LEGISLATIVE ADVOCACY
MPTA offers a variety of membership benefits. One of the most important is our highly successful legislative advocacy program. At both the national and state levels, MPTA keeps a close eye on legislation affecting public transit and also advocates for equitable public funding for transit services. Since 1994, we have helped secure over $40 million in federal capital earmarks to purchase vehicles and upgrade facilities statewide. At the state level, we’ve advocated successfully for funding increases in the Missouri Elderly and Handicapped Transportation Assistance Program (MEHTAP) and secured dedicated state funding for operating assistance to systems across the state.
EDUCATION
MPTA provides its members outstanding educational and networking opportunities. Our Annual Meeting is packed with interesting and informative presentations on topics ranging from marketing to vehicle maintenance. Nationally recognized experts in the transit industry bring their knowledge and experiences to our members. Our Annual Meeting also gives MPTA members an opportunity to network with other professionals to exchange experiences and solutions to common challenges. And our annual Total Transportation Day event brings elected officials into direct contact with hundreds of transit-dependent citizens from across the State.
PUBLICATIONS
MPTA keeps its members informed and in touch with our quarterly newsletter, annual membership directory and through "Legislative Alerts" that give members information on late breaking legislative action. Members receive descriptions of pending legislation and regulatory actions and concise instructions on what they can do to ensure the interests of public transit are protected.
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
The Missouri Public Transit Association was established to:
* Represent the interests, policies, requirements and purposes of public transit in Missouri.
* Exchange experiences, discussions and comparative studies of industry affairs relating to transportation.
* Promote research and investigations toward improving public transit in Missouri.
* Aid member organizations with special issues and legislation pertaining to public transit.
* Encourage cooperation among its members, its employees and the general public.
* Inform members by the collection, and the compilation of data and information relative to public transit in Missouri.