Letter to the Editor: Decision leads to significant public transit setback

Dear editor,

Gov. [Mike] Kehoe’s decision to reduce State Transit Assistance funding by 42% is a significant setback for public transit. Per capita transit spending has dropped from $1.89 to $1.08, putting Missouri back in its long-standing position near the bottom in a national ranking of state support.

All 30 transit providers across Missouri rely on state investment not only for day-to-day operations and capital improvements, but also to secure federal transit funds that require a nonfederal or local match.

The reduction in funding from $11.7 million to $6.7 million will result in fewer vehicle replacements, the inability to secure federal funds, reduced service hours, staffing cuts and millions of lost rides. This is particularly problematic for rural communities and vulnerable populations who depend on transit for essential services.

Transit delivers 37 million rides each year and yields an overall economic impact of $4.05 billion annually. It matters. Missourians are urged to contact their state representatives and advocate for the restoration of transit funding.

—Kimberly Cella, executive director of the Missouri Public Transit Association and Citizens for Modern Transit