CMT wraps up FY17 on a high note with new grant award

For more than three decades, Citizens for Modern Transit’s (CMT) advocacy work has positioned the organization as a strong and effective voice for transit.  And, FY2017 was no exception. Transit was at the center of many regional discussions, and CMT weighed in on a variety of topics ranging from safety and security of the system and expansion studies, to the highly anticipated ground breaking of the Boyle Street Station in the Cortex Innovation Community to the need to build upon transit investment and equity programming. While some of these conversations were difficult and somewhat uncomfortable at times, each played a necessary role in helping to unify the region and position it for further growth around transit.

A few highlights from this year include:

• In May, St. Louis City Mayor Lyda Krewson, St. Clair County Board Chairman Mark Kern, and St.  Louis County Executive Steve Stenger, whose jurisdictions fund Bi-State Development, in addition to John Nations, CEO of Bi-State,  signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) outlining the plan to improve MetroLink security developed in cooperation with law enforcement.  The MOU demonstrates unprecedented collaboration on the part of St. Louis City, St. Louis County, St. Clair County and Bi-State.
• Groundbreaking for new Boyle Street Station in Cortex. This will be the first addition to light rail since the opening of the Cross County in 2006.  CMT lead the feasibility study which laid the groundwork for the successful TIGER grant application to fund the study.
• Placemaking efforts included a study in partnership with AARP in St. Louis to focus on three stations North  Hanley, Forest Park and Delmar; action items completed completed including turning on the lights at Wabash; and a pop-up Metro Market at Delmar to provide the visual of what could be around transit;
• Two new grants including the award of a new Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality grant just this morning to increase ridership on the transit system through programming and an APTA Local Coalition grant;
• Exceeding membership revenues (16% over goal) & sponsorships for the fiscal year(63% over goal);
• Introduction of new programs to increase transit ridership including the launch of Zimride in St. Louis;
• The Try & Ride ridership program topped 4,000 new riders to the system;
• Secured a 3 year management contract with the Missouri Public Transit Association.

Read more in CMT’s 2017 Annual Report!

As the regional transit advocacy organization, representing more than 20,000 riders, major employers, academic institutions, and labor and community organizations, we understand the impact of a solid public transportation system and the role it plays in creating jobs, providing access and equality and building a stronger economy and more vibrant neighborhoods.   This is why we did not hesitate to support efforts to develop immediate safety and security improvements earlier this year.

CMT will remain steadfast to this commitment in FY2018. We look forward to working with key leadership to further the establishment of a safe, secure, high-quality transit system for both current and future riders. Other key priorities for our organization will be implementing a comprehensive plan to help rebuild ridership numbers, selecting a transit priority project for the region and working to secure a funding package for capital investment and operating costs, which will require a coordinated push by local leaders for state support.

And Here’s What You Can Do in Fiscal Year 2018 to help:

We will continue to keep our members and friends updated. In the meantime, you can:

• Contact your local and state elected officials about the importance of transit and how transit projects can and will move this region forward.
• Join or increase your membership level with CMT to be informed, show your support, and help move transit forward.
• Join CMT at its events to participate in the discussions, celebrate transit and its benefits in the region.
• Ride transit and bring your friends on board.

We are honored to partner with you to improve the St. Louis Region with transit in Fiscal Year 2018.  We would not have the opportunity as an organization to achieve the highlights above without the support the CMT Board, our members, friends and volunteers. Thank you!

See more of what CMT accomplished in our 2017 Annual Report.