Waiting for a bus can be a tiring experience – especially without a place to sit.
An effort to improve so-called forgotten MetroBus stops across the bi-state region is set to expand this year.
Citizens for Modern Transit and AARP in St. Louis launched the "Story of a Bench" project in April 2025. It aims to improve the rider experience at bus stops without seating, trash receptacles, signage and proper lighting.
"A small-scale bench is making a huge difference for public transit riders in the communities where these bus stops are located," said Citizens for Modern Transit CEO Kim Cella. "We're hoping that through this program people realize that transit is a critical component of the transportation system in St. Louis whether they ride it or not."
Citizens for Modern Transit surpassed its goal last year with the installation of seven benches at MetroBus stops in Swansea, Cahokia Heights and East St. Louis, as well as St. Louis and St. Louis County. The bright red benches include an "Enjoy the Ride" slogan as well as a QR code for riders to share feedback.
The nonprofit has invested more than $12,000 into installing the first seven benches, which were funded through a grant and the organization's own operating budget. Cella said it's vital to get community buy-in. She adds that roughly $50,000 in additional resources has been invested in improving the bus stops with the benches.
"Part of this program is getting adoption by either communities or neighborhood groups or municipalities for part of the responsibility of ensuring that transit is a part of infrastructure in their community," Cella said. "So they are responsible for installing the benches and then maintaining those benches after we leave."
In partnership with the St. Clair County Transit District and the Village of Swansea, both invested additional resources into pouring concrete pads, adding trash receptacles and shelters at the bus stops. Ken Sharkey, managing director of the St. Clair County Transit District, said the benches have been a benefit to riders who frequently had to sit on the curb or along the wall.
"If you have a worker that's maybe been on their feet all day at Schnucks and they're going home, [the bench] is a nice place to take a load off your feet," Sharkey said. "Or if you have grocery bags [from] shopping, [you] don't have to sit those on the ground. You can actually put them on the bench and wait for your bus to come by."
At least seven benches will be installed this year, including in Maplewood and Fairview Heights.
MetroBus stops with benches include Nos. 11223 and 11303 in Swansea, 926 and 4134 in St. Louis, 5609 in St. Louis County, 12961 in East St. Louis and 12985 in Cahokia Heights.
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