Partners Unveil Bus Bench, Shelter and Accessibility Improvements at MetroBus Stop in Fairview Heights

What began as an effort to bring a simple place to sit to transit riders waiting at bus stops without seating continues to spark broader investments in public transit infrastructure throughout the St. Louis region. The St. Clair County Transit District (SCCTD), in partnership with Citizens for Modern Transit (CMT), AARP in St. Louis and Metro Transit, today unveiled the latest installation as part of “The Story of a Bench” program at MetroBus Stop #15907 at 23 Commerce Lane near Imo’s Pizza in Fairview Heights.

The project includes the installation of a bright red, all-weather bus bench featuring the slogan “Enjoy the Ride,” a custom sponsor plaque and a QR code inviting riders to share how the addition has improved their transit experience. The bench is accompanied by nearly $17,000 in additional enhancements funded by SCCTD, including a new bus shelter with solar-powered lighting, improved ADA accessibility and upgraded concrete flatwork designed to create a safer and more comfortable waiting environment.

The Fairview Heights installation marks the seventh bench installed in St. Clair County and the 13th completed across the bi-state region through this initiative, spearheaded by CMT and AARP in St. Louis, to build better bus stops and enhance ride experiences. Nine additional bench installations are currently planned across the bi-state area as demand for the program continues to grow.

The rider feedback collected through the program underscores the importance of these investments. Riders have shared stories describing how the benches provide relief after long days at work or school, while carrying groceries or while managing mobility challenges and health conditions.

“When we launched this initiative, our goal was simple – bring a basic amenity to transit riders who had long been overlooked at bus stops without seating,” said Kimberly Cella, CEO of Citizens for Modern Transit. “What we’ve witnessed has exceeded expectations. Not only are riders telling us these benches are making their daily trips more comfortable and accessible, but communities and transit partners are responding by investing even more in the rider experience. A simple bench is helping build stronger, more welcoming transit environments throughout the region.”

The program continues to help remove the stigma of the “forgotten stop” while demonstrating how small-scale investments can produce meaningful improvements for transit riders. To date, the first 13 bench installations have helped spur more than $50,000 in additional transit stop enhancements throughout the region. The Fairview Heights project serves as one of the most visible examples of that impact.

“This bench represents much more than a place to sit,” said Ken Sharkey, managing director of the St. Clair County Transit District. “It reflects our commitment to continuously improving the rider experience. This is now the seventh bench installation in St. Clair County, and we’ve been proud to support additional improvements at locations like Fairview Heights by funding amenities such as the shelter, lighting and ADA-accessibility upgrades. These investments demonstrate that when communities come together around transit, small projects can lead to meaningful improvements for riders.”

Building on those efforts, SCCTD and Metro Transit are collaborating on an additional project to enhance bus stops throughout St. Clair County through the installation of 16 bus shelters. Eleven shelters have been completed to date, with five more scheduled for installation later this year.

“Metro Transit is proud to work alongside SCCTD, Citizens for Modern Transit and local communities to create safer, more accessible and more welcoming transit environments,” said Ron Forrest, executive vice president and chief operating officer of Metro Transit. “The improvements unveiled today complement a broader effort underway in St. Clair County, where Metro and SCCTD are partnering to expand shelter infrastructure and improve waiting areas for riders. Together, these investments help ensure public transit remains a convenient, comfortable and reliable transportation option throughout the region.”

Learn more about “The Story of a Bench” Placemaking Program and its impact on the region at https://cmt-stl.org/the-story-of-a-bench-placemaking-program/.