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.