While fiscal year 2021 was marked by the slow return to life in our communities, the region, and the country, one theme remained the same throughout; public transit can get us there. From delivering essential workers during the height of the pandemic, to expanding access as people returned to work to creating places and offering sustainability for years to come, transit plays a central role to achieving these goals. Transit is key component of positioning the St. Louis region for recovery and growth.
This historic year demonstrated that public transit goes well beyond the ride. It provides access to jobs, education, healthcare and goods and services. It promotes social equality, it creates places, and provides economic returns for the region and the state. These deliverables have fueled the mission of Citizens for Modern Transit (CMT) for the past 37 years and will continue to motivate the organization to move transit forward in the years to come.
Since CMT’s establishment in 1985, it has grown to represents more than 22,000 constituents, including transit riders, major employers, academic institutions and labor and community organizations. CMT serves as a strong and effective voice on transit-related matters and is continually working to establish, support and enhance programming and initiatives to help further public transportation. The organization’s vision, tenacity and extraordinary leadership continues to play a fundamental role in maintaining a safe, integrated and affordable transportation system for the St. Louis region.
Throughout FY2021, CMT’s advocacy moved into action demonstrating time and time again that transit can deliver. Transit stayed at the center of many regional conversations including expansion of light rail in Illinois, introduction of microtransit to fill the service gaps, and the possibility of expanding transit in the Northside/Southside corridor. Safety and security took significant steps forward, and critical federal funding was secured for transit. New places were created around transit through CMT’s Placemaking program in partnership with AARP St. Louis.
In FY22, CMT will be focusing on building community support for transit at the local, state and federal level. CMT will remain steadfast in its commitment to furthering three key areas of opportunity for transit. This includes increasing collaboration and support for transit at both at the regional and state levels, rebuilding ridership numbers and maintaining the organization’s financial stability. We also look forward to working alongside regional leaders as they prepare to make important decisions tied to the future of transit.
Public Transit can get us there. Join us.
Hart Nelson
Chair, CMT Board of Directors
Kimberly M. Cella
Executive Director, CMT