During his State of the State address on January 13, Governor Kehoe outlined his budget requests and priorities. His FY27 budget recommendations include a catastrophic loss for public transit in Missouri. After reducing state transit funding by 42% last year, the Governor now proposes to cut an additional $5 million from general revenue leaving just $1.7 million to be split among 30 transit providers statewide for operating assistance. Per capita spending has already dropped from $1.89 to $1.08 – among the lowest in the nation – and would drop to less than 25 cents under this proposal.
This will create a dire situation. Public transit providers deliver nearly 40 million rides each year across rural and urban Missouri, while also stimulating $4 billion in economic activity statewide. This proposed cut will carry very real and tangible repercussions. For countless Missourians, public transit is the only reliable way to reach destinations. Service cuts and cessation will disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, including seniors, individuals with disabilities and those living in rural and underserved areas. It means losing access to jobs, dialysis appointments, essential healthcare services, necessary medications and groceries.
If this budget is adopted, state transit funding will have been cut by 85% since the Governor took office, even as demand for transit accessibility continues to grow among all age groups. Operational costs for transit providers continue to escalate and without adequate state funding, transit agencies will be unable to provide the local match required to secure federal funds for both operations and capital improvements.
It is imperative Missouri residents—whether they ride transit or not—urge the Governor and legislators to reverse this decision. Without action, Missourians will be left behind. Mobility matters. The time to act is now.
Transit supporters can help by reaching out to members of the House and Senate Committees on the importance of transit investment using the links below:
