Missouri aims to broaden bus transportation across the state
Missouri is actively working towards expanding intercity bus service across the state, with a focus on identifying and addressing gaps, particularly in rural and underserved areas. Proposed routes under consideration include corridors from Columbia to Jefferson City, a southeast corridor along Interstate 55, and service extending to northwest Missouri including Hannibal.
This initiative is a response to reductions in commercial carriers like Greyhound, which have closed or moved some stations in the state. To achieve this expansion, the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) has issued a request for proposals to conduct a comprehensive study.
The study will identify corridors with the greatest need, prioritize implementation based on passenger interest, and develop funding solutions to enable the growth of intercity bus service. The vendor selected will also explore booking technology improvements such as mobile phone-based route checking and ticketing, and assess passenger attitudes toward bus travel.
One example of growth already underway is a partnership between the Cape Girardeau County Transit Authority (CGCTA) and FlixBus, introducing daily intercity bus service from Cape Girardeau along the I-55 and I-57 corridors to destinations including St. Louis, Springfield (IL), Chicago, and Memphis.
Despite expected growth, the Missouri intercity bus market growth may be moderated by factors such as improved passenger rail connections, notably between St. Louis and Chicago. However, national projections suggest overall bus ridership is expected to grow about 4% in 2025, surpassing the growth rates for domestic auto and air travel, with strategic expansions targeting rural and underserved corridors driving growth.
The study is expected to be completed by late 2027. This expansion reflects Missouri’s strategic move to restore and grow intercity bus services for improved statewide connectivity, particularly in rural communities.
- The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) is examining the potential for rail connections as a factor that could moderately influence the growth of intercity bus service, since national projections indicate a 4% increase in overall bus ridership by 2025, outpacing the growth rates for domestic auto and air travel, particularly focusing on rural and underserved corridors.
- The vendor chosen for the study will evaluate public-transit improvements like mobile phone-based route checking and ticketing, as well as passenger attitudes towards bus travel, in an effort to revitalize statewide transportation and boost industry finance in Missouri by expanding intercity bus service.
- In line with Missouri's strategic aim to reinforce and develop public-transit options, the study will investigate various aspects such as transportation corridors with the greatest need, funding solutions, and passenger preferences, in addition to ongoing partnerships with providers like FlixBus to ensure the growth of intercity bus service for improved connectivity across the state, encompassing both urban and rural areas.
