Dear Editor, Missouri is unique in that it has two of the largest and longest-running rural providers in the nation.SMTS and OATS Transit, along with 28 other transit providers, including two large metro systems, can collectively provide transit accessibility in all 87 counties. Not every state can claim this and it is something to take pride in.Due to a lack of funding, some of these counties are only getting one or two trips a month. This doesn’t help someone who needs affordable public transit to get to work, the doctor or the grocery store.During his State of the State address, Governor Kehoe outlined his budget requests, including a cut of $5 million to state transit operating assistance – a 42% decrease. The need for state assistance funding for transit providers cannot be understated.This money is used for operating expenses, capital investments and local matching funds required to secure federal funds. As we emerge from the su...