The Story of a Bench Program Continues to Spur Investment, Enhance Rider Experience and Build Better Bus Stops
What began as a simple idea to improve the rider experience at bus stops without seating—often referred to as “forgotten stops”—has quickly evolved into a growing regional movement. Citizens for Modern Transit (CMT) and AARP in St. Louis, together with Metro Transit, the University of Missouri–St. Louis (UMSL), local governments and community partners, unveiled the 12th bus bench installed through “The Story of a Bench” Placemaking Program during a ribbon-cutting ceremony held July 8 at MetroBus Stop #9160 at the main entrance to UMSL’s North Campus.
Project partners and community leaders gathered to celebrate the installation of the bright-red, all-weather bench featuring the slogan “Enjoy the Ride.” The bench includes a customized sponsor plaque and QR code inviting riders to share how the amenity has impacted their transit experience. Those stories, combined with feedback collected by program ambassadors, help project partners measure the program’s impact in real time while continuing to tell “The Story of a Bench.”
The feedback has been powerful. Riders report that the benches provide relief after long days at work or school, while carrying groceries or when navigating mobility challenges and health conditions. Many say the addition of a simple place to sit helps make waiting for transit more comfortable, accessible and welcoming.
“When we launched this initiative, our goal was to install five benches during the first year and bring a basic amenity to transit riders who had been overlooked for far too long,” said Kimberly Cella, CEO of Citizens for Modern Transit. “Fifteen months later, we are unveiling our 12th bench, hearing remarkable stories from riders across the region and watching these installations spark additional improvements at transit stops. A simple bench can make a meaningful difference in someone’s day, and communities are recognizing that value and investing even more in their transit infrastructure.”
The Story of a Bench program was launched in 2025 as an extension of CMT’s larger Transit Stop Transformation initiative, which focuses on improving transit environments and enhancing the rider experience. Project partners saw an opportunity to expand their impact by bringing a basic but meaningful amenity to more riders across the bi-state region. Since then, benches have been installed at locations in Missouri and Illinois, with demand for additional installations continuing to grow.
Beyond improving the rider experience, the program is generating broader community investment. To date, the first 11 bench installations have helped spur more than $50,000 in additional transit stop enhancements, including shelters and other improvements. Program momentum continues to build, with 10 additional bench projects currently in development across the region.
“We are seeing firsthand how small investments can lead to substantial community benefits,” added Kimberly Cella. “These benches are improving comfort and accessibility for transit riders, removing the stigma of the ‘forgotten stop,’ and encouraging partners to invest further. The result is stronger transit infrastructure, better rider experiences and more welcoming communities.”
Citizens for Modern Transit and AARP in St. Louis continue to seek partners—including municipalities, businesses, organizations, community groups and individuals—interested in supporting future bench installations.
To learn more about “The Story of a Bench” Placemaking Program, visit https://cmt-stl.org/the-story-of-a-bench-placemaking-program/.
