ST. LOUIS, Mo. (Dec. 18, 2025) … 2026 will mark the opening of the MetroLink extension to MidAmerica St. Louis Airport, completion of the Secure Platform Plan, debut of a new fare system, next steps with the alternatives analysis for Bus Rapid Transit and an ongoing commitment to increasing transit accessibility and safety on both sides of the river — all in the midst of an ever-changing funding landscape at the local, state and federal levels. Much is at stake, and the area’s transit advocacy organization Citizens for Modern Transit (CMT) is therefore bringing together local transit leaders for a virtual “Talking Transit” forum to discuss the future of transit in the St. Louis region as the new year begins. The event will be held on Thursday, January 15, at 8:30 a.m., via Zoom. The event is free and open to the public. Pre-registration is required and can be completed at www.cmt-stl.org.
Those in attendance will hear from Patrick Judge, Principal of Gonzalez Companies and project manager for the MetroLink expansion project in Illinois; Taulby Roach, President and CEO of Bi-State Development; Charles Stewart, Chief Operating Officer for Metro Transit; SJ Morrison, Managing Director for Madison County Transit; and Ken Sharkey, Managing Director for the St. Clair County Transit District. The CEO of Citizens for Modern Transit Kimberly Cella will moderate.
“There is a lot to keep our finger on the pulse of when it comes to transit in the St. Louis region,” commented Kimberly Cella, CEO Citizens for Modern Transit. “We encourage anyone interested in learning more about the impacts of public transit access to make plans to join this free online forum.”
CMT hosts quarterly “Talking Transit” events to keep members, elected officials, stakeholders, transit riders and others in the loop on issues and efforts influencing the local transit system. These educational gatherings feature guest speakers and panel discussions addressing a wide range of topics, including transit-oriented development, safety and security, best practices, service changes and more. To learn more about these events and how CMT is working to further transit access in the St. Louis region, visit www.cmt-stl.org.
About Citizens for Modern Transit
Citizens for Modern Transit (CMT) 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.
MetroLink extension 2026, MidAmerica St. Louis Airport transit, Secure Platform Plan, new fare system, Bus Rapid Transit alternatives, transit accessibility, transit safety, regional transit funding, transit development Missouri Illinois, BRT analysis
#Transit2026 #MetroLinkExpansion #MidAmericaAirport #SecurePlatformPlan #NewFareSystem #BusRapidTransit #TransitAccessibility #TransitSafety #RegionalTransit #STLTransit #BRTAnalysis
