In Houston, the city government runs a scheduled bus system funded by a city sales tax and state assistance. It is one of the busiest at the 31 sites operated in the state.
Houston and its bus drivers, John McCloud and Noel Carpenter, average 1,500 riders monthly. If a resident cannot walk to the bus stop because of a physical handicap, they may call 417-967-2013 at least 24 hours ahead of time and the bus will pick them up at their door or destination.
The Houston Shuttle provides transportation that is clean, comfortable and airconditioned. It is accessible to persons in wheelchairs and with walkers. The daily service is scheduled for four complete routes around the city.
The statewide transportation system has its roots in assisting the elderly, but the majority of riders now are not senior citizens, but anyone who needs a ride to shop, needs a lift to work or have basic needs, such as traveling to medical appointments.
Because many residents of the City of Houston do not own personal transportation vehicles, the local transit system is the primary reliable means to access businesses, health appointments and senior facilities.
The City of Houston earlier this month took delivery on a new bus provided through a program administered by MoDOT.