Metro Transit, CMT, regional partners to share ‘thank you’ with transit riders

‘Wake Up to a Sweeter Commute’ events to thank transit riders this Valentine’s Day

ST. LOUIS, Mo. – Metro Transit announced on Tuesday that it is teaming up with Citizens for Modern Transit (CMT), the MetroLink Police Unit, St. Clair County Transit District and the University of Missouri-St. Louis (UMSL) to share the love with Metro customers.

On Valentine’s Day, Thursday, February 14th, Metro ambassadors, police officers, Metro Transit security officers and others will be at 14 Metro Transit Centers to greet riders and give them a sweet treat on their morning commute. Greeters will be located at MetroBus and MetroLink centers from 6:30 am to 8:00 am.

“The goal behind this effort is simple, we want Metro Transit riders to know we appreciate them while raising awareness about the many benefits of public transit,” Taulby Roach, president and CEO of Bi-State Development, said. “We show this appreciation by providing customers what they want, not only a safe ride but a comfortable ride. A ride where they can use the time on our system to return emails, read a book or sit back and relax.”

Some transit riders can expect their commute to get “even sweeter,” because some of the candy boxes will have a free 2-hour pass, a one-day pass, a weekly pass or a monthly transit pass attached to their sweet treat.

During the ‘Wake Up to a Sweeter Commute’ event, Metro passengers will also be able to share their love for transit with TapSnap™ Studio Photo Booths, which will be set up at the Civic Center, Fairview Heights Center and North County Transit Center. Riders will also be able to take a commemorate photo which they can share on social media using, #crushingontransit, to share with their friends and followers why they love transit.

In addition to the photo opportunities, Y98 street team members will be at the Civic Center Transit Center with music, games, prizes and free samples of bubly™ Sparkling Water.

According to CMT executive director, Kimberly Cella, having a safe and reliable public transit center plays a key role in economic development, attracting and retaining business, establishing healthy and sustainable communities, connecting individuals to job opportunities and furthering equality.

“We have a very solid system in our region,” Cella said. “And the ‘Wake Up to a Sweeter Commute’ events are a fun way to recognize this and reinforce why so many are crushing on transit.”

The ‘Wake Up to a Sweeter Commute’ will take place Thursday morning, February 14th at the following locations:
· 5th & Missouri Transit Center
· Belleville Transit Center
· Brentwood I-64 Transit Center
· Central West End Transit Center
· Civic Center Transit Center
· Clayton Transit Center
· Emerson Park Transit Center
· Fairview Heights Transit Center
· Forest Park-DeBaliviere Transit Center
· Grand MetroLink Station
· North County Transit Center
· North Hanley Transit Center
· Rock Road Transit Center
· Shrewsbury-Lansdowne I-44 Transit Center

The MetroLink Police Unit, CMT, Metro Transit, St. Clair County Transit District and UMSL are all members of the Transit Advisory Group. The group was established to help improve the safety and security on MetroLink while also restoring public confidence in St. Louis’ main public transportation system.

The Transit Advisory Group is comprised of a diverse cross-section of riders, MetroBus and MetroLink operators and regional stakeholders which include representatives from Amalgamated Transit Local 778; East-West Gateway Council of Governments; Organization for Black Struggle; SEIU Local 1; St. Louis Community College; St. Louis Regional Chamber and Washington University. Prosecutors and law enforcement officials from St. Louis City, St. Louis County and St. Clair County also represent the group.

FEATURED IMAGE/Crushing on Transit Logo/METRO TRANSIT

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