NextStop Blog

My everyday commute, headphones on and hanging with other riders

When I first came to Metro in 2007, I wasn’t sure what I would be doing day to day, but I was excited to have an opportunity to make a difference in St. Louis. For the last five years at Metro, and the last three years here on NextStop, I have had the privilege to work, share and learn from so many passionate riders and supporters of public transit in St. Louis. So, it is with a heavy heart I announce that I am leaving Metro. I go with many great memories and experiences working for public transit in St. Louis, and will take them with me to the next phase in my career.

Transit Tweetup at Bridge, February 2010

In early 2009, a group of Metro employees, passionate folks whom I am grateful to know and work with, decided that the Agency needed a new way to communicate with customers. Not just to educate and to send out important information, but also to learn from the community and increase the discussion on public transit in St. Louis. Since then, I have had the privilege to deliver important information from Metro to the community, and gather the experiences and ideas from others to give back to Metro. Together, we have sent out information on emergencies, service changes, new Metro facilities, route changes, transit-oriented development, long-range transit plans and many community events. We have been able to increase our public engagement efforts through the Metro Transit Advisory Group (MTAG), improve our online communications, increase transparency in news and information, and provide Metro with invaluable feedback on service, bike facilities, security, fares and much more.

Modeling St. Louis transit and biking wear with Jim Barnthouse

Writing and editing for NextStop took me inside the Eads Bridge, to the classrooms of Maplewood-Richmond Heights, and to bus stops at all corners of our beautiful region. It led me to employees who risked their lives for others, and others who love to help our customers every single day. It led me to passionate transit advocates, the folks who ride transit fervently and try to make the experience better for everyone, like Justin, Eddie, Steve, Clye, Will, Tina and many, many others. It has been humbling, and inspiring, to work alongside them.

Inside the Eads Bridge. Engineering is amazing!

Working for public transit in St. Louis also allowed me to work with many organizations around the community that advocate for public transit, accessibility, biking and walking, urban development and environmental sustainability. In the last five years, I have witnessed incredible work from these organizations to promote walkable, livable neighborhoods and cities in the region. They make St. Louis a better place to live, and it is a pleasure to work with these dedicated individuals and groups.

Great to work with others who love public transit! I will miss you all.

Public transit is a public service. Every day, people at Metro come to work hoping to provide the best public transportation service to the people of St. Louis, because working for the public is a responsibility and a privilege. I feel very grateful for the opportunity to serve the region in this way, and ask that all of you continue to provide the incredible feedback and work with Metro to make it the best public service possible.

Thanks for laughs, the comments (especially from Mike C., Patrick, RT, and Jim Z.) and all of the wonderful memories. I wish everyone happy and safe travels, wherever that next bus or train carries you.