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Oats Transit turns 50 years old
COLUMBIA – 2021 marks the 50th anniversary for Oats Transit, a rural public transportation system that serves 87 counties in Missouri and is headquartered in Columbia.
What started in 1971 with three vehicles and five drivers serving eight counties has grown to encompass much of the state. Today, Oats has more than 650 employees and vehicles providing more than 1 million trips each year.
Oats survived lean times in the 1970s, economic fluctuations, gas shortages and price hikes, government shutdowns and today’s global pandemic.
With the help of several funding agencies and businesses, Oats Transit continues to ensure thou sands of Missourians have a ride, Oats information states.
Over the past 50 years, the company has seen a shift in trip purpose.
In 1971, service was largely seniors going to the grocery store and other places that allowed them to remain independent in their own homes.
Today’s focus is on employment transportation, which makes up nearly 50% of the trips provided.
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