Missouri Public Transit Association To Help Commission Study

The Missouri Public Transit Association is partnering with Citizens for Modern Transit and AARP St. Louis to commission a study to help quantify the impact public transportation has on urban, suburban and rural communities statewide. The organizations hope the findings of this six-month Economic Impact of Public Transit Services in the State of Missouri study will reinforce the significance of public transit access and the role it plays in Missouri’s economic viability. The Springfield area has been identified as one of five areas of focus.

The first-of its-kind study in the state will be conducted by Robert M. Lewis, FAICP, CEcD, who is an independent consultant and assistant professor of Urban Planning & Development at Saint Louis University. It will analyze the effect of public transit on the economies of Missouri, with special emphasis on areas and in an around Springfield, St. Louis, Kansas City, Columbia and Jefferson City. Because little quantitative public transit data in Missouri exists, this study will seek to define the current public transportation landscape, rider demographics and spending by transit agencies across the state. It will also measure economic impacts triggered and reinforced by public transit.

“Public transportation goes far beyond simply getting people where they need to go,” commented Kelly Turner of City Utilities of Springfield and President of the Missouri Public Transit Association. “We hope this study will help riders, non-riders, elected officials and stakeholders better grasp the impact of transit and understand how important it is as a Missouri investment.”

Once the study is complete, the Missouri Public Transit Association will use the findings to continue to build the case for more state and federal funding for transit.

“Transit systems across the nation receive approximately 40 percent of their annual operating budgets from their respective states, but this is not the case in Missouri,” said Kimberly Cella, executive director of the Missouri Public Transit Association. “Many local transit providers get less than one percent of their annual operating budgets from the state. A safe, reliable public transit system plays an important role in ensuring our state remains economically viable. Whether people choose to ride it or not – it matters for Missourians. And, this study will hopefully allow us to better showcase why.”

To learn more about the Missouri Public Transit Association, visit www.mopublictransit.org. Individuals can also like the organization on Facebook or follow them on Twitter at @MOPublicTransit.