The transit advocacy organization Citizens for Modern Transit (CMT) in partnership with the Missouri Public Transit Association (MPTA) has announced plans for its next virtual “Talking Transit” event, which is set for Tuesday, Oct. 24, at 8:30 a.m. via ZOOM. This event will highlight the state of transit in Missouri following a historic win at the Missouri State Legislature this year that increased state funding for the second year in a row. The event is free and open to the public. Pre-registration is required and can be completed online at www.cmt-stl.org.
On the heels of securing $11.7 million in transit funding from the state that is being split amongst the 32 transit providers operating in Missouri, those in attendance will learn about the latest plans for the two largest urban and rural transit providers. The panel discussion will feature Taulby Roach, President and CEO of Bi-State Development, which operates Metro Transit for the St. Louis region; Frank White, III, President and CEO of the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority (KCATA); and Dorothy Yeager, Executive Director of OATS, the largest rural transit provider in the country. It will be moderated by Kimberly Cella, Executive Director of Citizens for Modern Transit and the Missouri Public Transit Association.
“There is a lot to be excited about as it relates to transit in Missouri,” Cella said. “This panel will take a look at the historic wins and challenges this year and discuss where each of their organizations go from here especially in light of the continuing operator shortage statewide. We encourage those with an interest in the impacts of public transit access to join this online forum.”
CMT hosts quarterly “Talking Transit” events to keep members, elected officials, stakeholders, transit riders and others in the loop on issues and efforts influencing the local transit system. These educational gatherings feature guest speakers and panel discussions addressing a wide range of topics, including transit-oriented development, safety and security, best practices, service changes and more. To learn more about these events and how CMT is working to further transit access in the St. Louis region, visit www.cmt-stl.org.
Citizens for Modern Transit (CMT) is the region’s transit advocacy organization. It was established in 1985 to help bring light rail to St. Louis and works to develop, support and enhance programming and initiatives to ensure safe, convenient and affordable access to the region’s integrated public transportation system. CMT champions, challenges, encourages and advocates for public transit in an effort to drive economic growth and improve the quality of life in the St. Louis region.
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.
For more information, contact:
Kelly Harris
(314)436-9090