Citizens for Modern Transit (CMT) and AARP in St. Louis – in partnership with St. Clair County Transit District and the Village of Swansea – today unveiled the first two bus bench installations as part of the newly launched “The Story of a Bench” Placemaking Program. This initiative is designed to help build better bus stops through the addition of a basic amenity – a bench. Project partners made formal remarks before the official ribbon cutting ceremony at MetroBus Stop #11223 – Walgreens in Swansea, Ill. Those in attendance were then encouraged to check out the site of the second installation located less than a mile away at MetroBus Stop #11303 – McDonald’s which is highly utilized by Schnucks shoppers. These stops are serviced by the #16 St. Clair Square MetroBus route, which also serves Belleville, Fairview Heights and Collinsville.
“Countless bus stops in the bi-state region lack any type of amenities, and we want to create space for riders to be able to sit back, relax and unwind while waiting on the bus,” commented Kimberly Cella, executive director of CMT. “The concept is simple, and the cost is minimal, but we believe the impact will be profound.”
Both Swansea MetroBus Stops lacking existing amenities now boast a red, all-weather, 6-foot-long bench featuring the slogan “Enjoy the Ride.” Each bench has a customized plaque listing community sponsors and a QR code connecting riders to a survey where they can share how the newly installed seating has impacted their transit experience. The goal is to complete five bus bench installations in the program’s inaugural year, while chronicling whether the investment in the bench leads to additional enhancements at the stops, including amenities like a trash receptacle, shelter, landscaping, etc. The two bus bench installations were funded by the St. Clair County Transit District. Lake Contracting, Inc., served as the contractor for the project.
“Can a simple bench make a difference? We believe so,” stated Sheila Holm, Community Outreach Director for AARP in St. Louis. “This is just the beginning of the story. We are going to engage the surrounding community, riders and stakeholders for the next six months to chronicle its impact. It’s all part of our mission to ensure livable communities for all ages. Projects like this are critical to making sure transit is more a part of the fabric of the community.”
“The Story of Bench” Placemaking Program is building off the success of seven, larger scale Transit Stop Transformation Projects that have turned these MetroBus Stops and Transit Centers into colorful, engaging corridors – with seating, lighting, greenery and artwork – to help cultivate community and enhance rider experiences. CMT and AARP in St. Louis, with the help of its partners, have invested more than $745,000 to date to transform the Maplewood MetroBus Stop, the MetroBus Stop at 13th Street and Gravois Avenue in Soulard and the Emerson Park, Belleville, North Hanley, 5th & Missouri and Fairview Heights Transit Centers. Each project showcases a deep understanding of and commitment to equitable development around transit and helped play a role in the additional $34 million that has since been invested around these sites. Videos of completed projects can be found here: https://cmt-stl.org/transit-stop-transformation-projects/.
“The St. Clair County Transit District continues to strive to build a system in Southwestern Illinois that serves all riders and the surrounding community,” stated Ken Sharkey, Managing Director for the St. Clair County Transit District. “We have seen the broken window theory over and over. When people feel like no one cares about a stop or station, riders and surrounding neighbors take no ownership. When we invest in transit, people take ownership of their stops and stations. Swansea is a place where people love where they live, and it’s also a place that cares about its riders and builds community support for transit.”
CMT and AARP in St. Louis are currently seeking additional partners – including businesses, organizations, municipalities, community groups and individuals – willing to support the installation of “The Story of a Bench” program benches at bus stops community wide. An investment of between $4,000 to 5,000 is needed per bus stop to cover the cost of each bench installation. Sponsor names are included on a plaque. To learn more about partnership opportunities, visit www.cmt-stl.org or call 314.231.7272.
Citizens for Modern Transit
Citizens for Modern Transit is the St. Louis region’s transit advocacy organization. Established in 1985 to help bring light rail to St. Louis, CMT’s mission is focused on championing, challenging, encouraging and advocating for public transit in an effort to drive economic growth and improve quality of life. To help support this mission, the organization works to develop ridership programming, transform spaces around transit stops, help secure local and federal transit funding, serve as a strong and effective voice on transit-related issues and opportunities, and ensure safe, convenient, user-friendly and affordable access to the area’s integrated public transportation system. To learn more, visit www.CMT-STL.org or follow the organization on Facebook, X, Instagram or LinkedIn.
AARP in St. Louis
AARP in St. Louis is the local connection for AARP – the nation’s largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people to choose how they live as they age. Locally this is done through virtual & in-person engagement opportunities, legislative efforts on the local, state and federal level, educational resources, and volunteer opportunities. Advocating for and supporting efforts that contribute to creating a lifelong community is at the core of what we do in the St. Louis region. www.aarp.org/stlouis
###
For more information, contact:
Kelly Harris
(314) 436-9090