SCCTD UNDERWRITES THREE NEW METROLINK PATROL VEHICLES FOR SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT

The St. Clair County Transit District (SCCTD) will deliver three new MetroLink Patrol Vehicles to the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Department on January 7^th at 1 PM at the Emerson Park MetroLink Station in East St. Louis.  The vehicles highlight the important partnership between the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Department and SCCTD while enhancing the Sheriff’s Department’s patrol capabilities of the transit system in Illinois.

“The SCCTD takes safety and security of the transit system very seriously.   These vehicles demonstrate our commitment to ensuring the safety of the transit system in Illinois.  In addition, these vehicles enhance the ability of the Sheriff’s deputies to patrol the transit system,” said Richard Meile, St. Clair County Transit District Board Chair.
The three identical MetroLink Patrol Vehicles are 2019 Ford Taurus sedans equipped with a police package. The presence of the uniformed officers and specially marked squad cars helps to establish a visual presence of security for riders and serves to thwart potential offenders.

“We are looking forward to utilizing this new equipment to ensure the safety of our system while helping us to engage with riders.  This equipment will go a long way to helping us improve access to our light rail stations,” said Sheriff Rick Watson.

“The St. Clair County Transit District is continually identifying new partnerships in the community to help improve service and build ridership,” added Meile.  The St. Clair County Transit District is working to add several bus shelters along heavily utilized routes with community partners and has placed new trash receptacles at O’Fallon bus stops through a partnership with the City of O’Fallon.