MoDOT Seeks Input for Intercity Bus Study

Complete Intercity Bus Service Survey (due January 31, 2026)

MoDOT defines intercity bus service as:

“Regularly scheduled bus service for the general public that operates with stops in rural areas over fixed routes connecting two or more urbanized areas not in close proximity, has the capacity for transporting baggage carried by passengers, and makes meaningful connections with scheduled intercity bus service to more distant points, if such service is available.” 

Examples of intercity bus service providers in Missouri include Greyhound Lines, Jefferson Lines, OATS, and Southeast Missouri Transportation Service (SMTS), and do not include local transit options.

MoDOT is conducting a survey to identify potential intercity bus service needs in Missouri. Consider these questions, and fill out the applicable survey:

• Where do you currently take intercity bus trips?
  • Do you use it to get to work, medical appointments, or to other transportation connections such as Amtrak?
• Where would you like to take an intercity bus trip if service does not exist?
• How would your life improve with increased transportation options?
  • Can you see yourself reading on the bus, catching up on work, saving money on gas, etc.?

MoDOT's Statewide Intercity Bus Needs Assessment

The results of these surveys will inform MoDOT's Multimodal Division on the feasibility of intercity transportation options for Missourians. According to MoDOT,

"MoDOT is conducting a Statewide Intercity Bus (ICB) Needs Assessment to help determine the level of need and current utilization of ICB service in Missouri...Part of this process involves a brief online survey to allow organizational stakeholders and the general public to identify user demands and unmet needs in the provision of ICB services. Your input and survey participation are integral to determining the need and demand for ICB service throughout Missouri."

For any questions about the surveys or the Statewide Intercity Bus Needs Assessment, contact: MoDOTIntercityBusStudy@wsp.com

Example from Colorado

A shining example of intercity bus service is "Bustang," operated by the Colorado Department of Transportation. Colorado has a similar population size to Missouri, but has a larger land area and more challenging geography. One decade after introduction, Bustang ridership has grown by 44%, and service expansion is being considered.

Here are some features of Bustang: