CMT to Host "Candid Conversation with Commuters" Event

As Metro Transit prepares for minor quarterly service adjustments set to go into effect on Nov. 27, Citizens for Modern Transit is hosting a “Candid Conversation with Commuters” in partnership with Metro Transit and the St. Clair County Transit District officials. The event will take place on Thursday, Nov. 16, at noon via Zoom, and will provide a platform for transit riders and the community at-large to ask questions about route changes, the operator shortage, fares, security and more. The virtual event is free and open to the public. Registration is required and can be completed at www.cmt-stl.org.

The discussion will feature Charles Stewart, Chief Operating Officer of Metro Transit, Ken Sharkey, Managing Director of the St. Clair County Transit District, Trenise Winters, Assistant Executive Director of Metro Transit, Jessica Gershman, Assistant Executive Director of Planning & Systems for Metro Transit, and D’Andre Braddix, Chair of the CMT Board of Directors. The conversation will be moderated by Kimberly Cella, Executive Director of Citizens for Modern Transit.

Those interested in submitting a question in advance of the forum can do so by direct messaging Citizens for Modern Transit through its social media channels or by emailing the advocacy organization at info@cmt-stl.org. Questions will also be taken through the “chat” feature on Zoom during the forum.

“We are in the midst of a nationwide transit operator shortage that is plaguing cities across the nation – and the St. Louis area is no exception,” commented Cella. “As Metro Transit looks to the future on routes, frequencies and fares, we are providing a forum for the public to ask questions and gain insights.”

CMT’s “Candid Conversation with Commuters,” targeting the general public, is a spin-off of its quarterly “Talking Transit” events designed 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 that address 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.

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 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.