As prices at the pump continue to rise, Citizens for Modern Transit (CMT) – the region’s transit advocacy organization – is encouraging area residents to consider utilizing public transit this spring. The organization has a FREE Try & Ride program that makes it easy for those who are new to MetroLink or MetroBus to familiarize themselves with the region’s integrated system to get them where they need to go. With transportation-related emissions being one of the biggest contributors to air pollution, taking public transportation is also a great way to reduce harmful auto emissions to help keep the air quality in healthy ranges.
“Public transit is a safe, convenient and cost-effective transportation option, but many shy away from it because of the unknowns – including which route or line to take, how to purchase tickets and more,” commented Kimberly Cella, executive director of Citizens for Modern Transit. “The Try & Ride program addresses these concerns head-on. It has helped more than 6,000 individuals familiarize themselves with the system and has been credited with turning many first-time transit users into regular transit commuters.”
The Try & Ride program is open to any Missouri or Illinois residents who don’t already utilize the St. Louis region’s public transportation system for their workday commutes. Upon registering, each program participant receives personalized transit routes, a month of complimentary tickets, a journal to jot down reminders and a list of tips for using transit. The program requires riders to commit to utilizing the bus or train for one additional month at their own expense for a total of two months.
Additionally, registration automatically enrolls individuals in the Guaranteed Ride Home program, which provides subsidized access, a cab ride, rental car to ride-hailing services like Lyft in the case of an emergency or unexpected schedule change at work.
“A monthly transit pass is $78 and provides unlimited rides on the MetroLink and MetroBus,” added Cella. “This is an affordable means for traveling, especially considering gas is $4 a gallon.”
To learn more about CMT’s Try & Ride Program or to register, visit cmt-stl.org. For more information on the link between sustainable transportation and our air quality, visit the Clean Air Partnership website at cleanair-stlouis.com, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter at @gatewaycleanair.