Fare-validation checks to be stepped up at MetroLink stations
Several groups are teaming up on a pilot project designed to help improve fare validation at three highly utilized MetroLink stations.
Citizens for Modern Transit will be teaming up with Metro, East-West Gateway Council of Governments, St. Clair County Transit District, the Organization for Black Struggle and local law enforcement.
The initiative is among multiple collaborative efforts underway across the region to prioritize and ensure safety and security on the MetroLink System. In the past year alone, there has been increased law enforcement presence on the system, commuters have been given the opportunity to download a personal safety smartphone app free of charge and an extensive MetroLink Security Audit is currently underway.
The MetroLink Access Project will kick off on Monday, Sept. 10, at the Forest Park-DeBaliviere, North Hanley and Fairview Heights MetroLink stations.
For approximately four weeks, contracted security officers, with the support of local law enforcement, will monitor and enforce fare validation for 21 hours each day. The goal is to establish a temporary access control plan that utilizes personnel and environmental design changes to help better monitor and manage patrons arriving and departing from the stations with the intent of enhancing security and validating fares.
“Access control is a key to deterring fare evasion and ensuring the security of the transit system,” said Kimberly Cella, executive director of Citizens for Modern Transit. “CMT is committed to assisting with the development of both immediate improvements and longer-term strategies to ensure the safety and security of all riders on the system. Our hope is that this pilot will provide evidence-based metrics on fare enforcement. The findings will help further the full-scale MetroLink Security Audit being led by WSP USA, Inc.”
The MetroLink Access Project is being underwritten by Citizens for Modern Transit with the help of Metro. To learn more, visit www.cmt-stl.org
About Citizens for Modern Transit
Citizens for Modern Transit is a nonprofit, member supported organization that 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.
