To the editor:

Concerns about potential funding shortfalls for other transportation modes in St. Louis County must not come at the expense of the support for public transit service. As the region’s transit advocacy organization, Citizens for Modern Transit is strongly urging support of the $200,103,235 transit appropriation request for Bi-State Development in FY2026, which was introduced this month. Integral to this request is the funding mechanism of the appropriation. 

Transit funding comes from three sales tax initiatives supported by voters in St. Louis County: the 1973 ½ cent sales tax, Prop M ¼ cent sales tax and the Prop A ½ cent sales tax. We respectfully request that the 1973 tax income – as recommended by the St. Louis County Public Transit Commission – be split 50/50 between public transit and funding for roads and bridges. Or, at the very least, it is imperative that the council approve a more equitable split than the 34% for public transit recommended by St. Louis County administration staff.

MetroBus, MetroLink and Call-A-Ride services are critical components of St. Louis County’s total transportation system, and passage of a more equitable appropriation request enables the agency to meet operational needs, manage costs, attract riders and secure federal matching funds. Council members must stay on track with the voters’ decisions and support transit.

Kimberly Cella

Affton

Editor’s note: Kimberly Cella is the executive director of Citizens for Modern Transit.