Fiscal Year 2024 was a historic year for public transit in Missouri. Record amounts of transit funding were made available at the state level as federal funding matches. We saw the transition to new leaders at many agencies across the state. A second study to quantify the economic impact of public transit was completed in January, while work still continues to address the 39 million missing trips identified in the 2022 Transit Needs Assessment report. Educational efforts were furthered, additional operating assistance was secured for the association, and ridership numbers began to climb at agencies across the state.
Public transit delivers billions to the state’s bottom line each year and ensures daily transportation accessibility to nearly everyone in every county. This has fueled the mission of the Missouri Public Transit Association (MPTA) for more than four decades. We serve as a unified voice for public and specialized transit providers, stakeholders, vendors and partners from across the state who are collectively working to raise awareness about the role of public transit and why it needs to be an investment priority.
The MPTA prioritized the following goals:
* Elevating the value of transit in Missouri.
* Building new coalitions to expand advocacy base.
* Promoting and supporting MPTA members.
As we continue to celebrate some significant wins, we must reinforce that challenges remain, especially as it relates to matching funds, operator/mechanic shortages and mobility management. The MPTA will be working tirelessly to help support the 32 transit providers in the state, while expanding its support base through other community organizations, employers and stakeholders impacted by public transit.
Public transit is delivering for Missouri. Get on board in 2025 and help us keep the momentum going. Take a look at our 2024 MPTA Year in Review today.
Taulby Roach, President of the MPTA
Kimberly Cella, Executive Director of the MPTA