With conversations underway on Bi-State Development’s 2027 appropriation request at the St. Louis County Council and County Budget Committee, Citizens for Modern Transit (CMT) is urging members, transit riders and stakeholders to support Bi-State’s $203.1 million funding request – with one important caveat: this funding should not come at the expense of the future of transit.
CMT is urging supporters to ask St. Louis County Council members to provide a more equitable distribution of revenue generated by the 1973 sales tax by restoring the historic 50:50 allocation between public transit and the St. Louis County Department of Public Works. At a minimum, the County should adopt a more balanced allocation than the 30% share for transit proposed in the current bill language.
The proposed 30:70 split between transit and public works, respectively, undermines St. Louis County’s ability to plan for the future of public transit. Under the current proposal, more than $15 million would be withdrawn from the Proposition A Reserve Fund to offset the sales tax funding shortfall with this split. Additional discussions regarding future withdrawals over the next two years could further deplete the reserve fund, reducing resources for capital improvements and potential transit expansion.
This comes at a pivotal moment for public transportation in St. Louis County. On June 29, the East-West Gateway Council of Governments approved a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) route along Natural Bridge as the locally preferred alternative. The proposed route would connect North St. Louis City and terminate at the City-County border near Goodfellow Boulevard and Natural Bridge Avenue, creating future opportunities to expand high-capacity transit service into North St. Louis County. Preserving the financial capacity for future transit investment is essential if the County hopes to capitalize on these opportunities.
St. Louis County voters have consistently demonstrated their support for public transit – not once, not twice, but three times. Most notably, voters approved Proposition A in 2010 with 63% support, despite significant economic uncertainty at the time.
The need for transit investment continues to grow. CMT hears from residents seeking better mobility options, sees increasing demand reflected in monthly ridership reports – including significant growth in Call-A-Ride demand – and hears from members of the County Council looking for increased service. This includes the decision to restore the #71 route in North St. Louis County.
Restoring the 50:50 allocation will provide the resources needed to address both immediate and long-term transit needs – from basic passenger amenities like benches, shelters and signage to increased service frequency, improved accessibility and future transit expansion. The St. Louis County Public Transit Commission also recommended restoring the 50:50 allocation from the 1973 sales tax this year. This commission is charged by the County to ensure the success of transit into the future and its recommendation underscores the importance of making funding decisions today to meet tomorrow’s transportation needs.
“Transit is a critical component of St. Louis County’s overall transportation system. It connects residents to jobs, education, healthcare and community destinations while supporting economic development and access to opportunity. We are urging County Council members to support the appropriation request with an equitable split from the 1973 sales tax, ensuring the future of transit in St. Louis County and asking transit supporters and riders to reach out to the County Council as well. Now is not the time to leave transit behind,” said Kimberly Cella, CEO of Citizens for Modern Transit.
County Council Contacts:
| Councilwoman Rita Heard Days | rdays@stlouiscountymo.gov |
| Councilwoman Gretchen Bangert | councildistrict2@stlouiscountymo.gov |
| Councilman Dennis Hancock | District3@stlouiscountymo.gov |
| Councilwoman Shalonda Webb | swebb@stlouiscountymo.gov |
| Councilwoman Lisa Clancy | lclancy@stlouiscountymo.gov |
| Councilman Michael Archer | District6@stlouiscountymo.gov |
| Councilman Mark Harder | District7@stlouiscountymo.gov |
