2018yearrviewcover

MPTA highlights successes of 2018

 

 

MPTA Executive Director Kimberly Cella
MPTA Executive Director Kimberly Cella
Kelly Turner, President of MPTA
Kelly Turner, President of MPTA

Thousands of Missouri Public Transit Association (MPTA) provider employees work collectively to provide more than 62 million rides a year to customers in every rural and urban county in the state. Service is offered almost everywhere, for everyone, every day.

Public transit goes beyond simply providing transportation options – it serves as a lifeline. For some, it is the sole means by which they can get to work, school and doctor appointments, as well as gain access to shopping, services and entertainment. Transit also helps stimulate economic development, promotes reinvestment in underserved parts of the state and links communities. This year, the MPTA worked tirelessly to reinforce this through its education and advocacy work.

More specifically, the association received a national grant to spearhead a statewide public education campaign, titled “Faces of Missouri Transit.” The effort was designed to raise awareness about public transit accessibility and encourage both residents and legislators to take the needed action to increase local funding. MPTA also advocated for the identification of new transit funding avenues, created unique educational opportunities for members and achieved marked growth in its membership base.

While Missouri wasn’t successful in increasing state funding for transit this year, it experienced measurable wins on the federal funding front, and discussions in support of transit seem to be continually building momentum among key decision-makers. Public transit is moving in the right direction, and the MPTA is looking forward to exploring the many areas of opportunity on the horizon as it heads into 2019.   Find out more here in the MPTA 2018 Year Review.

 

Kelly Turner, President of the MPTA              Kimberly Cella, Executive Director of the MPTA