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.
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.
More Bus
Everett Transit, Community Transit Approve Consolidation of Services
The agreement will bring Everett Transit into Community Transit’s network in April 2027, with plans to increase bus service by 50% by 2031 and expand regional connections.
Read More →
Brian Dickson on Building Stronger, More Resilient Transportation Organizations
Bus Business Consultants Founder Brian Dickson discusses the leadership principles, operational discipline, and strategic planning that separate transportation companies positioned for long-term success from those stuck in survival mode.
Read More →
LA Metro Breaks Ground on Vermont BRT Project
The 12.4-mile corridor is projected to serve 66,200 daily riders, reduce travel times by up to 24%, and create the nation's busiest bus rapid transit corridor.
Read More →
Roman Cornell on ABC Companies’ Evolution and the Future of Passenger Transportation
The company’s CEO discusses carrying forward a third-generation family legacy, ABC’s continued evolution in passenger transportation, support for increasingly complex fleets, and how technology and continued investment could help operators improve uptime.
Read More →
VIA Bus Ridership Grows 10.1% Through August 2026
San Antonio's VIA Metropolitan Transit reported the highest bus ridership growth among major Texas transit systems. Federal Transit Administration data ranked it second among the nation's 50 largest transit systems.
Read More →
LA Metro September Ridership Climbs 3.9%, Led by Rail Growth
The agency recorded more than 27.2 million boardings, with rail ridership increasing 12.4% year over year and the D Line posting the largest gains.
Read More →
Frontrunner Bus Group Introduces XF Low-Floor Bus with Enhanced Accessibility
The new mid-sized bus features a full flat-floor design, eight-inch curbside step-in height, and zero-entry rear ramp to improve passenger access and operational flexibility.
Read More →
Scenes from APTA TRANSform & EXPO 2026
Transit leaders, manufacturers, and industry professionals gathered in Chicago to explore new technologies, share ideas, and discuss the future of public transportation.
Read More →
More Than a Summer Job: Building the Next Generation of Transit Talent
The Delaware River Port Authority and PATCO have transformed their internship program into a hands-on professional development experience that introduces students to the breadth of transportation careers — and creates a pipeline for future employees.
Read More →
LA Metro Board Awards 220 Battery-Electric Bus Contract to ENC
The contract, which is the largest base award of battery-electric buses by a U.S. transit agency, will be built in Southern California, sustaining good jobs as LA prepares to welcome the world in 2028
Read More →