Missouri public transit groups plan Transportation Day in Jefferson City March 16th | CMT

Headlines are quick hits from media outlets from Missouri and around the world. Follow the headline link for the full story. The source of this headline says:

Citizens for Modern Transit and the Missouri Public Transit Association are teaming up with transit providers, stakeholders and interested citizens from across the state in Jefferson City for Transportation Day 2016 on March 16. Register today!

Transportation is the key to moving Missouri forward, and there is an opportunity in the 2016 Legislative session to make legislators aware of the importance of public transit. Discussions are underway about an increase in the Missouri gas tax for roads and bridges (SB623). Other discussions are going on about General Revenue funds for transportation, and MoDOT has requested an additional $1.15 million from the State Transportation Fund for transit this year in their budget. Funding for TOTAL transportation in Missouri including transit needs to be addressed.

Last year Missouri public transportation providers received little more than $500,000 for transit operations from the state. Currently, the State of Missouri ranks 44th out of 50 states with regards to funding of public transit.

Link: 

Missouri public transit groups plan Transportation Day in Jefferson City March 16th | CMT

MoBikeFed comment: We and other bicycle, pedestrian, and trails groups across Missouri have been working together with transit organizations like CMT and MPTA to develop a joint strategy to address the transportation funding shortfall in Missouri--including the shortfall in funding for walking, bicycling, and transit.

Missouri is facing a crisis in highway funding--one far more serious than most citizens in Missouri realize.

But the facts show that the crisis in state transit and pedestrian/bicycle funding in Missouri is even worse than the highway funding crisis.

Meeting with legislators and MoDOT leaders in Jefferson City this legislative session, we have been taking this message:

Missouri's dramatic underinvestment in transit, walking, and bicycling harms the ability of communities across the state to compete in today's global marketplace

• Missouri ranks 44th 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).

• Missouri provides no state transportation funding for walking or bicycling.

• People in every Missouri county depend on public transportation, walking, and bicycling for access to vital jobs, school, and medical care. This is an issue for communities large and small; urban, suburban, and rural.

• Transportation options that meet the needs of all citizens are vital for a strong economy and the public health.

• As a far outlier state in state funding for public transportation, walking, and bicycling, Missouri harms its economy and drives talent and business to more competitive states.

Transportation means a lot more than just highways. Support a comprehensive solution to state transportation funding that meets the needs of all Missourians.