As part of its ongoing commitment to the health and safety of transit riders and operators, Citizens for Modern Transit (CMT), Metro Transit, St. Clair County Transit District, MetroLink Police Officers and Metro Transit Public Safety handed out free face masks at select transit centers on November 9th. Roughly 1500 face masks were distributed to riders. The face masks feature the words “MAKE SURE YOU ARE COVERED – Guaranteed Ride Home Program” printed on the front corner. In addition to reminding riders they must wear a face mask on transit to help protect public health, the purpose of this initiative is also to remind them about the availability of CMT’s free Guaranteed Ride Home Program, which guarantees transit riders with a safe alternative way home in case of an emergency.
Face masks were distributed from 7 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 10, at the North Hanley Transit Center, Central West End Transit Center, Shrewsbury-Lansdowne I-44 Transit Center and Belleville Transit Center. Additional masks will be randomly distributed throughout the remainder of the week along the MetroLink system.
The Guaranteed Ride Home Program provides access to more immediate transportation options in the case of personal emergency, sickness or unscheduled overtime by way of a taxicab, ride-hailing service – like Lyft – or rental vehicle through Enterprise Rent-A-Car. CMT subsidizes the cost of 80 percent of these types of rides, up to $60 per ride, for those eligible. Transit riders must be pre-registered with CMT to take advantage of the Guaranteed Ride Home Program. This process can be completed at cmt-stl.org/guaranteed-ride-home.
This event provides a valuable opportunity for the partnering organizations to interact with riders, strengthen relationships and reinforce their collective commitment to a safe, world-class, customer-focused transit experience.