Partners ask Drivers to “Stop. Drop your Keys. Take Transit for FREE."

The region’s transit advocacy organization Citizens for Modern Transit – in conjunction with the St. Clair County Transit District and Metro Transit – has launched a “Stop. Drop Your Keys. Take Transit for FREE.” initiative to encourage solo drivers to get better acquainted with MetroLink and MetroBus. The first 250 individuals to register at www.cmt-stl.org will receive a free monthly transit pass to use for the school or workday commute, and for anywhere else they need to go, throughout the month of November.

“We know some residents disregard transit as an option because they aren’t familiar with the system or how to utilize it,” commented Kim Cella, executive director of Citizens for Modern Transit. “A free monthly pass makes it easier for people to get out and explore the integrated public transit system, featuring 60 MetroBus routes, 38 MetroLink stations, 21 free Park-Ride lots and direct access to bike trails in Missouri and Illinois.”

In addition to initiatives like “Stop. Drop Your Keys. Take Transit for FREE,” CMT offers other free programming to assist new transit riders, including the Try & Ride and Guaranteed Ride Home. The Try & Ride program also provides free transit passes, as well as personalized transit routes, tips for utilizing the system and Guaranteed Ride Home registration. The Guaranteed Ride program helps those who use public transit, ride their bikes or walk to work gain access to more immediate transportation options if a personal need arises. CMT subsidizes 80 percent of the cost, up to $60 per ride for those eligible, to take a cab, utilize ride hailing services, like Lyft, or rent a car through Enterprise.

“CMT’s ongoing efforts have helped attract thousands of new riders to the transit system,” added Cella. “We encourage those who are used to just driving to get out and give transit a try.”

To register for “Stop. Drop Your Keys. Take Transit for FREE” or to other free CMT programming, visit www.cmt-stl.org.

Citizens for Modern Transit is a nonprofit, member supported organization that leads efforts for an integrated, affordable, and convenient public transportation system with light rail expansion as the critical component that will drive economic growth to improve quality of life in the St. Louis region.

Metro Transit operates the St. Louis region’s public transportation system, which includes 24 battery electric buses and nearly 400 clean-burning diesel buses that serve 60 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 122 vans. Metro Transit is a Bi-State Development enterprise.

Founded in 1981, St. Clair County Transit District oversees 11 MetroLink stations and 18 bus routes in St. Clair County, Ill. If commuters have questions about service, they can call (618) 628-8090 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. For more information, visit www.scctd.org.