Frequently Asked Questions
Do you want to set up a ride with OATS Transit? View our rider FAQ's below. If you have additional questions, contact us here. You can also view our Rider Rules and Safety Guidelines.
Relay Missouri is available to individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, deaf-blind and/or speech impaired. Use the Relay Missouri Service by calling 711 to talk with an OATS representative or to schedule your trip.
What types of services do you offer?
OATS Transit is a shared-ride, public transportation company offering service to people of all ages. We serve the rural general public, individuals with disabilities and senior citizens. We transport people to work, medical appointments, shopping and to the pharmacy. We offer intercity express routes to connect people with larger cities. Our buses are all ADA accessible.
Where do you offer service?
OATS Transit serves 87 Missouri counties. To determine your service area, you can view our bus schedules here. Just click on the county you reside in. From there you can see what service is available in your county. In some areas we have Express Routes that run from smaller towns into larger cities. Depending on the county, we offer either door-to-door service or have pick-up points along the way. We contract with a number of agencies to provide service to their clients.
What are your days/hours of operation?
OATS Transit operates weekdays, Monday-Friday, with some routes operating on weekends and after hours. Hours of service will vary depending on the county.
Rider Information
Who do I need to call to schedule a ride?
You will need to call your local OATS Transit office for service which you can find listed on our bus schedule page by clicking your county. You can call the OATS Transit Home Office at 888-875-6287 if you are unsure who to call, and we can connect you to your local office. If you have never ridden the bus before, you will be asked a few questions such as any needs you may have, your pick-up address, contact info, etc. If you have Missouri Medicaid and are calling to schedule transportation to a medical appointment, you will need to call the 800 number on the back of your Medicaid card as this service is not scheduled directly with OATS Transit.
When should I call?
Most routes require you to schedule at least two days in advance. Our bus schedules will let you know if advance notice is required. This is necessary to ensure planning time to have a bus and driver available.
How much does it cost to ride with OATS Transit?
Some routes have set fares, while other routes are donation based as they may be covered by agencies like the Area Agency on Aging. When you call to schedule service be sure to ask about fares. Riders can pay cash each time they board the bus. You will need to pay when you board, not all up front, as it may be a different driver/bus on each leg of the trip. Drivers do not carry change. You may also prepay for trips by adding money to your account by calling 888-875-6287.