(Arnold, MO August 14, 2024) OATS Transit announces today that it will be suspending the Jeffco Express orange bus route which operates in the City of Arnold MO.
OATS Transit has continued to operate the route, even without local funding support. Ultimately, this has put a strain on the company’s other services, so the decision was made to discontinue the orange route, effective December 31, 2024.
“This is unfortunate for City riders who relied on transportation to get to work, essential shopping, and business errands,” said Dorothy Yeager, OATS Transit Executive Director. “The orange route provided 400 rides each month to Arnold residents." Prior to COVID ridership on the orange route was 500-600 trips per month. “These cuts not only affect our riders, but also the businesses who rely on our buses to bring customers to them,” added Yeager.
Drivers who currently operate the orange route will be moved to other Jefferson County service, so no employees will be affected by the cut. The JeffCo Express cross-county blue & green rural routes will not be affected by this change.
Headquartered in Columbia, MO OATS Transit is a private, not-for-profit corporation providing specialized transportation for senior citizens, people with disabilities and the rural general public in 87 Missouri counties that has been in business since 1971. Governed by a 15-member Board of Directors, the organization has a staff of 600 employees and a large fleet of vehicles statewide.
Jefferson County residents wanting to schedule a ride can call OATS Transit at 636-933-9380. Schedules can be found online at www.oatstransit.org/jefferson, or by picking up a brochure at several local businesses.
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