City looks to reinstate free bus ride program for MoWest students and faculty

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- Free bus rides for students, faculty and staff at Missouri Western State University could return if approved by St. Joseph City Councilmembers this week. 

Tuesday's City Council meeting will see a vote to reinstate a free bus transportation program between the City and Missouri Western State University, one that would provide unlimited bus rides without having to pay a fare. 

Students and staff would have to present a current, valid MoWest identification card at the time of boarding to be accepted. 

If approved, free rides would be available for MoWest students and employees for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic halted the program. Prior to that, the agreement had been in place since 2013. 

During the pandemic, ridership dropped significantly and subsequently a rate decrease for St Joseph Transit went into effect, making the agreed-upon cost unwarranted and the program was discontinued.

The new agreement is for one year but could be extended to 2027 depending on performance goals. The contract will automatically renew in 2027 if roughly 4,800 riders are registered. 

If the established performance goal is not achieved, MoWest will have the option to continue the agreement during the 2027 calendar year. 

Tuesday's City Council agenda also includes: 

• Public Hearing on the termination and dissolution of the 36th & Frederick Community Improvement District. 
  
• An ordinance authorizing the execution of a fire department contract between City and International Association of Firefighters, Local #77, and an amendment to the General Fund fire department and the Public Safety Tax Fund fire department budgets to appropriate funds in the total amount of $200,000 to implement salary increases and associated benefits required by the contract.
  
• A resolution authorizing a services agreement with Insurica/Palomar insurance company, Allied World Surplus Lines Insurance and Mount Claims Service for vehicle and general liability insurance, comprehensive insurance coverage and third-party administrator services for the mass transit division in the approximate amount of $449,920.