Citizens for Modern Transit to Host "Talking Transit" Event on June 26

As the St. Louis region looks to expand its integrated public transit system through the proposed light rail expansion project known as St. Louis MetroLink Green Line, Citizens for Modern Transit (CMT) is raising awareness about the significance of transit-oriented development and pointing to case studies from other cities to underscore the opportunities it presents locally. This will be the topic of discussion of CMT’s next “Talking Transit” event – set for Wednesday, June 26 at 8:30 a.m. (central) via Zoom. It is free and open to the public. Pre-registration is required and can be completed at www.cmt-stl.org.

Transit-oriented developments are compact, mixed-use developments located in high density areas that are within walking distance of public transit. There are more than 400 acres of vacant property – comprised of both land and buildings – within a half-mile radius of the proposed St. Louis MetroLink Green Line.

“The available space in close proximity to the proposed MetroLink expansion project offers a unique opportunity to help preserve and revitalize economically underinvested neighborhoods, increase the supply of affordable housing, add community amenities, pave the way for transit ridership and encourage investment,” commented Kimberly Cella, executive director of Citizens for Modern Transit. “CMT’s upcoming event will further highlight the advantages of these types of developments and point to success stories from Kansas City, Charlotte, Austin and Minneapolis.”

The panel will feature Mark Gander, the Program Director at Parsons, an infrastructure engineering firm with transit-oriented development experience across the country, including projects in Austin and Minneapolis; David Johnson, the Chair of the Kansas City Regional Transit Alliance, Senior Project Leader at TransPro Consulting and Missouri Public Transit Association board member; and John Lewis, a Principal at TransPro Consulting and former CEO of Charlotte Area Transit Service. The discussion will be moderated by Cella.

CMT hosts quarterly “Talking Transit” events to keep members, transit riders and advocates, stakeholders, elected officials and others in the loop on issues and efforts influencing the region’s transit system. These educational gatherings feature expert guest speakers and panel discussions addressing a wide range of topics, including transit access, safety & security, transit-oriented development, best practices, service changes and more. Visit CMT’s YouTube channel to explore previous “Talking Transit” events.

Citizens for Modern Transit (CMT) is the region’s transit advocacy organization. It was established in 1985 to help bring light rail to St. Louis and works to develop, support and enhance programming and initiatives to ensure safe, convenient, user-friendly and affordable access to the region’s integrated public transportation system. CMT champions, challenges, encourages and advocates for public transit in an effort to drive economic growth and improve the quality of life in the St. Louis region.