Citizens for Modern Transit (CMT) is hosting two “Commuter Happy Hour” events to reinforce the system’s ease of usability and benefits. All area residents, including longtime MetroLink users and potential new riders, are invited to stop by the Belleville MetroLink Station on Wednesday, Sept. 5 and the Shrewsbury MetroLink station on Monday, Sept. 17 anytime between 4 and 6 p.m. for these fun-filled, evening rush events.
Any commuter who registers for the Guaranteed Ride Home on site will receive a complimentary CMT Commuter Travel Cup – a refreshing way to look at transit and have a guaranteed ride home in case of emergencies. For more information on the Guaranteed Ride Home, click http://staging.cmt-stl.org/guaranteed-ride-home/
Taking transit really is as easy as 1, 2, 3! You select your route, purchase your fare and sit back and relax. The system is very user-friendly. Here are some quick steps to get commuters started with transit:
1.) Choose Your Route
Commuters can plan their trip by logging on to www.metrostlouis.org or www.google.com/transit and entering the start and destination addresses, as well as the date and the departure or arrival time, or by calling Metro’s Transit Information Department at 314.231.2345. Transit apps are also available for download on iPhone and Android platforms.
2.) Purchase Your Fare –
Fares can be purchased at MetroLink stations, on MetroBuses, at the MetroRide Store, through Metro’s Online Store and at select retail vendors. Single-trip tickets, two hour passes with transfers, day passes, ticket booklets and monthly passes for unlimited rides on the entire system are available. For a complete list of fare pricing and pass information, visit www.metrostlouis.org.
3.) Sit back and Relax –
One of the best benefits of using transit is the ability to let Metro do the driving. Riders can sit back and relax or use the available time to read, catch up on work and more. But, the advantages don’t end there. According to the American Public Transit Association and national transit experts, commuters can:
- Save thousands of dollars each year switching to transit for the work commute;
- Breathe easier knowing that public transit transportation produces 95% less carbon monoxide, 90% less volatile organic compounds (vocs) and about half as much carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxide per mile compared to private vehicles;
- Take advantage of the fact that ninety-seven percent of all jobs in St. Louis are accessible by transit; and
- Rest assured knowing that every dollar invested in transit, results in $4 return for this region.
We find that after individuals try transit for the first time, they are more eager to use it for their workday commutes, and to get to and from ball games, concerts and doctors appointments and to run errands. So whether you live in Clayton, Richmond Heights, Swansea, Belleville or anywhere in St. Louis – consider stopping by via transit or driving so you can get the info on just how easy it is to use transit.
The “Commuter Happy Hour” events will feature food, games, the chance to win St. Louis Cardinals tickets and other prizes, music courtesy of Y98, transit benefit information and the opportunity to register for CMT’s Guaranteed Ride Home. Commuters who stop by for five minutes will reap the extra rewards of using transit on Sept. 5 and 17.
So come out and join us – it’s as easy as 1, 2, 3!