Letter to the Editor from Wanda Lamma

As a rider of OATS transportation, I want to thank Missouri’s Senator Christopher (Kit) Bond for including OATS in SAFTEA-LU (Safe, Accountable, Flexible and Efficient Transportation Equity Act – A Legacy for Users), the authorizing legislation that funds highways and other transportation related projects. OATS is very important to my life because the OATS bus keeps me independent and part of my local community. I have two bus routes to get up and I’m very proud of doing so for those who wouldn’t be able to go any other way.

The $17 million included for OATS’ use for capital improvements over a four-five year period will allow for the improvement of OATS’ infrastructure by providing state of the art scheduling and record keeping technology as well as building transit facilities. These infrastructure improvements will improve the cost effectiveness of the OATS operation and this will allow more operating funding to be used for service delivery. This is especially important with increased fuel costs.

Senator Bond carries a heavy load for Missouri. In fact, he has successfully managed to get $0.99 of each $1 of fuel taxes paid by Missouri’s citizens brought back to Missouri. This compares to $0.76 coming back to the state when he first became senator. Senator Bond aggressively supports the University of Missouri, alternative fuels, safer highways for us to use, and many other huge issues, but he still has the time and energy to support transportation for seniors, people with disabilities and the rural general public by taking care of OATS capital needs. Those of us who support and depend on OATS cannot thank Senator Bond enough!

Sincerely,

Wanda Lamma