In February, OATS riders and volunteers from Shelby County visited the Capitol and reminded legislators of the importance of Missouri's public transportation in rural counties, doing so at their own expense. OATS, Inc. provided over 1.5 million one-way trips during the 2008 fiscal year–5,800 in Shelby County alone–assuring thousands of Missourians a way to get to medical treatment, jobs, training, education, and other services. Those who met with legislators expressed their appreciation, and conveyed the importance of public transportation to their communities; in the photo with Senator Wes Shoemyer from left to right, Lestel Harvey, Jeana Fox, Catherine Wiseman, Lucille Kyle, Onolee Hussing Joyce Luntsford and OATS driver Diane Hicks.