Try Transit: A Simple Step Toward Cleaner Air in St. Louis
As the world marks International Day of Climate Action on October 24, St. Louis residents have a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact, simply by choosing how they get around. The St. Louis Regional Clean Air Partnership and Citizens for Modern Transit (CMT), the region’s transit advocacy organization, are encouraging locals to try transit and discover how riding MetroLink or MetroBus can help improve the region’s air quality and fight climate change.
Transportation is one of the largest contributors to air pollution in the bi-state region. Vehicle emissions release harmful pollutants that contribute to ground-level ozone, which not only degrades air quality but also pose serious health risks, particularly for children, seniors and individuals with existing respiratory conditions.
Try & Ride: Making Transit Easy
CMT’s Try & Ride program makes it easier than ever for area residents to explore public transportation. Whether commuting to work, heading to school or attending a Blues game, MetroLink and MetroBus offer reliable, affordable and environmentally friendly alternatives to driving. The program provides complimentary transit tickets for one month, giving riders time to test and learn the system. Participants then commit to using the bus or train for one additional month at their own expense, for a total of two months. Additionally, participants are asked to complete a brief survey at the end of the first month and a final survey after the two-month transit commitment. To date, the program has helped more than 7,000 workday and school commuters successfully navigate public transit.
Campaigns Driving Change
Recent collaborative campaigns such as “No Red Day” and “Go for the Gold” spearheaded by the Clean Air Partnership and Citizens for Modern Transit have also highlighted the direct connection between transit use and cleaner air. These efforts reinforce the fact that every ride on public transit helps reduce the number of cars on the road and the emissions they produce. Choosing transit over driving can significantly lower your carbon footprint and contribute to fewer poor air quality days in the region.
Be Part of the Solution
This International Day of Climate Action and every day beyond, the Clean Air Partnership and Citizens for Modern Transit invite you to be part of the solution. By choosing transit, you’re not just getting from point A to point B — you’re helping build a healthier, more sustainable St. Louis.
To learn more and register today, visit our Try & Ride webpage.
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