Citizens for Modern Transit

A nonprofit organization

Citizens for Modern Transit (CMT) is the region's transit advocacy organization

CMT works to champion, challenge and encourage the advancement of public transit access to better connect communities, promote equity and drive economic growth. The organization’s vision, tenacity and extraordinary leadership also plays a fundamental role in helping to maintain a safe, integrated and affordable transportation system for the St. Louis region. To keep our momentum going, we rely on the generosity of supporters like you and are asking you to consider making a donation in celebration of our 40th Anniversary.

In recognition of this exciting four-decade milestone, we are focusing on “The Why” behind public transit use and the need for accessibility, expansion, funding and our advocacy efforts.

For some, “the why” is because they use transit to get to school, have loved ones who are transit operators, or employ individuals who depend on transit to get to work. Others might frequent downtown sports and entertainment venues, and while they have a car, they shun paying the parking prices or waiting for Uber or Lyft.

For CMT, “the why” is understanding that transit is the sole means by which many can access jobs, healthcare and necessities – and that it has a more than $4 billion economic impact on our state. So, whether people choose to utilize transit or not, everyone in the region needs to understand the significant role it plays in making the St. Louis region a viable one.

Our advocacy work is seen in various ways through the community.
• Through CMT's Transit Stop Transformation Program, CMT and project partners are transforming transit stops in the region into fun, artistic spaces that increase transit use, encourage play, cultivate community, and facilitate transit-oriented development.
• CMT's legislative advocacy has delivered on increased state and local funding as well as regional support for the expansion of transit.
• CMT represents more than 22,000 constituents in the St. Louis region including corporations, academic institutions, labor, riders and individuals. CMT also represents all 32 transit providers in the state of Missouri through the management of the Missouri Public Transit Association.
CMT runs multiple rider-incentive programs that teach people how to use public transit and how transit can benefit their health, their pocketbook, and their community:

CMT's Try & Ride program encourages people to try transit for at least two months for their work commute; we "hold their hand" along the way and help participants figure out how to get from their front door to work via bus or MetroLink.
CMT's Guaranteed Ride Home program is an incentive for commuters to commute to work by transit or bicycling rather than driving alone. It allows employees to take transit/bicycle while providing them a "safety net", an assurance that they can get home and not be left at work if a situation arises.
- The CMT Ten Toe Express program encourages seniors to use transit to improve their health, decrease social isolation, and increase their independence through transit-centered walking groups. Ten Toe Express participants use transit to become tourists in their own city, seeing their hometown from a different perspective.
- In addition CMT creates community engagement events and campaigns to educate the general public on the benefits of transit.

Mission

CMT leads efforts for an integrated, affordable, and convenient public transportation system with light rail expansion as the critical component that will drive economic growth to improve quality of life in the St. Louis region. Support People and Places through TRANSIT ADVOCACY through CMT on GiveSTL Day.

Organization Data

Summary

Organization name

Citizens for Modern Transit

Tax id (EIN)

43-1412738

Mission/Purpose

Community Improvement/Economic Development, Capacity Building/Intermediary, Environment, Health & Wellness, Other

Operating Budget

Small: $250,001 - $1,000,000

Service Area

St Louis City

Audiences Served

People with Disabilities, Immigrants, Refugees, Foreign-Born Populations, Older Adults, Veterans, Women, Men, Children, Youth, Families, Teens, General Public

Address

701 Market Street Suite 275
St. Louis, MO 63101

Phone

314-231-7272