OATS Transit is pleased to announce the acquisition of one of Jefferson County’s transportation programs known as the JeffCo Express. Even though OATS Transit has been operating the service since it began, the company is officially taking over administration of the program from the Jefferson County Community Partnership (JCCP). The administrative change will be effective on December 1, 2019.
Currently, OATS Transit operates three transportation programs in Jefferson County, all operating under different names- OATS Transit, JC Transit, and JeffCo Express.
“This consolidation will result in few changes for the riders who depend on this service and will allow for better efficiencies and greater customer effectiveness,” said Dorothy Yeager, OATS Transit Executive Director.
JeffCo Express was developed in 2009 by JCCP who saw a need for a general public, deviated fixed-route system. Under their leadership, the program grew thanks to the collaboration with local agencies and businesses who stepped up to support the service. They have contracted with OATS Transit to provide the service, including dispatching and driver recruitment, and have now made the decision to hand over administration as part of their continuing efforts to better coordinate services.
Transportation for Jefferson County is funded by federal grants administered by the MO Department of Transportation, Developmental Disability Advocates, Aging Ahead, Missouri Elderly & Handicapped Assistance Program, and Medicaid Waiver. OATS Transit has also been awarded a grant for $100,000 from the Jefferson Foundation, which will go toward transportation in Jefferson County for 2020.
Jefferson County residents wanting to schedule a ride can call the local Festus office at 636-933-9380. Schedules can be found online at www.jeffcoexpress.org or www.oatstransit.org, or by picking up a brochure at several local businesses.