Fiscal Year 2022 marked a historic year for public transit in Missouri. For the first time in more than two decades, the Missouri legislature invested $8.7 million in transit. This critically needed increase will help provide the non-federal or local match required to enable transit providers to draw down some of the $91 billion in federal funds earmarked for public transit as part of the $1.2 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). During this same timeframe, the Missouri Public Transit Association (MPTA) and the Missouri Department of Transportation commissioned the 2022 Missouri Transit Needs Assessment Study which identified unmet needs in every county in Missouri. Available funds, coupled with these key research findings, will go a long way towards addressing public transit challenges.
This is important as public transit is delivering more than $3 billion to the state’s bottom line annually, while ensuring transportation accessibility to nearly everyone in every county, everyday.
For more than four decades, the MPTA has provided a unified voice for public and specialized transit providers, stakeholders, vendors and partners from across the state as they collectively work to raise awareness about the role of public transit and why it needs to be an investment priority. This year was no different. We saw significant wins in advocacy, research and education. However, we are not there yet. Challenges continue, including operator shortages and supply chain issues. The MPTA is working tirelessly to help support the 34 transit providers in the state, while expanding its support base through other community organizations, employers and stakeholders impacted by transit.
Public Transit is delivering for Missouri . . . Get on board in 2023.
Chance Gallagher, President of the MPTA
Kimberly Cella, Executive Director of the MPTA