After a Day Canvassing, I Faced the Reality of Our Broken Transit System
Fighting for Change Means Fixing Our Broken Transit System, Too
Saturday afternoon began with me knocking doors on Brown Station Road, an area in Columbia, Missouri, known for its history of pedestrian fatalities. It’s a place where the infrastructure has consistently failed to protect those who walk, much like the broader public transit system fails to fully support those who rely on it. I spent my morning canvassing to raise the wage, ensure paid sick leave, and enshrine the right to abortion in Missouri’s constitution—all critical issues for working-class people who deserve the ability to safely navigate their city, afford their bills and meet their medical needs. For those of you who don’t know, I actually don’t drive. Ever. I’m a non-driver who usually relies on my feet for transportation, but after a long canvass shift, I decided to take a bus home.
On the Gold Route to Wabash Station, I overheard some conversations that left me feeling unsettled. A few people on the bus were upset—they hadn’t known that buses wouldn’t start running until noon because of Mizzou’s Homecoming game. Normally, GO COMO buses start at 10:30 a.m. on Saturdays, but the city had intentionally planned to delay service for the event, affecting the hundreds of folks who depend on the bus to get to work or take care of other basic needs.
I’ll admit, I’m the kind of person who signs up for every city press release so I can stay in the loop. But I know that’s not the norm, and it’s a huge privilege to even have the time and access to keep up with these updates. The reality is, most people who rely on public transit don’t have the luxury to monitor city events like Homecoming—they’re too busy juggling work, groceries, or just getting home to their families. When information isn’t communicated in accessible ways, it leaves people in the dark and adds unnecessary stress.
When I got to Wabash Station, I looked around for any flyers or signs explaining the delay, but there was nothing. I asked a private security guard if there were any printed materials and he said he did not see any.
Just like how poor infrastructure puts pedestrians at risk, poor communication leaves bus riders vulnerable. When information isn’t accessible, people can’t plan their routes or adjust their schedules, which impacts their ability to safely and efficiently get where they need to go. Physical handouts or signs at bus stations would make a huge difference in keeping people informed and preventing unnecessary delays and dangers. Clear communication won’t solve everything, but it’s a small, actionable step that would help people adjust their plans and reduce the burden of unexpected delays. If GO COMO wants to truly support the people who rely on them, they need to go beyond online announcements and prioritize the safety and awareness of working-class commuters who depend on the bus to get where they need to go.