Madison County Transit

AS GAS PRICES RISE, MCT ENCOURGAGES TRANSIT USE

Transit Info Line, Info E-mail and Website Simplify the Process for First Time Users

GRANITE CITY, ILL., January 3, 2010 . . . With gas prices climbing above the $3.00 mark in the St. Louis region this week, Madison County Transit (MCT) is encouraging residents to consider riding the bus, carpooling or forming a vanpool to save on fuel costs and reduce our nation’s dependence on foreign oil. To incent Madison County residents to inquire about MCT services, MCT has created a direct “Transit Info Line,” (618-797-4900), manned by a customer service representative from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday –Friday to answer specific questions about MCT services. Individuals can also e-mail info@mct.org with questions or visit www.mct.org and do their own searching.

“Most people don’t realize just how much easier and more affordable riding the bus can be,” said SJ Morrison, MCT Director of Marketing & Planning. “So we’re encouraging residents to give us a call, send us an e-mail or spend a few minutes on our website to learn if MCT is an option for them.” Early projections indicate that nationwide fuel prices are expected to continue increasing throughout 2011 and 2012. As a result, MCT expects to see an increase in ridership on all services, especially Express routes to St. Louis and MetroLink. To encourage ridership, MCT offers the following incentive programs:

Monthly Passes: Buy a MCT System Pass for $60 on-line or at Schnucks locations throughout Madison County and ride MCT all month-long without the hassle of carrying cash.
Guaranteed Ride Home: MCT Express passengers who purchase a Monthly Pass are eligible for up to four FREE taxi rides home from work in the event of an emergency.
Wi-Fi on Wheels: Make your commuting time more efficient by accessing the web using the FREE wireless internet on MCT Express buses.
Designated Bus Stops: With MCT moving to designated bus stops on its Express routes, buses to St. Louis and MetroLink have never been faster.

In addition to providing fixed-route bus service, MCT also operates RideFinders, the carpool/vanpool program for the nine-county St. Louis region. Individuals who are interested in finding a carpool or vanpool can also contact the Transit Info Line (618-797-4900) for details. MCT is also responsible for the development and maintaining of more than 100 miles of separated Class One bikeways that comprise the MCT Trails system.

Editor’s Note: To obtain a photo or graphic for printing, please contact SJ Morrison at 618-797-4600.

Madison County Transit (MCT) enhances the mobility of the St. Louis region by providing multi-modal transportation services. MCT operates a fixed-route bus service locally and regionally connecting to MetroLink; express weekday commuter service directly to and from downtown St. Louis; and seasonal express service to the Rams games and the Muny. For elderly and disabled residents who are unable to use the fixed-route buses, MCT provides Paratransit bus service. MCT is also responsible for the construction and maintenance of more than 100 miles of scenic Madison County bikeways known as the MCT Trails, as well as overseeing RideFinders, the St. Louis region’s FREE carpooling and vanpooling program. For more information on MCT services, routes and schedules, call (618) 931-7433, Option 3, or visit www.mct.org.