Letter to the Editor, Belleville News Democrat, May 9, 2023
The St. Clair County Transit District’s (SCCTD) 2020 Transit Vision continues to shape reality. We are delivering on our promise to provide interconnectivity throughout St. Clair County so area resident can get where they need to go by way of a safe, accessible, multi-model public transit system that is well-maintained and meets the needs of its riders.
The plan we are implementing recognizes and adapts to the ever-changing mobility needs of passengers. We’ve extended the reach of our flexible, on-demand, shared-ride SCCTD Flyer service to include Scott Air Force Base. New and expanded frequency of MetroBus service in Cahokia Heights and Sauget is now providing increased access to jobs, school, healthcare, retail destinations and more. Work on Phase III of the Old Collinsville Road Trail is underway to develop a 0.8-mile trail that will run along Old Collinsville Road from Munie Road to Frank Scott Parkway East. This segment extends the reach of the MetroBikeLink System, which features 14 continuous miles of trails in Southwestern Illinois and links users to six Metro Transit Centers. Two “Transit Stop Transformation” projects have been completed in the area with a third currently underway at the 5th & Missouri Transit Center in East St. Louis. Plus, we are currently replacing our fleet of Alternative Transportation System (ATS) vehicles with zero-emissions models and installing charging stations.
Meanwhile, construction has commenced on a new, $13.5 million Public Safety Center at the Emerson Park Transit Center in East St. Louis, and partners will soon break ground on the St. Clair County MetroLink Expansion to MidAmerica St. Louis Airport.
As we remain steadfast to our commitment to our local communities, we urge people to help keep us on track by continuing to take advantage of the MetroLink, MetroBus, SCCTD Flyer and VanGO services in your area.
Ken Sharkey, managing director of St. Clair County Transit District