Citizens for Modern Transit - Talking Transit

Kim Cella
  • 5.0 (1)
  • NON-PROFIT

Conversations about the importance of transit throughout the St. Louis metropolitan area.

Episodes

  1. 10/30/2025

    Transit's Future on the Federal Front

    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.

    1h 4m

  2. 10/29/2025

    Cost-Conscious Marketing for Transit Providers

    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

    59 min

  3. 06/12/2025

    Conversation with Commuters on Safety & Security Initiatives

    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

    1h 4m

  4. 05/29/2025

    2025 Missouri Statewide Transit Needs Assessment Study Results

    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.

    43 min

  5. 04/16/2025

    Building Linear Neighborhoods Along St. Louis' Red Line

    In this episode of Talking Transit, Citizens for Modern Transit explores the power of transit-oriented development with a deep dive into the concept of “linear neighborhoods” along the MetroLink Red Line in North St. Louis County. This dynamic panel conversation features key leaders and developers working to revitalize the North Hanley, Rock Road, and UMSL transit centers through innovative housing, workforce support, and mixed-use strategies. Featured Speakers: Erin Burnett, President, Bywater Development GroupSal Martinez, CEO, Employment ConnectionJanet Wilding, Assistant Vice Chancellor of Economic & Community Development, UMSLDaphne Moore, Senior Director of Economic Development, Beyond HousingJohn Langa, VP of Economic Development, Bi-State DevelopmentKey Topics Covered: The vision behind University Crossing, a mixed-income residential development at North HanleyHow Employment Connection is embedding career services directly into the transit-oriented communityUMSL’s “Transform UMSL” campus master plan and real estate partnerships around the UMSL-South stationThe Rock Road TOD study and phased strategies for job-focused affordable housingOpportunities, challenges, and timelines associated with TOD efforts—including land readiness, funding layers, and commercial viabilityThe importance of public-private partnerships, community engagement, and long-term planning in shaping successful linear neighborhoodsTakeaways: Transit is no longer seen as a luxury—it’s critical infrastructure that enhances quality of life, job access, and economic developmentBuilding vibrant, connected neighborhoods requires collaboration, patience, and a shared vision across institutionsRegional stakeholders are actively repurposing underutilized assets (like parking lots) into vibrant community hubsLearn More: Visit www.cmt-stl.org to explore upcoming events, get involved, or dig deeper into transit advocacy and TOD planning.

    58 min
  • 5 Episodes

About

Conversations about the importance of transit throughout the St. Louis metropolitan area.

Information