Chancellor Mark S. Wrighton will serve as chair of the steering committee for the Advance St. Louis campaign to pass a half-cent sales tax increase to support public transportation in the St. Louis area.
St. Louis County voters will decide April 6 whether to pass the increase to provide $75 million annually to expand and operate the Metro system, which includes Metro bus, MetroLink light rail and Call-A-Ride services.
In 1997, St. Louis City voters passed a similar tax, but it will not take effect until the county voters approve the April 6 measure. The city sales tax increase would raise another $8 million for Metro.
“Not everyone in our region rides Metro, but everyone in our community needs it,” Wrighton said. “All enterprises in St. Louis have constituencies who depend on public transportation. By supporting public transportation, we have the opportunity to build momentum for all of St. Louis.”
The steering committee will advise the Advance St. Louis campaign, which is being led by Chesterfield Mayor John Nations, the overall campaign chair. Other members of the steering committee include leaders from business, civic, religious, labor, disability, education and health-care organizations. Wrighton hosted a steering committee dinner at Harbison House Jan. 13.
“Public transit is a key economic driver in the area, and it is an integral part of St. Louis’ transportation systems,” Wrighton said. “Bus and light rail reduce the amount of cars on the road and therefore reduce greenhouse gas emissions.”
“Washington University derives great benefit from the Metro system,” Wrighton said. “Public transportation in St. Louis not only connects Washington University’s campuses to each other, but it also connects Washington University to the St. Louis region.”
The university has been a strong supporter of public transportation in St. Louis. Four of the university’s five campuses are served by five MetroLink stations and interconnecting bus routes.
Since 2006, the U-Pass has been available free to all full-time, benefits-eligible WUSTL students, faculty and staff. The U-Pass provides the WUSTL community unlimited rides on Metro bus and MetroLink. Washington University pays Metro for these passes.
The university is the largest user of the Metro system. The percentage of students and employees who take advantage of the U-Pass program has increased each year. Through the U-Pass program, students — many of who come from outside the St. Louis area — have increased access to the many amenities of St. Louis, including shops and attractions, as well as service opportunities throughout the area.