(Columbia, Missouri, October 25, 2022) – OATS Transit, a Missouri based not-for-profit transportation provider, announced that it has received a grant from the Truman Heartland Community Foundation totaling $11,000. These funds will be used to support the capital campaign for a transportation hub in the Kansas City area.
Truman Heartland Community Foundation (THCF) is a 501(c)3 public charity committed to improving the communities in and around Eastern Jackson County through cooperation with community members and donors.
“Truman Heartland Community Foundation strives to leverage funding to make exciting things happen in our communities,” Diana Castillo, Director of Grantmaking and Donor Services, remarked. “A matching grant is a great way to increase the impact of our donor’s funds and provide a much-needed service to our neighbors in need” added Castillo.
OATS Transit has purchased property for a new operations facility in Lee’s Summit MO just off I470. Construction is expected to begin in 2023, and planned for completion in 2025. The facility will oversee specialized transportation in Jackson, Cass, Clay and Platte counties. OATS Transit provides transportation for medical appointments, work, essential shopping and more. In addition to rural service for individuals of any age, OATS Transit operates the RideKC buses in Lees Summit, which is a partnership with the City of Lee’s Summit and the Kansas City Area Transit Authority.
“Thanks to the support from the Truman Heartland Community Foundation this grant allows us to match our federal dollars with local funds” said Dorothy Yeager, Executive Director of OATS Transit. “We are excited to be building and expanding in the Kansas City area market in the near future,” added Yeager.
Since 1971, OATS Transit has served thousands of Missourians in 87 counties with a staff of 550 employees. Last year the company provided one million trips in the state. OATS Transit has grown to be one of the largest and most unique transportation systems of its kind in the country. For more information about OATS Transit, or to view our bus schedules, please visit the website at www.oatstransit.org or follow us on your favorite social media site.