COMPLIMENTARY “STAY TOASTY ON TRANSIT” SCARVES TO BE DISTRIBUTED AT SELECT METRO TRANSIT CENTERS ON DEC. 8th

To help commuters stay toasty on transit – while also spreading a little holiday cheer – Citizens for Modern Transit, Metro Transit, St. Clair County Transit District, the Bureau of Transit Police, Metro Transit Public Safety and other partners will be hosting a public transit rider appreciation event during the evening commute on Friday, Dec. 8. Those utilizing select Metro Transit Centers between 3:30 and 5:30 p.m. will receive a complimentary “Stay Toasty on Transit” scarf and candy cane. Riders will be reminded about the benefits of taking transit during the winter months and registering for Citizens for Modern Transit’s Guaranteed Ride Home Program. Those passing through the Belleville Transit Center will also see a live reindeer on display and again access to other holiday fun.

“Public transit is a great option for bi-state area residents during the winter,” commented Kimberly Cella, executive director of Citizens for Modern Transit. “Those taking MetroLink, MetroBus, Metro Call-A-Ride or SCCTD’s Flyer services can avoid having to defrost personal vehicles, drive in hazardous road conditions and dodge unexpected traffic delays – all while sitting back and enjoying the ride. Plus, individuals can take advantage of our Guaranteed Ride Home Program.”

The Guaranteed Ride Home program offers commuters, who take transit, bike or even walk to work, with subsidized access to more immediate transportation options if a need arises, like a personal emergency, sickness or unscheduled overtime. The program enables them to utilize a ride-hailing service, taxicab company or even a rental vehicle from Enterprise Rent-A-Car to get where they need to go. Commuters pay upfront for the entire cost of the ride home and then submit the receipt to Citizens for Modern Transit, which reimburses them 80% of the cost, up to $60 per ride. Commuters can utilize the program up to four times per year. Pre-registration is required.

The “Stay Toasty on Transit” rider appreciation event will be held at the North Hanley, Central West End, Shrewsbury-Lansdowne I-44, 5^th & Missouri, Fairview Heights and Belleville Transit Centers. Scarves remaining after the event will be added to the selection of new winter gear items Metro Transit Public Safety and law enforcement partner teams traditionally distribute to transit riders in need during the winter.

This event is part of the partnering organizations’ ongoing efforts to interact with riders, strengthen relationships and reinforce their collective commitment to a safe, comfortable, customer-focused transit experience. To learn more, visit www.cmt-stl.org.