GoCOMO secures additional funding for new bus, future operations facility

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Improvements to Columbia's public transit system could soon move forward after city leaders approved an amendment that allows for additional federal funding for two major GoCOMO projects.

The Columbia Area Transportation Study Organization approved an amendment to its Transportation Improvement Program, allowing GoCOMO to access additional Federal Transit Administration funding for projects planned between fiscal years 2026-29.

The amendment includes funding for two new initiatives: Planning a future operations and maintenance facility and purchasing a new compressed natural gas bus.

CATSO Senior Planner Mitch Skov said the amendment was necessary so the federal government can move forward with funding.

"In order for them to be obligated by the feds, this needs to be done now so the feds can move on this and get the money obligated so Columbia can actually program those two projects," Skov said.

The first project allocates $400,000 for architectural and engineering consulting work to design a future GoCOMO operations and maintenance building. Federal funds will cover 80% of the cost, while the city will contribute the remaining $80,000.

The second project will fund the purchase of a new 35-foot compressed natural gas bus, expanding GoCOMO's fleet. According to GoCOMO, CNG buses help reduce fuel costs compared to traditional petroleum-powered buses.

The city's bus sytem current fleet includes 10 compressed natural gas buses, three 40-foot Gillig buses, two 35-foot buses and five paratransit vans.

Skov said the projects will extend beyond the current Transportation Improvement Program and are already being incorporated into the next planning cycle.

The funding approval comes as GoCOMO has experienced a major decline in ridership. According to GoCOMO data, ridership in June was down about 43% compared to the same month during the previous fiscal year.

ABC 17 News reached out to City of Columbia officials to ask what contributed to the drop in ridership but had not received a response.

City leaders are expected to continue discussing the projects during their next steps on Aug. 27.