FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS - What began as an effort to bring a simple place to sit to transit riders waiting at bus stops without seating continues to spark broader investments in public transit infrastructure throughout the St. Louis region. Citizens for Modern Transit (CMT) and AARP in St. Louis, in partnership with the St. Clair County Transit District (SCCTD) and Metro Transit, today unveiled the latest installation as part of “The Story of a Bench” program at MetroBus Stop #15907 at 23 Commerce Lane near Imo’s Pizza in Fairview Heights.
During the event, Fairview Heights Mayor Mark Kupsky presented Citizens for Modern Transit with a certificate of recognition for its work to improve the rider experience.
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The project includes the installation of a bright red, all-weather bus bench featuring the slogan "Enjoy the Ride," a custom sponsor plaque and a QR code inviting riders to share how the addition has improved their transit experience. The bench is accompanied by nearly $17,000 in additional enhancements funded by SCCTD, including a new bus shelter with solar-powered lighting, improved ADA accessibility and upgraded concrete flatwork designed to create a safer and more comfortable waiting environment.
The Fairview Heights installation marks the seventh bench installed in St. Clair County and the 13th completed across the bi-state region through this initiative, spearheaded by CMT and AARP in St. Louis, to build better bus stops and enhance ride experiences. Nine additional bench installations are currently planned across the bi-state area as demand for the program continues to grow.
The rider feedback collected through the program underscores the importance of these investments. Riders have shared stories describing how the benches provide relief after long days at work or school, while carrying groceries or while managing mobility challenges and health conditions.
"When we launched this initiative, our goal was simple – bring a basic amenity to transit riders who had long been overlooked at bus stops without seating," said Kimberly Cella, CEO of Citizens for Modern Transit. "What we've witnessed has exceeded expectations. Not only are riders telling us these benches are making their daily trips more comfortable and accessible, but communities and transit partners are responding by investing even more in the rider experience. A simple bench is helping build stronger, more welcoming transit environments throughout the region."
The program continues to help remove the stigma of the "forgotten stop" while demonstrating how small-scale investments can produce meaningful improvements for transit riders. To date, the first 13 bench installations have helped spur more than $50,000 in additional transit stop enhancements throughout the region. The Fairview Heights project serves as one of the most visible examples of that impact.
"This bench represents much more than a place to sit," said Ken Sharkey, managing director of the St. Clair County Transit District. "It reflects our commitment to continuously improving the rider experience. This is now the seventh bench installation in St. Clair County, and we've been proud to support additional improvements at locations like Fairview Heights by funding amenities such as the shelter, lighting and ADA-accessibility upgrades. These investments demonstrate that when communities come together around transit, small projects can lead to meaningful improvements for riders."
Building on those efforts, SCCTD and Metro Transit are collaborating on an additional project to enhance bus stops throughout St. Clair County through the installation of 16 bus shelters. Eleven shelters have been completed to date, with five more scheduled for installation later this year.
"Metro Transit is proud to work alongside SCCTD, Citizens for Modern Transit and local communities to create safer, more accessible and more welcoming transit environments," said Ron Forrest, executive vice president and chief operating officer of Metro Transit. "The improvements unveiled today complement a broader effort underway in St. Clair County, where Metro and SCCTD are partnering to expand shelter infrastructure and improve waiting areas for riders. Together, these investments help ensure public transit remains a convenient, comfortable and reliable transportation option throughout the region."
Learn more about “The Story of a Bench” Placemaking Program and its impact on the region at https://cmt-stl.org/the-story-of-a-bench-placemaking-program/.
Citizens for Modern Transit
Citizens for Modern Transit is the St. Louis region’s transit advocacy organization. Established in 1985 to help bring light rail to St. Louis, CMT’s mission is focused on championing, challenging, encouraging and advocating for public transit in an effort to drive economic growth and improve quality of life. To help support this mission, the organization works to develop ridership programming, transform spaces around transit stops, help secure local and federal transit funding, serve as a strong and effective voice on transit-related issues and opportunities, and ensure safe, convenient, user-friendly and affordable access to the area’s integrated public transportation system. To learn more, visit www.CMT-STL.org or follow the organization on Facebook, X, Instagram or LinkedIn.
AARP in St. Louis
AARP in St. Louis is the local connection for AARP - the nation’s largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people to choose how they live as they age. Locally this is done through virtual & in-person engagement opportunities, legislative efforts on the local, state and federal level, educational resources, and volunteer opportunities. Advocating for and supporting efforts that contribute to creating a lifelong community is at the core of what we do in the St. Louis region. Learn more at www.aarp.org/stlouis.
About St. Clair County Transit District The St. Clair County Transit District (SCCTD) was founded in 1981 and contracts with Bi-State Development to provide public transportation services in St. Clair County, Ill., by way of 11 MetroLink stations and 14 MetroBus routes and with Southwestern Illinois College to offer paratransit services as well as on-demand, micro transit via the SCCTD Flyer in seven communities. SCCTD has also established and maintains the ever-evolving MetroBikeLink System of interconnecting trails and bike paths that seamlessly connect to six Metro Transit Centers – linking individuals to jobs, education, healthcare, entertainment, trails and other destinations throughout the bi-state region. To learn more, visit www.SCCTD.org or follow the District on Facebook, X, Instagram or LinkedIn.
About Metro Transit
Metro Transit operates the St. Louis region’s public transportation system, which includes 24 battery electric buses and 237 clean-burning diesel buses that serve 59 MetroBus routes in eastern Missouri and southwestern Illinois. Metro also operates MetroLink light rail vehicles on 46 miles of track serving 38 stations in the two-state area, and operates Metro Call-A-Ride, a paratransit fleet of 123 vans. Metro Transit is a Bi-State Development enterprise. To learn more, visit www.metrostlouis.org or follow Metro Transit on Facebook, X, Instagram and LinkedIn.
