A newly formed Transportation Coalition invites the public to comment on needs and solutions surrounding transportation in Cape Girardeau County. A Transportation Conversation is scheduled for October 20, 2022, at the Shawnee Park Center from 5:30 P.M. to 7:00 P.M.
The Transportation Coalition, spearheaded by United Way of Southeast Missouri (UWSEMO), seeks to further understand how our community uses transportation, what causes transportation to be a challenge, and how the group can work collectively to make improvements. Initial research conducted in late 2021 to help guide funding decisions made by the United Way Community Investment Committee identified transportation as a barrier to all three of United Way’s focus areas – education, income stability, and health. Identifying transportation as a need United Way’s collaborative model and network could address, UWSEMO approached industry experts, service organizations, and others familiar with transportation needs and services to form a Transportation Coalition.
United Way Executive Director Elizabeth Shelton explains, “United Way has always been dedicated to creating positive, lasting change for everyone right here in Southeast Missouri. And we know creating lasting change is not an easy process with quick solutions. Even after ideas are identified, funding must be found to bring them to fruition. This kind of change happens over time and only with the support of our community.”
The Coalition is focusing first on needs in Cape Girardeau County where the Cape Girardeau Transit Authority (CTA) currently provides public transportation. Later, successful solutions will be explored for viability with leaders in other counties in the United Way service area.
In addition to United Way, members attending the first Transportation Coalition meeting included representatives from CTA, Southeast Missouri Transportation Service, City of Cape Girardeau, Southeast Metropolitan Planning Organization, Community Partnership of Southeast Missouri, First Call for Help, East Missouri Action Agency, Community Foundation of the Ozarks, Safe House of Southeast Missouri, Regional Family Crisis Center, Aging Matters, Jackson Senior Center, Missouri Department of Social Services, State of Missouri 32nd Judicial District Juvenile Office, and Cape Girardeau Adult Education & Literacy. Other organizations have been approached and are included in ongoing communication. Anyone wishing to join the coalition who has transportation experience or serves those who struggle with it should email elizabeth.shelton@unitedwayofsemo.org.