St. Louis Post Dispatch, Wednesday, April 22, 2026
After absorbing a 42% cut in state funding last year, public transit providers are now facing the possibility of losing an additional $5 million in General Revenue under Gov. Kehoe’s proposed FY2027 budget. If passed, the cut would leave a mere $1.7 million to be divided among the state’s 30 transit providers, reducing per capita transit funding to just 27 cents—one of the lowest levels in the nation.
That’s why the Missouri Senate Appropriations Committee’s decision to restore the $5 million for transit in HB2004 is so critical. Thanks are due to Senate Appropriations Chair Rusty Black and the bipartisan members of the committee for recognizing that this funding will help ensure Missourians can continue accessing jobs, essential health care services, necessary medications and groceries.
For months, the Missouri Public Transit Association, Citizens for Modern Transit, riders, providers, stakeholders and advocates have warned lawmakers about the dire impacts of further reducing transit assistance. Their outreach has made a difference, but the work is not done.
With the Missouri budget deadline set for May 8, now is the time to keep the momentum going. Missourians must contact their senators and Gov. Kehoe’s office and urge them to support this vital funding. An outreach guide is available at www.mopublictransit.org.
Kimberly Cella, CEO of Citizens for Modern Transit and Executive Director of the Missouri Public Transit Association