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TRANSIT MATTERS.

Transit connects lives, builds communities, and drives Missouri’s economy.

Across Missouri, public transit is more than a ride — it’s a lifeline. It gets thousands of Missourians to work, school, and medical appointments, while fueling billions in economic activity each year. From Kansas City to Cape Girardeau, from small towns to busy city streets, transit keeps our communities moving — but recent funding cuts are putting that progress at risk.

In State Fiscal Year 2026 (SFY26), Missouri’s State Transit Assistance funding was cut by 42%, from $11.7 million to $6.7 million, reducing General Revenue by $5 million. Per capita spending on transit has now fallen from $1.89 to just $1.08, one of the lowest in the nation. These cuts not only limit rides — they threaten jobs, economic growth, and federal matching funds that multiply every state dollar invested.

IMPACT OF SFY 2026 REDUCTIONS.

Missouri Transit Funding Slashed by 42% in FY26 Budget.

Governor Mike Kehoe signed the SFY26 state operating and capital improvement budget bills on June 30, 2025 – including a 42 percent reduction in State Transit Assistance funding, from $11.7 million to $6.7 million, removing $5 million from General Revenue in HB4.

Federal funding support requires 50:50 match for transit operations and an 80:20 match for capital programming.

State funding is absolutely crucial as it provides the non-federal or local match required to enable transit
providers to draw down some of the $91 billion in federal funds earmarked for transit as part of the $1.2 trillion IIJA. Per capita spending has now dropped from $1.89 to $1.08.

However, the demand for transit continues to grow statewide.

A 2025 Transit Needs Assessment Study demonstrated an increase of 55 percent in unmet transit rides, equating to millions of rides annually. It also underscored the cost to deliver those unmet rides will now cost 119% more. The SFY26 cut of $5 million drastically impacts the number of rides provided and only increases the growing demand for transit rides.

FACES & FUNDING

Behind every ride is a face, a job, a family, a story.

When funding disappears, so do opportunities. Every dollar cut from state transit support means fewer rides to work, fewer drivers on the road, and fewer vehicles replaced in aging fleets.

Across the state, transit providers are facing difficult choices:

• OATS Transit: Loss of $901,387 in state assistance translates to over 43,000 fewer trips and 30,000 lost service hours.
• KCATA: Facing route eliminations and layoffs that could affect millions of rides—just as Kansas City prepares to host the World Cup.
• Metro St. Louis: Nearly 20 million rides at risk, with reduced federal matching dollars if state funds continue to decline.
• SMTS: Potential reduction of fixed routes from five days to three – a 20-25% decrease in service without sustained funding.
• Joplin MAPS & Sunshine Trolley: Removal of planned service expansion due to budget cuts.

 

These aren’t just numbers – they represent Missourians who depend on transit for work, healthcare, and independence.

 

 

 

 

Download the complete Faces of Transit brochure here.

 

Tell your Transit Story by downloading this form and sharing it with your legislators.