Citizens for Modern Transit Celebrates Champions of Transit at 42nd Annual Meeting

Citizens for Modern Transit (CMT) honored outstanding transit advocates as “Champions of Transit” at its 42nd Annual Meeting in downtown St. Louis, highlighting the region’s commitment to modern, accessible transportation.

ST. LOUIS, Mo. (Sept. 14, 2026) … Citizens for Modern Transit (CMT) – the region’s transit advocacy organization – recognized several “Champions of Transit” at its 42^nd Annual Meeting, held Sept. 11 in downtown St. Louis. During the event, CMT presented its 2026 Platinum Transit Award and its 2026 New Transit Initiatives Awards tied to the soon to open MetroLink extension to MidAmerica St. Louis Airport, transit-supportive housing and economic development efforts and the new transit-oriented University Crossing development, respectively.

CMT’s “Champions of Transit” awards are presented annually to celebrate the efforts of organizations, municipalities and individuals advocating for a safe and effective transit system in the St. Louis region.

St. Clair County Transit District, St. Clair County Board Chairman Mark Kern, Gonzalez Companies and Metro Transit received the 2026 Platinum Transit Award for their work to extend MetroLink to MidAmerica St. Louis Airport. The $190 million project includes a 5.2-mile light-rail extension that connects two major airport hubs, a 4.2-mile extension of the MetroBikeLink system and an extension of Rieder Road to support economic development opportunities. The project was fully funded by the State of Illinois and St. Clair County Transit District and completed without federal funding or taxpayer debt, demonstrating responsible stewardship of public resources. The project – set to open in the coming months – will strengthen regional connectivity, expand access to jobs, education and air travel and create new opportunities for economic development throughout St. Clair County and the greater St. Louis region.

St. Louis REALTORS® received the 2026 New Transit Initiatives Award for partnering on a study with the Center for Neighborhood Technology examining transit’s impact on housing values and conducting polling of likely city voters regarding potential changes to the 2017 sales tax language to support Bus Rapid Transit. The organization was also recognized for helping ensure the success of several of CMT’s Transit Stop Transformation projects.

Bywater Development Group and Employment Connection received the 2026 New Transit Initiatives Award for bringing the University Crossing development at the North Hanley MetroLink Station to fruition. CMT has focused on the station for decades through Urban Land Institute studies, walk audits, pop-up markets, commuter events and a 2022 Transit Stop Transformation project. The University Crossing development represents the culmination of years of grassroots engagement and planning around the station. Developers transformed a parking lot into a $20 million, mixed-used development with 60 housing units, access to employment services, a police substation and more – while sparking additional investment south of the MetroLink station.

“This year’s honorees demonstrate what is possible when vision, partnership and persistence come together,” said Kimberly Cella, CEO of Citizens for Modern Transit. “Whether expanding the region’s transit system, strengthening the connection between transit and housing, or bringing transit-oriented development to life, each of these recipients is helping create a stronger future for transit in the St. Louis region.”

For more information about CMT and its work to further public transit accessibility, visit www.CMT-STL.org or call 314-231-7272.

About Citizens for Modern Transit

Citizens for Modern Transit (CMT) is the St. Louis region’s transit advocacy organization. Established in 1985 to help bring light rail to St. Louis, CMT’s mission is focused on championing, challenging, encouraging and advocating for public transit in an effort to drive economic growth and improve quality of life. To help support this mission, the organization works to develop ridership programming, transform spaces around transit stops, help secure local and federal transit funding, serve as a strong and effective voice on transit-related issues and opportunities, and ensure safe, convenient, user-friendly and affordable access to the area’s integrated public transportation system. To learn more, visit www.CMT-STL.org or follow the organization on Facebook, X, Instagram or LinkedIn.