Citizens for Modern Transit and AARP, in partnership with Metro Transit and UMSL, unveiled the 12th bus bench as part of the “The Story of a Bench” Placemaking Program during a ribbon-cutting ceremony at UMSL North Campus in St. Louis.
12TH BUS BENCH INSTALLATION UNVEILED AT UMSL, 10 MORE PLANNED ACROSS REGION
Experience and Build Better Bus Stops
ST. LOUIS, Mo. (July 9, 2026) … What began as a simple idea to improve the rider experience at bus stops without seating—often referred to as “forgotten stops”—has quickly evolved into a growing regional movement. Citizens for Modern Transit (CMT) and AARP in St. Louis, together with Metro Transit, the University of Missouri–St. Louis (UMSL), local governments and community partners, unveiled the 12th bus bench installed through “The Story of a Bench” Placemaking Program during a ribbon-cutting ceremony held July 8 at MetroBus Stop #9160 at the main entrance to UMSL’s North Campus.
Project partners and community leaders gathered to celebrate the installation of the bright-red, all-weather bench featuring the slogan “Enjoy the Ride.” The bench includes a customized sponsor plaque and QR code inviting riders to share how the amenity has impacted their transit experience. Those stories, combined with feedback collected by program ambassadors, help project partners measure the program’s impact in real time while continuing to tell “The Story of a Bench.”
The feedback has been powerful. Riders report that the benches provide relief after long days at work or school, while carrying groceries or when navigating mobility challenges and health conditions. Many say the addition of a simple place to sit helps make waiting for transit more comfortable, accessible and welcoming.
“When we launched this initiative, our goal was to install five benches during the first year and bring a basic amenity to transit riders who had been overlooked for far too long,” said Kimberly Cella, CEO of Citizens for Modern Transit. “Fifteen months later, we are unveiling our 12th bench, hearing remarkable stories from riders across the region and watching these installations spark additional improvements at transit stops. A simple bench can make a meaningful difference in someone’s day, and communities are recognizing that value and investing even more in their transit infrastructure.”
The Story of a Bench program was launched in 2025 as an extension of CMT’s larger Transit Stop Transformation initiative, which focuses on improving transit environments and enhancing the rider experience. Project partners saw an opportunity to expand their impact by bringing a basic but meaningful amenity to more riders across the bi-state region. Since then, benches have been installed at locations in Missouri and Illinois, with demand for additional installations continuing to grow.
Beyond improving the rider experience, the program is generating broader community investment. To date, the first 11 bench installations have helped spur more than $50,000 in additional transit stop enhancements, including shelters and other improvements. Program momentum continues to build, with 10 additional bench projects currently in development across the region.
“We are seeing firsthand how small investments can lead to substantial community benefits,” added Kimberly Cella. “These benches are improving comfort and accessibility for transit riders, removing the stigma of the ‘forgotten stop,’ and encouraging partners to invest further. The result is stronger transit infrastructure, better rider experiences and more welcoming communities.”
Citizens for Modern Transit and AARP in St. Louis continue to seek partners—including municipalities, businesses, organizations, community groups and individuals—interested in supporting future bench installations.
To learn more about “The Story of a Bench” Placemaking Program, visit https://cmt-stl.org/the-story-of-a-bench-placemaking-program/.
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. Learn more at www.aarp.org/stlouis.
About Metro Transit
Metro Transit operates the St. Louis region’s public transportation system, which includes 24 battery electric buses and 237 clean-burning diesel buses that serve 59 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 123 vans. Metro Transit is a Bi-State Development enterprise. To learn more, visit www.metrostlouis.org or follow Metro Transit on Facebook, X, Instagram and LinkedIn.
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