Missouri pursues statewide expansion of bus transportation services
Missouri Pursues Expansion of Intercity Bus Service to Enhance Rural Connectivity
Missouri is actively working towards the expansion of intercity bus service, particularly focusing on underserved rural areas. This initiative, led by the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT), aims to address the decline in commercial bus service over the past decade and improve regional connectivity.
Key proposed corridors for the new service include routes between Columbia and Jefferson City, a southeast corridor along Interstate 55, and a northwest corridor serving Hannibal. The goal is to replace service lost due to the closure of operators like Greyhound.
One example of current expansion in practice is a partnership in southeast Missouri where the Cape Girardeau County Transit Authority (CGCTA) collaborates with FlixBus to provide daily intercity bus service starting August 2025. This service connects Cape Girardeau to St. Louis, Chicago, Memphis, and other cities along the I-55/I-57 corridors, significantly improving accessibility for residents in that area.
MoDOT has issued a request for proposals (RFP) to study and design these expansions, with a focus on identifying service gaps and developing funding solutions to sustain and grow intercity bus connectivity. Potential approaches for funding could include state and federal transit grants, public-private partnerships (like the FlixBus arrangement), and leveraging local transit agencies.
The impact on rural areas is expected to be substantial. By restoring and increasing access to transportation, the expansion aims to support economic inclusion, access to education and medical care, and overall regional connectivity. Filling service gaps left by commercial operators also enhances mobility options for residents with limited personal vehicle access.
Other states have seen success in intercity bus service. For instance, Colorado's intercity bus service has seen ridership numbers grow from 17,000 passengers per month in 2018 to an average of 24,000 last year. As Missouri moves forward with its plans, it joins other states in recognizing the importance of intercity bus service in addressing transportation needs in rural areas.
| Aspect | Details | |---------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Proposed Routes | Columbia-Jefferson City, southeast along I-55, northwest to Hannibal | | Current Service Expansion | FlixBus daily service from Cape Girardeau along I-55/I-57 corridor | | Funding Solutions | RFP to study funding; potential grants, public-private partnerships, local agency support | | Impact on Rural Areas | Restores lost service, improves access to essential services, supports economic connectivity |
Missouri is in the early stages of this focused effort to revitalize its intercity bus network, with studies and pilot partnerships shaping the path forward. The study is expected to be completed by late 2027, and it will identify corridors with a need for new or expanded intercity bus service and prioritize implementation based on measured need and interest.
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