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 an opportunity to hear directly from Metro Transit leaders about the Secure Platform Plan, fare collection upgrades, service reliability and other transit initiatives.The panel featured Kevin Scott, executive vice president of public affairs and security for Bi-State Development; Ron Forrest, executive vice president and chief operating officer for Metro Transit; and Tom Curran, executive vice president of administration for Bi-State Development. Scott oversees security, public affairs and the Secure Platform Plan. Forrest oversees MetroBus, MetroLink, microtransit and Call-A-Ride service. Curran oversees procurement, IT and the new fare collection project. The panel was moderated by CMT’s CEO Kimberly Cella.

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 dozens of transit advocates, elected officials, real estate professionals, stakeholders and riders interested in how transit access affects property values — and what it could mean for a large-scale BRT investment.Those in attendance heard from representatives of the Center for Neighborhood Technology, who outlined the methodology and key conclusions of the research examining the relationship between home prices and transit service frequency.  The findings showed that residential properties near higher frequency transit routes in the City of St. Louis experienced significantly stronger price appreciation than those located near less frequent service. Across the city, median home sale prices increased 50% over the six years between 2012 and 2018 and 65% over the 12 years between 2012 and 2024, with the highest gains occurring near the most frequent transit routes. Homes near the city’s most frequent bus route saw price increases of 144% over six years and 167% over 12 years, far outpacing gains for homes located farther from high-frequency service. Properties located near routes with 21–30-minute service experienced stronger appreciation than those near routes with longer wait times, reinforcing the importance of reliable, frequent transit. Overall, the data shows that transit—particularly high-frequency service — and investment in transit function as a valuable neighborhood amenity and contributes to increased property values.The study also draws on national BRT case studies, which show similar trends in cities across the country, where properties located near BRT routes consistently outperform those farther from transit access.Following the presentation, representatives from the Center for Neighborhood Technology, St. Louis REALTORS® and the City of St. Louis shared perspectives on how transit-oriented development and future investments could further enhance property values and economic vitality across the region. The session concluded with a Q&A discussion with attendees.“Public transit delivers value far beyond the ride,” said Kimberly Cella, CEO of CMT. “It plays a meaningful role in strengthening neighborhoods and supporting long-term economic growth. These findings underscore the opportunity to leverage high-frequency transit investments, including potential Bus Rapid Transit, to drive positive change in St. Louis communities.”Chief Advocacy Officer and Director of Commercial Services for St. Louis REALTORS® Charlie Hinderliter added, “For REALTORS®, this study reinforces something we increasingly see in today’s marketplace: people value connectivity, convenience and access. High-frequency transit is more than a transportation asset — it is an economic development tool that can strengthen neighborhoods, support housing demand, drive long-term property value growth and help create stronger, more connected communities. If St. Louis wants to compete for residents, talent and investment, we have to think about how transportation, housing and economic development work together.”

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 with lessons from Austin’s Project Connect Program, which is planning for growth in a region expected to double from 2 million to 4 million residents by 2040. He described how the project evolved from two light-rail corridors totaling 20 miles to a single 10 mile corridor and how public trust was maintained through transparency, clear communication and consistent outreach. Austin emphasized the “why” behind the changes, realistic timelines, how transit and highway funding differs and the mobility and economic benefits of the program. Ongoing engagement at bus stops, community events and neighborhood meetings, along with direct dialogue to nay-sayers, helped keep residents informed as plans shifted.Ron Forrest of Metro Transit shared insights from the Twin Cities’ successful rollout of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), noting that outreach focused less  on the label and more what riders value most—speed, reliability and a better overall experience. Credibility was key. Businesses, neighborhood leaders and riders helped tell the story, supported by data from surveys and outreach efforts. Clear education, strong branding and early, continuous engagement made BRT relevant to daily life. Timing and flexibility mattered. “There is a huge opportunity for BRT to help make transit a first-choice mobility option,” Forrest said. “It’s taking off across the industry. It’s more cost-effective than light rail, flexible to scale and fast, reliable and easy to use.”Tom Gerend of the KC Streetcar Authority closed the forum by outlining Kansas City’s “playbook.” He shared how the 2.2 mile KC Streetcar, which broke ground in 2014 and launched in 2016, succeeded by positioning the system as the backbone of a broader regional transit network, proactively addressing misinformation and using performance data to reinforce progress and value. Gerend also emphasized the importance of tailoring strategies to different audiences and maintaining flexibility throughout the process.During closing remarks, Underwood shared a quote from the Mayor of Portland during the development of that city’s streetcar: “A successful community project has heat, streets and political leadership.” The “heat” is grassroots support, “streets” reflect space to build and political leadership must be organized and aligned.Referencing St. Louis’ Northside–Southside corridor, Underwood added, “St. Louis has the heat, streets and political leadership. It just needs to be executed.”

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 slashed by 85% since he began his term. Regional transit officials shared these and other updates with over a hundred Citizens for Modern Transit (CMT) members, elected officials, stakeholders and transit riders during the “Talking Transit: Trajectory of Transit in 2026” event hosted by the region’s transit advocacy agency via Zoom on Thursday, Jan. 15 at 8:30 a.m.

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 Operating Officer of Metro Transit Ron Forrest, Chief Mobility and Strategy Officer for the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority (KCATA) Tyler Means, and Executive Director of OATS Transit Dorothy Yeager. The forum was moderated by CEO of CMT and Executive Director of the MPTA Kimberly Cella. 

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, implementation and challenges of BRT systems in Minneapolis and Kansas City and how these projects are transforming transit networks, improving access and driving economic growth. Updates on the scope, funding and next steps of the BRT project in the City of St. Louis were also discussed.

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:Discretionary grants and rescissions.Master agreements.Formula vs. competitive.Bus Capital.The Fiscal Cliff.

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 market their services.  Tracy Jones of Southeast Missouri Transportation Service (SMTS) and Ginny Smith of Cape Girardeau County Transit Authority provided their experience marketing transit services in their regions, including challenges and areas of opportunity.Panelists answered questions and provided key insights into transit marketing best practices, including:Effective cost-conscious marketing reaches the right audience with the right message, providing long-term valueBold branding of vehicles and bus stops is the most cost-effective way to build visibilityMarketing channels include unpaid, paid, and partnership opportunities

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 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

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 GroupDorothy Yeager, OATS TransitMatt Crawford, City Utilities of SpringfieldTaulby Raoch, Bi-State Development/Metro TransitKey Topics Covered:Transit ridership trends in rural and urban areas of MissouriChanges in transit demand over timeFactors impacting the cost of providing transit serviceImportance of state investment in transit across MissouriLearn more:Visit www.mopublictransit.org to access the full study and the importance of state investment in transit.