More than 250 transit supporters converged on Capitol for MPTA’s Transportation Day

More than 250modotdirectormckenna transit supporters, providers and friends converged on the State Capitol on Wednesday, March 16 for MPTA’s Transportation Day.   With a message supporting MO funding for transit, OATS, SMTS, Licking Bridge, KCATA, City Utilities of Springfield, COMO, and more transit providers, their riders and their supporters told their personal stories to legislators as a part of the day’s events. In addition, MPTA members and supporters had the opportunity to hear directly from MoDOT Director Patrick McKenna as a part of a special briefing at the Capitol.

“It was a very good showing for transit and the personal contacts each person made are vitally important to advancing transit in MO.  Through these personal contacts our elected officials are able to put a face to those who are served by public transit,” said Mike Winter, MPTA’s lobbyist.

 

Individuals made the case for transit funding throughout the day:transitday2016

  • Missouri ranks 44th in public transportation funding among the 50 states.
    • Of the states that rank below us, four receive no state funding for transit:  AL, AZ, HI, and UT. NH received $.04 and Nevada $.01 per capita.
  • Missouri spends a mere 9 cents ($0.09) per capita on public transportation funding.
    • In 2011, MO’s per capita investment was $0.50, an 82% decline in 2 years.
  • People in literally every county in Missouri rely on public transportation for access to medical care, school, jobs, and other essential services.
    • Missouri is one of a few states that has public transportation – whether an OATS or SMTS bus – in every county.
  • According to the American Public Transit Association, for every dollar invested in transit projects there is a $4 return for the state.
    • But last year Missouri public transportation providers received little more than $500,000 for transit operations from the state. That’s $1 million split among 32 different transit providers across the state. When it comes time to apply for Federal matching grants, Missourians have nothing to offer as a match.
  • Transit provides jobs in MO. The 32 transit providers in the state employ thousands in both MO’s urban and rural communities.

Mptatransitday“We know transit can make a difference in MO. MPTA transit provider members provide more than 67 million rides each year almost everywhere for everybody every day in Missouri, and they employ thousands in both our rural and urban communities. However, Missouri needs to invest more in transit.  Transportation Day provided our members the opportunity to tell their stories directly to their legislators – making the connection between transit and the direct impact it is having in their communities,” said Kim Cella, MPTA Executive Director.