explore & Win.
“As the region reopens, more and more people are getting out and visiting area attractions,” commented Kimberly Cella, Executive Director of Citizens for Modern Transit. “In doing so, we want to remind people that MetroLink and MetroBus can safely get you where you want to go.”
Metro Transit continues to execute enhanced cleaning and disinfecting protocols, provide personal protective equipment for front-line team members, and require that all riders wear face masks while riding on Metro Transit vehicles. The transit agency installed 38 hand–washing stations along the system, launched a contactless mobile fare payment via the Transit application, added polycarbonate shields on 425 buses and posted signage to encourage individuals to follow CDC guidelines.
“Ridership on the region’s public transit system was up for the first time in 40 months before COVID-19 hit, and we want to encourage area residents to get back on board,” stated Taulby Roach, President and CEO of Bi-State Development. “A robust plan is in place to keep riders safe, so we encourage them to make plans to take part in the Board, Explore & Win campaign and see all the fun places they can go via public transit.”
Managing Director for St. Clair County Transit District Ken Sharkey add, “Southwestern Illinois plays a key role in the economic vitality of the St. Louis region. Public transit provides seamless access to a host of restaurants, attractions and entertainment venues on both sides of the river. We encourage individuals to come see all St. Clair County has to offer during this campaign and throughout the year.”
The Board, Explore & Win campaign provides a valuable opportunity for the partnering organizations to interact with riders, strengthen relationships and reinforce their collective commitment to a safe, world-class, customer-focused transit experience. To learn more, visit www.cmt-stl.org or www.metrostlouis.org.
About Citizens for Modern Transit
Citizens for Modern Transit is a nonprofit, member supported organization that leads efforts for an integrated, affordable, and convenient public transportation system with light rail expansion as the critical component that will drive economic growth to improve quality of life in the St. Louis region.
About Metro Transit
Metro Transit operates the St. Louis region’s public transportation system which includes 400 clean-burning diesel buses that serve 77 MetroBus routes in eastern Missouri and southwestern Illinois. Metro also operates MetroLink light rail vehicles on 46 miles of track serving 38 stations in the two-state area, and operates Metro Call-A-Ride, a paratransit fleet of 122 vans. Metro Transit is a Bi-State Development enterprise.
About St. Clair County Transit District
Founded in 1981, St. Clair County Transit District oversees 11 MetroLink stations and 18 bus routes in St. Clair County, Ill. If commuters have questions about service, they can call (618) 628-8090 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. For more information, visit www.scctd.org.
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For more information, contact:
Kelly Harris
314-436-9090