The MetroLink extension to MidAmerica St. Louis Airport is scheduled to open in summer 2026 as ongoing efforts on both sides of the river work to deliver reliable access to opportunity. The circumstances surrounding transit funding are changing. Illinois is headed in the right direction, while Gov. Kehoe just proposed further cuts, and if approved, transit funding in Missouri will have been slashed by 85% since he began his term. Regional transit officials shared these and other updates with over a hundred Citizens for Modern Transit (CMT) members, elected officials, stakeholders and transit riders during the “Talking Transit: Trajectory of Transit in 2026” event hosted by the region’s transit advocacy agency via Zoom on Thursday, Jan. 15 at 8:30 a.m.

As the St. Louis region embarks on an alternatives analysis study to determine the feasibility of a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system in lieu of the St. Louis MetroLink Green Line and potentially puts funding for the project back on the ballot, Citizens for Modern Transit (CMT) hosted a virtual “Talking Transit” event tied to the topic. The forum on Dec. 9 explored the design, development, funding, implementation and challenges of BRT systems in Minneapolis and Kansas City and how these projects are transforming transit networks, improving access and driving economic growth. Updates on the scope, funding and next steps of the BRT project in the City of St. Louis were also discussed.

On November 20, 2025, the Missouri Public Transit Association and Citizens for Modern Transit hosted the 2025 edition of the State of Transit in Missouri. Attendees heard from leaders of the state’s largest, mid-level and rural transit providers. Panelists included Transit Director with City Utilities of Springfield Matt Crawford, Executive Director of the KC Streetcar Authority Tom Gerend, Chief Operating Officer of Metro Transit Ron Forrest, Chief Mobility and Strategy Officer for the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority (KCATA) Tyler Means, and Executive Director of OATS Transit Dorothy Yeager. The forum was moderated by CEO of CMT and Executive Director of the MPTA Kimberly Cella. 

The Missouri, Iowa and Nebraska Transit Associations hosted Scott Bogren, Executive Director of CTAA, on the future of Transit on the federal front on Oct. 21. Bogren underscored the importance of telling the local stories of transit’s impact from a values and outcomes perspective including from the private sector partners.

Key transition issues with new administration discussed included:

• Discretionary grants and rescissions.
• Master agreements.
• Formula vs. competitive.
• Bus Capital.
• The Fiscal Cliff.

The latest Talking Transit podcast features a discussion led by the Missouri Public Transit Association (MPTA), focused on cost-conscious marketing for small to mid-sized transit providers.  The presentation featured Selena Barlow of Transit Marketing and Elea Carey of Transit Happy, who provided expert insight into the promotional strategies that provide the most value for providers looking to market their services.  Tracy Jones of Southeast Missouri Transportation Service (SMTS) and Ginny Smith of Cape Girardeau County Transit Authority provided their experience marketing transit services in their regions, including challenges and areas of opportunity.

Panelists answered questions and provided key insights into transit marketing best practices, including:

• Effective cost-conscious marketing reaches the right audience with the right message, providing long-term value
• Bold branding of vehicles and bus stops is the most cost-effective way to build visibility
• Marketing channels include unpaid, paid, and partnership opportunities

In response to transit riders concerns and frustrations with the rollout of new safety and security measures tied to Metro Transit’s Secure Platform Plan (SPP), Citizens for Modern Transit (CMT) hosted a virtual “Candid Conversation with Commuters” event on Thursday, June 5. This discussion provided a platform for transit riders, stakeholders and members of the community at large to ask questions about security gating, fencing, surveillance cameras, fare technology and the timetable associated with the implementation of the multi-tiered strategy designed to create a more secure transit environment at all 38 MetroLink stations

In this episode of Talking Transit, the results of the 2025 Missouri Statewide Transit Needs Assessment Study are discussed, including a look at ridership levels across the state, how demand for transit has changed over time, and the costs of delivery service.  

Featured Speakers:

• Peter Williams, Lochmueller Group
• Dorothy Yeager, OATS Transit
• Matt Crawford, City Utilities of Springfield
• Taulby Raoch, Bi-State Development/Metro Transit

Key Topics Covered:

• Transit ridership trends in rural and urban areas of Missouri
• Changes in transit demand over time
• Factors impacting the cost of providing transit service
• Importance of state investment in transit across Missouri

Learn more:

Visit www.mopublictransit.org to access the full study and the importance of state investment in transit.

In this episode of Talking Transit, Citizens for Modern Transit explores the power of transit-oriented development with a deep dive into the concept of “linear neighborhoods” along the MetroLink Red Line in North St. Louis County. This dynamic panel conversation features key leaders and developers working to revitalize the North Hanley, Rock Road, and UMSL transit centers through innovative housing, workforce support, and mixed-use strategies.

Featured Speakers:

• Erin Burnett, President, Bywater Development Group
• Sal Martinez, CEO, Employment Connection
• Janet Wilding, Assistant Vice Chancellor of Economic & Community Development, UMSL
• Daphne Moore, Senior Director of Economic Development, Beyond Housing
• John Langa, VP of Economic Development, Bi-State Development

Key Topics Covered:

• The vision behind University Crossing, a mixed-income residential development at North Hanley
• How Employment Connection is embedding career services directly into the transit-oriented community
• UMSL’s “Transform UMSL” campus master plan and real estate partnerships around the UMSL-South station
• The Rock Road TOD study and phased strategies for job-focused affordable housing
• Opportunities, challenges, and timelines associated with TOD efforts—including land readiness, funding layers, and commercial viability
• The importance of public-private partnerships, community engagement, and long-term planning in shaping successful linear neighborhoods

Takeaways:

• Transit is no longer seen as a luxury—it’s critical infrastructure that enhances quality of life, job access, and economic development
• Building vibrant, connected neighborhoods requires collaboration, patience, and a shared vision across institutions
• Regional stakeholders are actively repurposing underutilized assets (like parking lots) into vibrant community hubs

Learn More:
Visit www.cmt-stl.org to explore upcoming events, get involved, or dig deeper into transit advocacy and TOD planning.