COLUMBIA, Mo. — A University of Missouri (MU) student representing the city’s Transit System Task Force told Columbia Daily Tribune that city leaders were using threats to encourage the task force to accept a proposal from Mayor Bob McDavid to raise fees on college students to help fund Columbia Transit.
The city presented two potential scenarios for the future of Columbia Transit: Either students at MU, Columbia College and Stephens College help prop up the bus system through a student fee increase, or the city will be forced to pare about $1 million from the bus system’s budget in the next fiscal year. The cuts likely would result in elimination of the Black and Gold routes that serve students. For the full story, click here.
U. of Missouri student, city leaders spar on transit fee hike
A student representing the city’s Transit System Task Force claims that city leaders used threats to encourage the task force to accept a proposal to raise fees on college students to help fund Columbia Transit. If a fee increase isn’t approved, the city may be forced to cut $1 million from the bus system, resulting in eliminating routes that serve students.
More Bus

San Diego Transit Agencies Propose Fare Hike to Close Budget Gaps
The agencies, San Diego MTS and NCTD - San Diego Railroad, which share a fare system (PRONTO), proposed the changes to help address their respective financial sustainability strategies.
Read More →
Complete Coach Works Completes 11 CNG Bus Refurbishment Project for Fresno Area Express
The project was awarded under the Washington State Contract, enabling FAX to streamline its procurement processes while ensuring value and quality from an experienced transit solutions provider, said officials.
Read More →
MARTA Set to Launch Next Gen Bus Network
The historic initiative represents the first time since MARTA began bus operations in the early 1970s that the entire system has been redrawn from scratch.
Read More →
ABC Delivers Van Hools to Coach USA and More in Biz Briefs
In METRO's latest installment, we take a look at the latest news from suppliers including Moovit, CAF, and more.
Read More →
Inez Evans Benson on Rethinking Transit Through Customer Experience
The WSP leader discusses why agencies must look beyond satisfaction metrics and take a more holistic, community-driven approach to service.
Read More →
Intercity Bus Industry Outlook: A Mix of Apprehension & Optimism
Industry leaders see both promise and peril ahead as intercity bus travel rebounds, but unpredictable market forces threaten to reshape the sector.
Read More →
Bus Tech Talk: AC Transit’s Cecil Blandon on Leadership, Mentorship, and a Career in Transit
In Part 1, Blandon shares his journey from the U.S. Marines to a leadership role in public transit, along with insights on mentorship and professional growth within the industry.
Read More →
Vancouver's TransLink Fast-Tracks RapidBus Line to Metrotown
Funded through the 2025 Investment Plan, the new R2 Marine–Willingdon RapidBus is expected to begin service in September, more than three months ahead of schedule.
Read More →
Complete Coach Works Unveils Reimagined Parts Department with Expanded Capabilities
Complete Parts features new branding with a new logo, a new contact telephone number, a dedicated order desk, enhanced processes and inventory, all designed to provide the parts bus operations need.
Read More →
Breaking Accessibility Barriers with the Low Floor Frontrunner Minibus
Accessible transit isn’t a feature—it’s a responsibility. This whitepaper explores how the Low-Floor Frontrunner is redefining mobility with a breakthrough design that removes barriers, empowers riders, and delivers measurable operational advantages for agencies. Discover why this next generation minibus is setting a new standard for inclusive transportation.
Read More →
