Following the Rochester Model

The St. Louis Metropolitan region’s public transportation system, which is known as Metro has been facilitating a series of public hearings entitled “St. Louis Region at a Crossroads: Which Way do We Go?” The hearings are designed to inform the public about the impending budget deficit that public transportation could face in the coming year.

In particular, Metro’s budget problems would mean reduction in bus, park-and-ride, and light rail services—services which we view as vital connectors for people in the region.

During the public hearings, officials from Metro have made PowerPoint presentations on the benefits of the services they offer, the specifics of their operating budget, history behind the financial challenges that they face, and what improvements would be made if they managed to receive funds. They also discuss the crucial November Vote, where St. Louis County residents will decide on a sales tax increase that would be vital for Metro and more importantly the continuation and extension of services for transit riders.

After the presentation portion of the hearing, Metro opens the floor for comments and suggestions. We plan to submit our own list of recommendations, one of which will be based on an article about how “Creativity Helps Rochester’s Transit System Turn a Profit.”

The article describes how transportation officials in Rochester “reached agreements with the local public school district, colleges and private businesses to help subsidize its operations, warning in some cases that certain routes might be cut if ridership did not increase or a local business did not help cover the cost.”

In our view, following the Rochester model would be useful because it could ensure continued, full transportation service for citizens. In addition, the businesses and educational institutions would help prevent the loss of thousands of clients and workers who rely on public transit to get to their venues, which would be important for the companies and colleges.

But even beyond the benefits of continued service, this creative system would highlight a vital collaboration between clients, workers, businesses, and public transportation in the region.

So, we will recommend that Metro consider reaching out to those schools and businesses whose clients and workers rely on public transportation. Do you have any more ideas that we or they might consider?