Missouri Public Transit Association announces new Executive Director and active role in statewide transit advocacy
The Missouri Public Transit Association recent made an exciting announcement--a new Executive Director and a new, more active role in advocating for the funding public transportation needs in MIssouri--in communities large and small, urban and rural.
Missouri current ranks 44th out of the 50 states in public transportation funding. Missouri spend just 9 cents per capita on public transportation funding; our bordering states average $2.85 per capita (excluding Illinois, which spends $66.30 per capita).
As we recently reported, the lack of public transportation and safe places to walk and bicycle has a tremendous negative effect on the health of Missourians--and particularly, those who live in the smaller towns and rural areas of the state.
The Missouri Bicycle & Pedestrian Federation has been working to coordinate work among Missouri bicycle, pedestrian, and trails organizations and transit organizations to work together in a unified way on statewide funding and policy for walking, bicycling, trails, and transit as a unified part of a comprehensive statewide transportation policy.
Having a strong and active statewide public transit association is a key to that much-needed statewide unity. Congratulations and best wishes for MPTA's future under new leadership:
The Missouri Public Transit Association (MPTA) today announced the selection of its new executive director – Kimberly Cella of the St. Louis-based transit advocacy organization Citizens for Modern Transit. Cella and her team at Citizens for Modern Transit will partner with Michael Winter & Associates to lead efforts on behalf of the statewide transit provider association to ensure the goals of the organization, which include elevating the status of transit in Missouri, building new coalitions to expand the advocacy base and promoting and supporting MPTA members.
“We are very excited to make this announcement today of the selection of Kimberly Cella and her team,” said Cindy Baker, president of the MPTA Board of Directors. “This year the MPTA is celebrating its 35th Anniversary in Missouri, and we believe under the leadership of this team, we have the opportunity to make a real difference, not only with regards to funding for transit in Missouri, but also as it relates to policies supporting transit and the overall use of transit in this state.”Cella has more than 20 years of experience in transit advocacy and education. She has been at the helm of Citizens for Modern Transit since 2011. Michael Winter has more than 25 years experience in politics and governmental relations. MPTA's staff provides legislative liaison services and its office serves as a central clearinghouse for member information and requests for assistance. The association has developed a variety of programs to facilitate education and networking among transit professionals in Missouri.
Membership in MPTA is open to anyone who has an interest in the future of public transit in Missouri. Transit system members range from large urban systems to single vehicle agencies in the most rural counties of the state. Affiliate members include representatives of sheltered workshops, community organizations, citizen advocacy groups, government and quasi-government agencies and industry suppliers.
For more information on the Missouri Public Transit Association, find the organization on Facebook.
Missouri Public Transit Association:
Missouri Public Transit Association (MPTA) was established in 1980 as a Missouri non-profit corporation. It was formed to provide a unified voice for public and specialized transportation providers in Missouri and to work toward elevating the status of public transit as a national priority.
Citizens for Modern Transit:
Citizens for Modern Transit is a nonprofit, member-supported organization that leads efforts for an integrated, affordable, and convenient public transportation system with light rail expansion as the critical component that will drive economic growth to improve quality of life in the St. Louis region.
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