250 Transit Supporters visit Jefferson City; Missouri's transit funding 44th of the 50 states | Citizens For Modern Transit

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More than 250 transit supporters, providers and friends converged on the State Capitol on Wednesday, March 16 for Transportation Day, hosted by the Missouri Public Transit Association (MPTA). With a message supporting MO funding for transit, CMT, the MPTA, the ATU of St. Louis and Kansas City, and both rural and urban transit providers, their riders and their supporters told their personal stories to legislators as a part of the day’s events. In addition, transit supporters had the opportunity to hear directly from MoDOT Director Patrick McKenna as a part of a special briefing at the Capitol.

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250 Transit Supporters visit Jefferson City; Missouri's transit funding 44th of the 50 states | Citizens For Modern Transit

MoBikeFed comment: 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.