Hundreds of miles of trails on both sides of the river connect to transit stops, making it easy—and seamless—to explore the region using a combination of bus, train and trails. Citizens for Modern Transit (CMT) is therefore partnering with St. Clair County Transit District, Great Rivers Greenway and Madison County Transit to encourage residents to “Mix Up How You Move” this summer. Through Aug. 31, area residents are encouraged to visit www.MixUpHowYouMove.com to register for a FREE Metro Transit Day Pass (valued at $5 and good for unlimited rides on MetroLink and MetroBus on the day of their choosing), and to get information about the interconnecting trail systems in St. Louis, St. Clair and Madison counties with direct access to transit.
“With trails and transit so well connected throughout the region, there’s never been a better time to get out and explore,” said Kimberly Cella, CEO of CMT. “This summerlong initiative makes it simple, affordable and fun for residents to leave the car behind and mix up how they move. Our hope is if St. Louisans try it for fun and see the benefits, they may be willing to try for more trips, including work.”
Great Rivers Greenway has 140 miles of greenways across the St. Louis region, including the St. Vincent, Brickline and River des Peres greenways, which connect to the UMSL North, Rock Road, Wellston, Grand Cortex and Shrewsbury-Lansdowne I-44 Transit Centers. St. Clair County Transit District’s MetroBikeLink System consists of more than 39 miles of interconnecting trails and bike paths in St. Clair County, Ill. The main artery of the MetroBikeLink System is a trail running adjacent to the MetroLink alignment. It begins at the Shiloh-Scott Transit Center and extends 14 miles, connecting the College, Belleville, Swansea, Memorial Hospital and Fairview Heights Transit Centers. A seventh station will soon be added, as a 4.3-mile trail nears completion as part of the MetroLink expansion to MidAmerica St. Louis Airport. Madison County Transit has 138 miles of scenic interconnected trails in Madison County, Ill., connected to the Madison County Transit fixed-route bus service.
“Madison County Transit is proud to be part of a regional transportation network that connects people not only to jobs, schools and essential services, but also to recreation and quality-of-life opportunities,” said SJ Morrison, managing director of Madison County Transit. “With 138 miles of MCT Trails connected to our fixed-route bus system, residents have a safe, affordable and enjoyable way to mix up how they move this summer.”
Managing Director for St. Clair County Transit District Ken Sharkey added, “As an avid cyclist and someone who helps steward the MetroBikeLink System, I know how powerful these connections can be. Having a trail network that links directly to transit opens up more options for how people travel—whether for their daily commute to get to school, work and healthcare or to simply explore everything our region has to offer.”
Visit www.MixUpHowYouMove.com through August 31 to register for a FREE Metro Transit Day Pass and gain access to trail maps.
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.
About St. Clair County Transit District
The St. Clair County Transit District (SCCTD) was founded in 1981 and contracts with Bi-State Development to provide public transportation services in St. Clair County, Ill., by way of 11 MetroLink stations and 14 MetroBus routes and with Southwestern Illinois College to offer paratransit services as well as on-demand, micro transit via the SCCTD Flyer in seven communities. SCCTD has also established and maintains the ever-evolving MetroBikeLink System of interconnecting trails and bike paths that seamlessly connect to six Metro Transit Centers – linking individuals to jobs, education, healthcare, entertainment, trails and other destinations throughout the bi-state region. To learn more, visit www.SCCTD.org or follow the District on Facebook, X, Instagram or LinkedIn.
About Great Rivers Greenway
Great Rivers Greenway makes the St. Louis region a more vibrant place to live, work and play by developing a network of greenway paths with partners and communities. We are a public agency, created by a vote of the people in 2000 to connect St. Louis City, St. Louis County and St. Charles County with greenways, enhancing healthy habitats and watersheds along the way. Whether you walk, run, ride a bike, roll a wheelchair or push a stroller, there are 140 miles of greenways and counting for you to explore and enjoy! GreatRiversGreenway.org
About Madison County Transit
Madison County Transit (MCT) provides fixed-route bus, paratransit, microtransit, rideshare and trail services throughout Madison County, IL. The MCT fixed-route bus system connects residents to jobs, education, healthcare, shopping, entertainment and regional transit connections, while the MCT Trails system features 138 miles of scenic Class I bikeways that serve as both a recreational amenity and an active transportation network. MCT also operates the Runabout paratransit service, MCT Micro on-demand service and RideFinders, the St. Louis region’s rideshare program. To learn more, visit www.MCT.org or follow Madison County Transit on Facebook.
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For more information, contact:
Kelly Harris
(314) 436-9090