St. Clair County Transit District begins trolley service on Scott Air Force Base
St. Clair County Transit District is offering a new trolley service on Scott Air Force Base. The trolley replaces the Metro buses that transported passengers to and from the Shiloh-Scott MetroLink Station and the district’s on base bus stops.
Trolley rides are $1. The trolley is wheelchair accessible and has a bike rack.
Marked by its cable car design, the top of the trolley includes images of Scott’s current and historical aircraft from the C-21 to a dirigible. On the inside, there is a plaque to honor service members.
The first service member to be recognized is Airman 1st Class Zachary Cuddeback, an Air Force vehicle operator who was killed in the line of duty in 2011 during a shooting at Frankfort International Airport. Cuddeback, whose dad also served in the military, was born on Scott AFB.
“The service men and women assigned here arrive from all parts of America,” said St. Clair County Transit District Manager Ken Sharkey. “Many of them plant roots in our communities. In fact, I’m with you here today as a direct result of the existence of this Air Force base. My father, who was born in Brooklyn, New York, of Irish immigrants had a full career serving in the Air Force.
“Dad served in many posts around the world and the U.S. Of the many assigned posts, this base was his favorite. My parents raised four children here and St. Clair County became our permanent home. ...
“This trolley is a small gesture to say thank you to the men and women who serve here.”
Col. Jason Glynn, commander of the 375th Mission Support Group, said the trolley is a visual reminder of the partnerships between the base and the surrounding communities.
“Most importantly, though, is the acknowledgement of the ultimate sacrifice made by Airman Cuddeback,” he said. “We thank the county for this gesture.”
For more information on bus routes and schedules, go to the transit district’s web site at www.scctd.org.
This story was originally published May 25, 2021 at 8:00 AM.