 OATS Transit vans in Troy, Missouri, 2024 | |
| Trade name | OATS Transit Inc. |
|---|---|
| Industry | Transport |
| Founded | 1970; 54 years ago (1970), in Macon, Missouri |
| Area served | Missouri |
| Key people | Dorothy Yeager (executive director) |
| Services | Transportation |
| Number of employees | 560 |
| Website | oatstransit |
OATS Transit Inc. (OATS an initialism for operating above the standard) is an American 501(c) private not-for-profit road transport corporation, which operates in all 114 counties of Missouri.
History
OATS was founded in 1970 in Macon, Missouri as a private company. It started with five drivers serving eight counties. The first vans were used in November 1971, starting out with only three. In 1973, they were changed into a nonprofiti.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, they suspended their services in St. Louis County and St. Charles County, and later provided free rides for people to get the COVID-19 vaccine. On July 1, 2023, they stopped accepting cash payments, instead requiring riders to pay online, for $2 for a one-way ride.
On April 29, 2024, they cancelled fares in Jefferson City due to a driver shortage.
References
- "OATS Transit celebrates 50 years in business". Lincoln County Journal. February 18, 2021. Retrieved March 14, 2024.
- "OATS Transit is more than a ride". Como. January 29, 2023.
- "City of Warrensburg request for funding 2020-2021". Retrieved March 14, 2024.
- Anderson, Kelsi (March 23, 2020). "OATS Transit suspends service in St. Louis and St. Charles counties". KSDK. Retrieved March 14, 2024.
- Willis, Jasmine (January 31, 2021). "Experiencing driver shortage, OATS Transit receives $7,700 grant from Laclede Electric Trust". KRCG.
- Oberholtz, Mackenzie (June 24, 2023). "OATS announces its transportation services will no longer accept cash". KOMU-TV.
- Smith, Ryan (April 19, 2024). "OATS Transit in Jefferson City cancels due to driver shortage, impacting disabled". KRCG. Retrieved September 22, 2024.