OATS, Inc. ridership numbers remain strong after 40 years of service and continues to grow in popularity thanks to the agency’s commitment to provide quality service. But, that’s not a huge surprise considering OATS is the only transportation provider in many rural areas of Missouri. Thanks to our customers, OATS finished last fiscal year providing 1.7 million rides, an increase of 6.2 percent, or 99,646 rides over 2011. Service was provided to 33,769 Missourians and covered 16 million miles in just one year.

Trip Purpose:

One Way Trips:

Employment……………………………… 567,851

Medical……………………………………… 345,968

Nutrition…………………………………….. 182,949

Essential Shopping…………………….. 168,326

Business…………………………………….. 113,657

En-Route Stops*……………………….. 232,527

Education…………………………………….. 71,456

Recreation……………………………………. 19,538

Total Trips………………………………. 1,702,272

*an example of an en-route stop is stopping by the pharmacy after a doctor’s appt.

Wherever you travel in Missouri chances are you will see an OATS van or two along the way. OATS has continued to meet the challenges facing transit over the last few years, said Dorothy Yeager, Executive Director. We will continue to fulfill our mission of providing reliable transportation for transportation disadvantaged Missourians so they can live independently in their own communities. Yeager added OATS is committed to providing safe, reliable and courteous transportation service.

OATS, Inc. 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. Governed by a 15-member Board of Directors, the organization has a staff of over 750 employees and a fleet of 800 vehicles statewide. The home office is located in Columbia, Missouri with seven regional offices located throughout the state. OATS has grown to be one of the largest and most unique systems of its kind in the country.

OATS is funded, in part, an allotment of federal funds from the Missouri Department of Transportation, and through contracts with Missouri Elderly and Handicapped Transportation Assistance Program (MEHTAP), private contracts, rider donations and contributions. For more information about OATS, Inc., please visit their website at www.oatstransit.org; Like us at Facebook.com/oatstransit.