MODOT’S
TRANSIT SECTION
The Missouri Department of Transportation’s Transit Section
assists in the planning, development and operation of the
State’s public transit and specialized paratransit systems.
This is carried out through the administration of state and
federal programs relating to general public transportation
and specific programs for the elderly and disabled. Small
urban and rural general public transit systems receive financial
and technical support from the department. Federal financial
assistance is allocated to the various systems by the department.
Formula Capital and Operating Assistance
The FTA provides formula capital and operating assistance
to transit systems in urban areas of more than 50,000 Population.
The Multimodal Operations Division includes the Transit Section
which administers this program for urban cities under 200,000
populations. These cities include Columbia, Joplin, Jefferson
City and St. Joseph. Major urban centers, which include Kansas
City, Springfield and St. Louis, apply for and receive formula
capital and operating assistance directly through the Federal
Transit Administration (FTA).
Missouri Elderly and Handicapped Transportation Assistance
Program (MEHTAP)
MEHTAP provides state financial assistance for public and
nonprofit organizations offering transportation services to
the elderly and disabled at below-cost rates.
FTA Section 5310
The Transit Section purchases approximately 65 vehicles for
about 35 grantees each year using funds allocated to the State
through the FTA Elderly and Persons with Disabilities Capital
Assistance Program (Section 5310). The program is open to
all areas of the State (rural, urbanized and urban) for nonprofit
organizations and qualifying public entities.
FTA Section 5311
FTA provides funding for capital, operating and planning expenditures
to transit systems serving non-urban areas. MoDOT’s Transit
Section receives the funds from FTA and administers the program
for transit providers meeting the qualifying criteria for
Section 5311.
FTA Rural Transportation Assistance Program
The Transit Section also administers this training and technical
assistance program funded by the FTA. Training courses offered
include defensive driving, CPR and first aid, passenger assistance
techniques and emergency procedures. Technical assistance
is offered in vehicle procurement and maintenance.
