Schnucks Markets Inc. is helping to make it as convenient as possible for St. Louis area senior citizens to sign up for a new reduced fare transportation permit for Metro - the region's public transportation system. Beginning today, mobile registration teams will be on-site at various St. Louis City and County Schnucks stores to help facilitate the process of registering seniors 65 and older for their Metro permit.

"Many of our elderly customers rely on Metro to get them to and from the grocery store, and Schnucks wanted to do everything we could to help get the word out about this great program that allows seniors to ride at a reduced fare," said Joanie Taylor, Schnucks director of consumer affairs and community relations.
 
The new permit can only be obtained in person and seniors will be required to present a government-issued photo identification card that verifies their age, such as a driver's license, passport, state ID card or Alien Registration Card. The senior's picture will be taken on site and they will receive their permit immediately.

Starting Jan. 1, 2009, all Missouri seniors will be required to present the new standardized Reduced Fare Permit issued by Metro as proof of their eligibility to receive a reduced fare of approximately half the regular transit fare. While a reduced fare program has been available to seniors for some time, Metro officials expect the new, standardized permit to attract even more seniors to the affordability and convenience of public transit.

Schnuck Markets, Inc. operates 103 stores (including five Logli stores) and 100 pharmacies in Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, Iowa, Tennessee and Mississippi.