PARTNERS URGE RESIDENTS TO “MIX UP HOW YOU MOVE” WITH TRANSIT + TRAILS

Hundreds of miles of trails on both sides of the river connect to transit stops, making it easy—and seamless—to explore the region using a combination of bus, train and trails. St. Clair County Transit District (SCCTD) is therefore partnering with Citizens for Modern Transit (CMT), Metro Transit, Great Rivers Greenway and Madison County Transit to encourage residents to “Mix Up How You Move” this summer. Through Aug. 31, area residents are encouraged to visit www.MixUpHowYouMove.com to register for a FREE Metro Transit Day Pass (valued at $5 and good for unlimited rides on MetroLink and MetroBus on the day of their choosing), and to get information about the interconnecting trail systems in St. Louis, St. Clair and Madison counties with direct access to transit.

“With trails and transit so well connected throughout the region, there’s never been a better time to get out and explore,” said Kimberly Cella, CEO of CMT. “This summerlong initiative makes it simple, affordable and fun for residents to leave the car behind and mix up how they move. Our hope is if St. Louisans try it for fun and see the benefits, they may be willing to try for more trips including work.”

Great Rivers Greenway has 140 miles of greenways across the St. Louis region, including the St. Vincent, Brickline and River des Peres greenways, which connect to the UMSL North, Rock Road, Wellston, Grand Cortex and Shrewsbury-Lansdowne I-44 Transit Centers. St. Clair County Transit District’s MetroBikeLink System consists of more than 39 miles of interconnecting trails and bike paths in St. Clair County, Ill. The main artery of the MetroBikeLink System is a trail running adjacent to the MetroLink alignment. It begins at the Shiloh-Scott Transit Center and extends 14 miles, connecting the College, Belleville, Swansea, Memorial Hospital and Fairview Heights Transit Centers. A seventh station will soon be added, as a 4.3-mile trail nears completion as part of the MetroLink expansion to MidAmerica St. Louis Airport. Madison County Transit has 138 miles of scenic interconnected trails in Madison County, Ill., connected to the Madison County Transit fixed-route bus service.

“Madison County Transit is proud to be part of a regional transportation network that connects people not only to jobs, schools and essential services, but also to recreation and quality-of-life opportunities,” said SJ Morrison, managing director of Madison County Transit. “With 138 miles of MCT Trails connected to our fixed-route bus system, residents have a safe, affordable and enjoyable way to mix up how they move this summer.”

Managing Director for St. Clair County Transit District Ken Sharkey added, “As an avid cyclist and someone who helps steward the MetroBikeLink System, I know how powerful these connections can be. Having a trail network that links directly to transit opens up more options for how people travel—whether for their daily commute to get to school, work and healthcare or to simply explore everything our region has to offer.”

Visit www.MixUpHowYouMove.com through August 31 to register for a FREE Metro Transit Day Pass and gain access to trail maps.