Bringing Comfort to “Forgotten Stops”
We want to improve your rider experience at bus stops without seating. People often call these locations “forgotten stops.” Recently, a simple idea to add seating quickly became a transformative regional project. In less than a year, local groups teamed up to make a difference. Specifically, Citizens for Modern Transit (CMT) joined forces with AARP in St. Louis. They also partnered with the St. Clair County Transit District, Metro Transit, and local government officials. Together, they installed nine bus benches across the bi-state area. Furthermore, this effort includes two new benches unveiled in Belleville on March 13.
Unveiling the New Belleville Benches
Project partners made formal remarks before the official ribbon cuttings. First, they gathered at 9 a.m. at MetroBus Stop #15715. You can find this stop at 101 N Illinois Street, just one block from the Belleville Town Square. Next, they moved to MetroBus Stop #12170 at 10 a.m. This stop sits in the Hexenbukel Neighborhood on Scheel Street. Moreover, the #1 Main StreetāState Street route serves the first stop. Meanwhile, multiple routes serve the second stop, including the #15 BellevilleāOāFallon and #16 St. Clair Square.
Telling the “Story of a Bench”
These MetroBus stops now feature a red, all-weather bench. Each six-foot bench proudly displays the slogan “Enjoy the Ride.” Additionally, the benches include a customized sponsor plaque and a QR code. Consequently, riders can easily share how the bench impacts their transit experience. This feedback loop helps measure the programās real-time success. Therefore, the community actively tells the story of the bench.
Rider feedback shows clear benefits. For example, the benches ease physical and mental stress after a long day. They also help people carrying heavy groceries or managing mobility challenges. Ultimately, Citizens for Modern Transit and AARP in St. Louis funded the Belleville installations. St. Clair County Transit District handled the physical installation.
“This program shows how small interventions yield profound impacts,” stated Kimberly Cella, CEO of CMT. “As a result, transit stops become places of rest and connection. It remains among our most impactful programs. Therefore, we will move full steam ahead.”
Expanding Across the Region
To date, crews have installed several other benches. For instance, you will find new seating at MetroBus Stops #11223 and #11303 in Swansea. Similarly, St. Louis City received benches at Stop #926 on Natural Bridge Road and Stop #4134 on S. Grand Avenue. Furthermore, St. Louis County gained a bench at Stop #5609 on South Lindbergh Blvd. East St. Louis and Cahokia Heights also received new seating options.
The first installations sparked further community investment. Specifically, the St. Clair County District funded new concrete pads and trash receptacles. In addition, Swansea Mayor Jeff Parker and the Village of Swansea invested $30,000 to install protective shelters. St. Clair County Transit District also bought a shelter for the East St. Louis stop. Currently, partners are working with Maplewood and Fairview Heights to add more benches.
How to Get Involved
CMT and AARP in St. Louis actively seek additional partners. Businesses, organizations, and individuals can support “The Story of a Bench” program. Depending on the location, each installation requires an investment of $1,000 to $5,000. In return, sponsors receive recognition on a commemorative 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 serves as the St. Louis regionās transit advocacy organization. Leaders established the group in 1985 to bring light rail to St. Louis. Today, CMT champions and advocates for public transit to drive economic growth. Furthermore, the organization develops ridership programs and transforms spaces around transit stops. They also help secure transit funding and ensure affordable access to public transportation. To learn more, visit www.CMT-STL.org.
AARP in St. Louis
AARP in St. Louis represents the local connection for AARP. This nonprofit organization empowers people to choose how they live as they age. Locally, AARP provides virtual and in-person engagement opportunities. They also lead legislative efforts and offer educational resources. Creating a lifelong community remains at the core of their regional work. Learn more at www.aarp.org/stlouis.
About St. Clair County Transit District
The St. Clair County Transit District (SCCTD) launched in 1981. They contract with Bi-State Development to provide public transportation in St. Clair County, Ill. Specifically, they support 11 MetroLink stations and 14 MetroBus routes. SCCTD also offers paratransit services and on-demand micro transit. Additionally, they maintain the MetroBikeLink System to connect trails with Metro Transit Centers. To learn more, visit www.SCCTD.org.
About Metro Transit
Metro Transit operates the St. Louis regionās public transportation system. Their fleet includes 24 battery-electric buses and 237 clean-burning diesel buses. Consequently, they serve 59 MetroBus routes across eastern Missouri and southwestern Illinois. Metro also runs MetroLink light rail vehicles on 46 miles of track. Finally, they operate Metro Call-A-Ride, a paratransit fleet of 123 vans. To learn more, visit www.metrostlouis.org.
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