City of Columbia, Missouri  
Meeting Minutes  
Public Transit Advisory Commission  
Conference Room  
1A/1B  
Tuesday, October 15, 2024  
5:30 PM  
City Hall  
701 E. Broadway  
I. CALL TO ORDER  
II. INTRODUCTIONS  
The meeting was called to order by Matt Wright at 5:30 PM.  
City Staff: Mike Sokoff, John Ogan, Gus Harmon, and Shannon Hemenway  
Presenter: Shawn Strate  
10 -  
Present:  
Absent:  
Matt Wright, Donald Jackson, Gabi Jacobs, Sarah Johnson, Joy Rushing, Katharine  
Meagher, Jack Russell, Adam Thorp, Randal Meyer and Joan Ferguson  
3 - Dawn Zeterberg, Tammy Teel and Christine Schneider  
III. APPROVAL OF AGENDA  
Sarah made a motion to approve the agenda, with a second from Gabi. The vote  
to approve the agenda was unanimous at 5:32 PM.  
IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES  
Sarah noted that she is overseeing the Green Route and requested this change in  
the minutes. She then made a motion to approve the minutes, with Gabi  
seconding. The vote to approve the minutes was unanimous at 5:33 PM.  
Sept. 17 Minutes  
Attachments: Sept. 17 Minutes  
V. City Council & Other Commission Updates: Vision Zero, Disability,  
Bike/Ped, CATSO  
Matt mentioned that CATSO is updating their transportation plans.  
VI. OLD BUSINESS  
Olsson Study Update  
Attachments:  
24-10-25_Go COMO Comprehensive Transit Study DRAFT v3  
compressed (1)  
Shawn reviewed the comprehensive transit study, noting it is 90-95% complete. He  
outlined that the study has five sections (see attached). Kathy inquired about the options  
considered for routes between Jefferson City and Columbia and asked about service  
times from Columbia to Jefferson City. Adam asked how the Tier 4 option compares to  
other cities studied and whether it would be advisable to progress incrementally through  
each tier or potentially move directly to a higher tier, such as Tier 3. Shawn clarified that  
the progression is intended to be incremental, moving through each tier in order. Adam  
further inquired about setting a goal to achieve each tier if resources were available.  
Shawn explained the intended time frames: Tier 1 within 2-3 years, Tier 2 within 5-10  
years, Tier 3 within 10-15 years, and Tier 4 within 15-20 years, though these time frames  
are not explicitly stated in the plan.  
Adam mentioned that the Greyhound station in Jefferson City may not be a significant  
draw, and Shawn responded that its inclusion relates to intercity funding, which requires  
a Greyhound connection. Donald expressed concern that without specific timing, the city  
may adopt a "we’ll get there when we get there" attitude. Shawn noted that a time frame  
could be added to the study if there was consensus. Matt supported this idea,  
suggesting that a timeline could be beneficial.  
Randal Meyer asked about the elements included in the capital costs, and Joan  
questioned whether it would be helpful to clarify cost breakdowns across the different  
tiers. Matt suggested avoiding strict timelines for the city council presentation but  
recommended detailing near-term tiers more thoroughly while offering less specificity for  
longer-term tiers. He also asked if the study outlined all funding sources, to which Shawn  
confirmed that it did.  
Jack inquired whether Tiger Lines were included in the study's recommendations. Shawn  
noted that there were no specific near-term recommendations for Tiger Lines at this time.  
Jack asked for more details on how Tiger Line funds are allocated, and Mike explained  
that these funds cover operating costs based on agreed operating hours. He added that,  
although salaries are largely fixed, funds can be allocated to bus stops, buses, and  
maintenance. Donald asked if federal funding was contingent on ridership, and Mike  
confirmed that higher ridership could lead to increased federal funding, which is assessed  
through a six-month contract. Randal clarified whether Tier 1 might be implemented within  
2-3 years, and Shawn confirmed, noting that it may even be achievable in 1-2 years since  
it requires minimal additional funding or buses.  
VII. NEW BUSINESS  
VIII. RIDERSHIP  
No new business.  
September Ridership  
IX. GENERAL COMMENTS BY PUBLIC, MEMBERS AND STAFF  
Donald announced that this would be his last meeting, as he has accepted a position in  
another state. Randal mentioned that the current operating cost for Tiger Lines is $63 per  
hour, with $100 per hour needed to break even. Mike confirmed this and noted that  
incremental increases have been applied each year since 2022. He also reported that the  
new passenger counting system is now online and that the bus tracking system is  
operational, though not yet available to the public, with plans for a full rollout on Dec. 1.  
Joan asked if the new system would integrate with Apple and Google Maps. Mike  
responded that discussions with Google are ongoing, and integration is expected around  
the Dec. 1 time frame. He added that ETA would be the service provider, with GoCOMO  
covering the associated costs.  
Zoom Link  
Attachments: Hyperlink  
X. NEXT MEETING DATE - 11/19/2024  
XI. ADJOURNMENT  
Matt motions to adjourn at 7:05 PM.  
Members of the public may attend any open meeting. For requests for accommodations related to  
disability, please call 573-874-CITY (573-874-2489) or email CITY@CoMo.gov. In order to assist staff in  
making the appropriate arrangements for your accommodation, please make your request as far in  
advance of the posted meeting date as possible.  
USB DRIVES PROHIBITED: Due to cybersecurity concerns, flash drives and other media devices  
are no longer permitted for delivering files or presentation materials. A speaker who desires to  
display a presentation must upload the presentation, in advance, to the city network using an  
upload portal. To upload your files and learn more, visit CoMo.gov/upload. (Effective Jan. 1,  
2023)