Metro transit will offer half-price fare permits Friday for seniors during a registration period at local Schnucks grocery stores.

The permit is free and allows half-price fares for both MetroBus and MetroLink for five years.

Two different Schnucks in the Sunset Hills and Crestwood area will hold registration for the permits:

• Crestwood Schnucks--Jan. 13, 2pm - 4pm, 9540 Watson Rd.
• Concord Village Schnucks--Jan. 7, 10am - noon, 5434 Southfield Center

Seniors must be at least 65 years old and bring government-issued identification in person in order to register. The permits are valid for five years. Photos of registrants will be taken on site.

The reduced fare permits were first offered in 2008 during a similar period, according to Metro officials.

"A significant number of seniors took advantage of those previous in-store registration opportunities, and we hope that those who don't yet have permits will visit the stores in their communities to sign up," Metro's marketing coordinator, Micah Wiles, said.

Officials said about 4,000 seniors signed up for the reduced fares since 2008. Metro believes the sign-up sessions at area Schnucks will encourage those who may have become eligible since that time, to use public transit. The recent restoration of public transportation service makes travel convenient, officials said.

Those who miss area registration sessions may also get a permit Mon - Fri, 8:30am - 5pm at Downtown MetroRide Store, 701 Convention Plaza at the corner of Washington Avenue and North 7th Street.

Take MetroLink to station Convention Center. The Downtown Trolley also stops at the store. Telephone 314-982-1495 for more information.