About M.A.T.R.A.-STL


The Metropolitan Area Transit Riders Alliance of ST Louis (M.A.T.R.A.-STL) is a public transit advocacy organization based in St. Louis, MO. We are not connected to or affiliated with Metro Transit, other than we ride their buses and trains and have a vested interest in having a viable regional public transit system.

M.A.T.R.A.-STL is dedicated TO REPRESENTING THE NEEDS OF and PROVIDING A VOICE FOR transit dependent people, which are overwhelmingly the working class and the poor. We FIGHT for the public transit needs of ALL TRANSIT RIDERS of the St. Louis Metropolitan Area REGARDLESS if you are transit dependent, non transit dependent; take MetroBus or MetroLink.

M.A.T.R.A.-STL - STL goals are:

  • TO put "PUBLIC" back into public transit
  • TO work for dedicated local funding sources for public transit to keep up with the needs of the St. Louis metropolitan area
  • TO expand ridership by promoting public transit as part of a long term transportation solution
  • TO work with Metro and other Regional Transit Authorities (RTA) across the state to secure statewide transit funding. (In fact, Missouri is the only state which does not provide statewide mass transit funding!)
  • TO educate St. Louis on the benefits and vitality of public transit
  • TO disprove the myth, "If the train doesn't go there or by me, I have no public transit options so I have to drive."
  • TO educate St. Louis that MetroBus and MetroLink is one transit system and not two separate systems
  • TO serve as an organized voice for transit riders by advocating service improvements, including but not limited to:
    • Proportional spending between MetroBus and MetroLink
    • Expanded MetroBus coverage of the St. Louis Metro Area
    • Same consideration for MetroBus riders
    • Extra local MetroBus service for special events as provided for MetroLink riders at no extra cost
    • Increase MetroBus frequency and later hours
    • 24/7 operation on major MetroBus routes
    • Improved MetroBus to MetroBus transfers
    • Local MetroBus routes east of 14th Street - Downtown
    • Security on MetroBus problem routes
    • The formation of a citizens advisory board

TOGETHER WITH YOUR VOICE WE CAN PUT THE "PUBLIC" BACK INTO PUBLIC TRANSIT!!