UPDATE: Based on feedback, Metro Transit is making a change to improve the customer experience during SPP construction: when any of the current security gates are unattended, the security gate will remain open. Learn more: : https://www.metrostlouis.org/nextstop/making-a-change-to-improve-the-transit-experience/
In response to transit riders concerns and frustrations with the rollout of new safety and security measures tied to Metro Transit’s Secure Platform Plan (SPP), Citizens for Modern Transit (CMT) hosted a virtual “Candid Conversation with Commuters” event on Thursday, June 5 via Zoom. This discussion provided a platform for transit riders, stakeholders and members of the community at large to ask questions about security gating, fencing, surveillance cameras, fare technology and the timetable associated with the implementation of the multi-tiered strategy designed to create a more secure transit environment at all 38 MetroLink stations
The Executive Director of Citizens for Modern Transit Kimberly Cella kicked off the forum, inviting Kevin Scott, Executive Vice President of Security and Public Affairs for Bi-State Development and lead on Metro Transit’s Secure Platform Plan; Tom Curran, Executive Vice President of Administration at Bi-State Development; and Travis Wood, Senior Program Director at Citizens for Modern Transit who helps oversee its Metro Monitor Program, to each provide quick introductions. They then provided updates on the SPP and its fare collection program before speaking to specific concerns identified by riders, CMT’s Metro Monitor volunteers, who monitor the quality and condition of stations along the MetroLink alignment, much like “secret or mystery shoppers” evaluate in-store experiences, and stakeholders.
Cella then switched gears and asked the transit officials to address the questions CMT received in advance of the forum via email and through social media exchanges, as well as those posed during the event in the live “chat” feature. These questions covered a diverse range of topics, including gate operations, pedestrian access, the closing of the Metro Store at 8th & Pine Streets in downtown St. Louis, on-board fare checking, the Real Time Camera system, and how to connect with Metro Transit if an individual has any concerns moving forward.
The virtual event can be viewed in its entirety on CMT’s YouTube page or below: