Springfield News Leader, December, 2024
For the first time since the pandemic, both urban and rural transit providers in Missouri are echoing the same sentiment – optimism. Ridership numbers are nearing or exceeding numbers from prior to 2020. Operator shortages have been nearly eradicated. Millions in new vehicle fleets have been purchased by both urban and rural providers across the state. A Bi-State Corridor study is underway in Kansas City to evaluate bus rapid transit service and other transportation modes spanning 24 miles through three cities across two states. The KC Streetcar will open its Main Street Extension for revenue service next year. The proposed St. Louis MetroLink Green Line project has entered the federal review process. The spirit of collaboration is at an all-time high as public transit remains a bi-partisan issue.
The state’s 32 transit providers are collectively reinforcing the need to work together, with a unified voice, to advocate for public transit advancement throughout the state and agree on areas of opportunity. Mechanics are still needed. State funding investment remains imperative to transit providers’ abilities to have the matching funds required to secure some of the federal funds remaining through FFY 2026 as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Transit providers must do what it takes to remain relevant, continue to rethink connectivity and be cost-effective for consumers. Missourians are leaning into public transit like never before and now is the critical time for them to reach out to their legislators and tell them WHY transit is important to their communities.
Kimberly Cella
Executive Director of the Missouri Public Transit Association and Citizens for Modern Transit