​Citizens for Modern Transit to Host "Talking Transit" on April 26

The transit advocacy organization Citizens for Modern Transit (CMT) will host its next virtual “Talking Transit” event on Wednesday, April 26 at 8:30 am via Zoom. This event will highlight the value and impacts of placemaking projects and how transit stops are a natural fit, while featuring the success of five “Transit Stop Transformation” Projects in the St. Louis region. The event is free and open to the public. Pre-registration is required and can be completed online at www.cmt-stl.org.

The discussion will be led by Vedran Dzebic and Anna Crider from the branding and environmental design firm Entro, which uses design to connect people to places. They will speak about the art, science and value of placemaking, including new research showcasing the positive return on investment for placemaking interventions. Ken Sharkey from St. Clair County Transit District, Sheila Holm from AARP St. Louis, and Laura Miller from the City of Maplewood, Mo., will also be on hand to discuss the story behind the successful “Transit Stop Transformation” projects being implemented in the St. Louis region. Kim Cella, executive director of Citizens for Modern Transit will moderate the discussion.

“This is a concept that transforms places people simply pass through in route to their next destination – like MetroLink Stations and MetroBus Stops – into active, engaging corridors that connect individuals and neighborhoods by offering access to products, services, activities and green space,” stated Kimberly Cella executive director of Citizens for Modern Transit. “The St. Louis region has had a lot of success in this arena, and we encourage individuals to join this discussion to learn more.”

CMT hosts quarterly “Talking Transit” events to keep members, elected officials, stakeholders, transit riders and others in the loop on issues and efforts influencing the local transit system. These educational gatherings feature guest speakers and panel discussions addressing a wide range of topics, including transit-oriented development, safety and security, best practices, service changes and more. To learn more about these events and how CMT is working to further transit access in the St. Louis region, visit www.cmt-stl.org.

Citizens for Modern Transit (CMT) is the region’s transit advocacy organization. It was established in 1985 to help bring light rail to St. Louis and works to develop, support and enhance programming and initiatives to ensure safe, convenient and affordable access to the region’s integrated public transportation system. CMT champions, challenges, encourages and advocates for public transit in an effort to drive economic growth and improve the quality of life in the St. Louis region.