Citizens for Modern Transit - Talking Transit

Metro Transit’s Secure Platform Plan enhancements are nearing completion at all 38 MetroLink stations, while a phased rollout of the agency’s new fare collection system is set to begin July 6. To help riders prepare for these changes, Citizens for Modern Transit (CMT) hosted a virtual “Candid Conversation with Commuters” event on June 29, giving riders, employers, operators and other stakeholders...

As the St. Louis region explores Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) in the Northside-Southside corridor, Citizens for Modern Transit (CMT), in partnership with St. Louis REALTORS® and AARP St. Louis, commissioned a study on transit’s impact on local real estate values. Findings from the Saint Louis Housing Prices Near Transit Study were shared during CMT’s virtual “Talking Transit” event on May 20, drawing d...

Public transit delivers value far beyond daily riders—fueling economic growth, expanding access and strengthening quality of life across entire regions. That message took center stage at Citizens for Modern Transit’s recent Talking Transit forum, featuring behind-the-scenes insights from transit initiatives in Austin, Minneapolis–St. Paul and Kansas City. Tom Underwood of HDR opened the discussion...

The MetroLink extension to MidAmerica St. Louis Airport is scheduled to open in summer 2026 as ongoing efforts on both sides of the river work to deliver reliable access to opportunity. The circumstances surrounding transit funding are changing. Illinois is headed in the right direction, while Gov. Kehoe just proposed further cuts, and if approved, transit funding in Missouri will have been slashe...

On November 20, 2025, the Missouri Public Transit Association and Citizens for Modern Transit hosted the 2025 edition of the State of Transit in Missouri. Attendees heard from leaders of the state’s largest, mid-level and rural transit providers. Panelists included Transit Director with City Utilities of Springfield Matt Crawford, Executive Director of the KC Streetcar Authority Tom Gerend, Chief...

As the St. Louis region embarks on an alternatives analysis study to determine the feasibility of a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system in lieu of the St. Louis MetroLink Green Line and potentially puts funding for the project back on the ballot, Citizens for Modern Transit (CMT) hosted a virtual “Talking Transit” event tied to the topic. The forum on Dec. 9 explored the design, development, funding, i...

The Missouri, Iowa and Nebraska Transit Associations hosted Scott Bogren, Executive Director of CTAA, on the future of Transit on the federal front on Oct. 21. Bogren underscored the importance of telling the local stories of transit’s impact from a values and outcomes perspective including from the private sector partners. Key transition issues with new administration discussed included: Discreti...

The latest Talking Transit podcast features a discussion led by the Missouri Public Transit Association (MPTA), focused on cost-conscious marketing for small to mid-sized transit providers.  The presentation featured Selena Barlow of Transit Marketing and Elea Carey of Transit Happy, who provided expert insight into the promotional strategies that provide the most value for providers looking to ma...

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. This discussion provided a platform for transit riders, stakeholders and members of the community at large to ask questions...

In this episode of Talking Transit, the results of the 2025 Missouri Statewide Transit Needs Assessment Study are discussed, including a look at ridership levels across the state, how demand for transit has changed over time, and the costs of delivery service.   Featured Speakers: Peter Williams , Lochmueller Group Dorothy Yeager , OATS Transit Matt Crawford , City Utilities of Springfield Taulby...

In this episode of Talking Transit , Citizens for Modern Transit explores the power of transit-oriented development with a deep dive into the concept of “linear neighborhoods” along the MetroLink Red Line in North St. Louis County. This dynamic panel conversation features key leaders and developers working to revitalize the North Hanley, Rock Road, and UMSL transit centers through innovative housi...