As the 2025 Missouri Legislative session gets underway, bills have been introduced in the Missouri House of Representatives and the Missouri Senate like SB77 sponsored by Senator Adam Schnelting this session which would allow individuals with concealed carry permits to carry their firearms on public transit buses, vans, trains, and other spaces owned or operated by a public transit provider. These bills not only potentially impact riders, operators, ridership numbers, but Missouri’s economic future. According to the 2024 Economic Impact Study of Public Transit in Missouri, transit is delivering more than $4 billion to Missouri’s bottom line. These bills impact not only the ride, but the potential amount of federal dollars to Missouri.
“Citizens for Modern Transit (CMT) understands the reasoning behind these bills is to improve safety on transit and the Second Amendment right to carry firearms. However, transit vehicles are similar to airlines and Amtrak, sensitive public places where there is an unacceptable risk on confined, moving vehicles to riders and operators if a gun is fired or discharged accidentally. CMT in partnership with the Missouri Public Transit Association opposes any legislation which would allow carrying concealed weapons (CCW) on transit,” said Kim Cella, executive director of CMT.
The largest Missouri transit providers provide tens of millions of rides each year and have publicly expressed opposition to conceal and carry on transit. The proposed bill is especially problematic in areas like St. Louis a where the system spans both Missouri and Illinois and is governed by a Federal Compact which prohibits Bi-State Development employees and contractors from carrying weapons that can cause bodily harm. The same holds true for KCATA which operates in Missouri and Kansas. In addition, transit systems in Missouri are working hand in hand with local law enforcement agencies to ensure the safety of transit riders and operators from real time camera centers to serve as force multipliers, to local law enforcement on the systems, to secure platform programs to partnerships with mental health providers. These police programs are ensuring a safe, secure ride for all users.
Finally, the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) which represents thousands of transit operators in the state is adamantly opposed to these bills as they inherently place their members at risk. These operators are essential to ensuring our communities continue to have good access to jobs, education and healthcare.
Consider reaching out to your legislators in opposition of CCW on transit for many reasons including sharing your personal story.