OATS Transit
American transport company
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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.
OATS Transit vans in Troy, Missouri, 2024 | |
| OATS Transit Inc. | |
| Industry | Transport |
| Founded | 1970, in Macon, Missouri |
Area served | Missouri |
Key people | Dorothy Yeager (executive director) |
| Services | Transportation |
Number of employees | 560 |
| Website | oatstransit |
History
OATS was founded in 1970 in Macon, Missouri as a private company. It started with five drivers serving eight counties.[1] The first vans were used in November 1971, starting out with only three.[2] In 1973, they were changed into a nonprofit.[3]
During the COVID-19 pandemic, they suspended their services in St. Louis County and St. Charles County,[4] and later provided free rides for people to get the COVID-19 vaccine.[5] On July 1, 2023, they stopped accepting cash payments, instead requiring riders to pay online, for $2 for a one-way ride.[6]
On April 29, 2024, they cancelled fares in Jefferson City due to a driver shortage.[7]
OATS is partially funded by the Government of Missouri. In 2025, its funding was cut.[8]