Transportation Resources for Blind & Visually Impaired Missourians

Reliable transportation is essential to independence. The MCB Transportation Committee has compiled this statewide resource directory to help blind and visually impaired Missourians find transportation options in their area.

From paratransit and rideshare to local taxi services and rural transit programs — this directory is your starting point. Contact individual providers to verify current fares and availability.

Information last updated: September 2025  |  Submit updates or corrections →

Urgent Advocacy Issue — Missouri Transit Funding Cuts

In 2025, Governor Mike Kehoe reduced the State Transit Assistance (STA) fund by 42% — cutting annual funding from $11.7 million to $6.7 million. Rural providers like OATS Transit face a potential $900,000 loss. Without state funding, these agencies cannot qualify for federal grant matches, making the real impact even deeper.

MCB urges all members to contact their state legislators and share how transit affects daily independence — getting to work, medical appointments, and essential services.

New Accessibility Technology at Missouri Transit Hubs

St. Louis — Active Pilot

NaviLens & GoodMaps — MetroLink

Metro Transit launched an accessibility pilot in 2025 at the Civic Center MetroLink Station and the #70 Grand/Lindell-Gravois bus corridor:

  • NaviLens — High-contrast QR-style codes detectable by smartphone camera from a distance, providing audio directions, transit info, and safety cues.
  • GoodMaps — LiDAR-based indoor/outdoor navigation for transit stations where GPS fails, with step-by-step audio guidance via mobile app.

MCB represented the blind community at Metro Transit's July 2025 launch event. St. Louis area members are encouraged to try the pilot and share feedback with the Transportation Committee.

Statewide — Both Major Airports

Aira at KCI and STL Airports

Both Kansas City International (KCI) and St. Louis Lambert International Airport now offer Aira — a service connecting travelers to trained visual interpreters via live video stream through their smartphone camera.

  • Real-time help navigating terminals, security, kiosks, and boarding
  • No subscription required at participating airport facilities

Statewide Transportation Resources

GoGo Grandparent

Rideshare, grocery and restaurant delivery, and medication management — no smartphone required. Additional charges apply.

Lyft

App-based rideshare available statewide. Accessible vehicle options available in many markets.

OATS Transit

Rural and intercity transportation across Missouri. Call for rates and schedule.

Uber

No smartphone required to order, but a phone that receives text messages is needed for trip updates. Account required. Rates vary.

Franklin & Jefferson Counties Transportation Resources

EZ-Mo

Free transportation for Jefferson and Franklin County residents using volunteer drivers. Covers healthcare appointments, grocery stores, specialty services, community resources, and employment. Pre-registration required.

Joplin Area Transportation Resources

Carthage City Taxi (Subsidized)

310 W. 4th St., Carthage, MO 64836

Transportation for anyone within Carthage city limits.

Checkers Mobility

Mobility transport services in the Joplin area.

Joplin City Cab

Taxi service for the Joplin area.

Joplin Cab Coupon Program

602 S. Main St., Joplin, MO 64801

Reduced-fare cab coupons for Joplin city residents who meet income or disability guidelines.

St. Louis Area Transportation Resources

Metro Transit Call-A-Ride (Paratransit)

St. Louis area paratransit service for eligible riders. Contact Metro Transit for eligibility and scheduling information.

NaviLens & GoodMaps accessibility pilot active at Civic Center MetroLink Station.

Kansas City Area Transportation Resources

Updated listings for this region are being collected. To submit a provider for inclusion, contact transportation@moblind.org or call (314) 878-3389.

Mid-Missouri Transportation Resources

Updated listings for this region are being collected. To submit a provider for inclusion, contact transportation@moblind.org or call (314) 878-3389.

Northwest Missouri Transportation Resources

Updated listings for this region are being collected. To submit a provider for inclusion, contact transportation@moblind.org or call (314) 878-3389.

Springfield Area Transportation Resources

Updated listings for this region are being collected. To submit a provider for inclusion, contact transportation@moblind.org or call (314) 878-3389.

St. Charles County Transportation Resources

Updated listings for this region are being collected. To submit a provider for inclusion, contact transportation@moblind.org or call (314) 878-3389.

Southeast Missouri Transportation Resources

Updated listings for this region are being collected. To submit a provider for inclusion, contact transportation@moblind.org or call (314) 878-3389.

West Central Missouri Transportation Resources

Updated listings for this region are being collected. To submit a provider for inclusion, contact transportation@moblind.org or call (314) 878-3389.

Missouri Paratransit Information & Your ADA Rights

Paratransit services provide door-to-door transportation for individuals with disabilities who cannot use fixed-route public transit. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), public transit agencies must provide complementary paratransit service to eligible individuals.

How to File a Transit Complaint

File Locally First

All FTA-funded transit providers are required under the ADA, Title VI, and EEO guidelines to have local complaint procedures. Start there — many issues can be resolved at this level.

File an FTA Complaint (if needed)

If the local process does not resolve your complaint, file with the Federal Transit Administration (FTA):

  • Complete the FTA Online Civil Rights Complaint Form (upload supporting documents)
  • Must be filed within 180 days of the alleged violation

FTA civil rights hotline: (888) 446-4511

The FTA ensures transit providers comply with Title VI, EEO, DBE, and ADA requirements — it does not represent individual complainants in disputes.

Your Paratransit Rights

  • ADA requires complementary paratransit for eligible riders within ¾ mile of fixed routes
  • Service must be available at comparable times and fares to fixed-route transit
  • Providers cannot impose trip purpose restrictions
  • You have the right to appeal eligibility denials

MCB Transportation Committee

Robyn Wallen, Chair

(314) 878-3389 transportation@moblind.org

Service Animals & Public Transportation

The ADA and most state laws guarantee the right of people with disabilities to travel with service animals on public transportation. Understanding your rights — and what transit providers are required to accommodate — is essential for blind and visually impaired Missourians who travel with guide dogs.

A comprehensive guide to service animal policies — including the six elements every transportation provider's policy should include — is available for reference.

Service Animal Policies: Your Rights & What to Expect

Have a Transportation Resource to Share?

MCB relies on community input to keep this directory current and comprehensive. If you know of a transportation resource that should be listed here, contact the Transportation Committee.

Robyn Wallen — Transportation Committee Chair