ABOUT US

GENERAL INFORMATION

MISSION STATEMENT

We are our community’s provider and partner for safe, reliable and convenient public transportation. Go COMO bus service connects people with work, school, recreation and a more sustainable quality of life.

HISTORY

Bus service in Columbia started in 1939 with a privately-run company, the Columbia Municipal Bus Lines, run by Glenn E. Watson. Watson’s fleet consisted of around three or four small buses and ran from 1939 to 1965, when Watson approached the City of Columbia to propose that the City take over the bus service.

On September 17, 1965, the Columbia bus system began, using the intersection of Ninth Street and Broadway as its original transfer point. Fares cost 15 cents per ride and transfers were five cents. Football service, student shuttles and additional routes were added as demand from the Columbia public grew. Over the next few decades, the bus service continued to grow and adapt to the public’s needs, eventually garnering an annual ridership of over one million passengers.

Public transit and paratransit in Columbia provides a lifeline to its residents, taking them to the places they work, shop, visit the doctor and go to school. By continuously looking to the public for guidance and input, the system will continue to adapt in order to remain relevant and reliable for years to come.

CONTACT US

Phone: 573.874.2489opens phone dialer
Email: [email protected]

Wabash Station
126 North Tenth Street
Columbia, MO 65201

Llame al 573.874.CITY(2489) para obtener información sobre el autobús.
Veuillez appeler le 573.874.CITY(2489) pour des informations sur le bus.
请致电 573.874.(2489) 了解巴士信息.
버스 정보는 573.874.CITY(2489) 로 전화주세요.
バス情報については、573.874.CITY(2489) までお電話ください

BUSES

The City’s public bus system now uses a total of 10 compressed natural gas vehicles in its fleet, including three 40-foot Gillig Buses, two 35-foot buses and five paratransit vans.

Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) is a great way to reduce fuel costs and make city fleet vehicles more environmentally friendly. Vehicles save on fuel costs by using natural gas over petroleum products, adding up to almost a 50% savings at the pump. The natural gas also burns much cleaner than petroleum based products, producing 20-30% less greenhouse gas emissions and 95% less tailpipe emissions than gasoline, making Columbia’s air and pollution rates much more earth-friendly.

Go COMO is excited to be able to take advantage of the new CNG technology for the buses as a way to be more environmentally responsible. The City now has a total of 37 CNG vehicles in operation or on order for various vehicle fleets. The new city vehicles, as well as natural gas fleets from all over Columbia and across Missouri, can take advantage of the new CNG station that was installed along 63 Highway in north Columbia last year. All of the new natural gas vehicles are marked with a “CNG Powered Vehicle” sticker.

MEET THE STAFF

Jason Beavers – Paratransit Supervisor

Armin Mehmedovic  – Fixed Route Supervisor

Rob Rulo – Safety and Training Supervisor

Jeff McAleenan – Fleet Supervisor

Shannon Hemenway – Administration Supervisor

Adnan Halilovic – Operations Supervisor

CAREERS

The Go COMO bus system is dedicated to finding the best employees to serve our customers. If you are interested in joining the team, please visit the city website and search for job openings in the transit division and apply online.

The City of Columbia is a merit, affirmative action, equal opportunity employer.

EEO NOTICE TO ALL APPLICANTS AND EMPLOYEES

The City of Columbia has been and will continue to be an equal opportunity employer. To assure full implementation of this equal employment policy, we will take steps to assure that:

In accordance with City of Columbia Code of Ordinance 19-159 all applicants regardless of race, creed, color, marital status, national origin, political affiliation, religion, veteran status, age, genetic information, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy or disability or any other characteristic protected by local, state, or federal laws, rules, or regulations will be given equal consideration based on their total qualifications and background.  All placement activities will be in accordance with the city’s equal employment opportunity affirmative action program.

Per City of Columbia Code of Ordinances Section 19-176

  1. It is the policy of the city to promote and ensure equal opportunity for all persons (without regard to race, creed, color, marital status, national origin, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, political affiliation or ancestry) employed or seeking employment, using city facilities or being serviced by the city. The policy of equality applies to every aspect of city employment practice and policy involving all activity areas.
  2. The city assures non-discrimination in recruiting, hiring, training, placement, advancement, compensation, working conditions, demotion, layoff and termination.
  3. It is, in addition, the policy of the city to assert leadership within the community and to put forth the maximum effort to achieve non-discriminatory, equal employment opportunities throughout the political jurisdiction of the city. Affirmative action will be taken to make known that equal employment opportunities are available on the basis of the merits of the individual and consistent with the city’s goals and timetables for staffing in terms of female and minority representation on the city’s work force: striving for a work force in each occupation which corresponds to the actual availability of qualified females and minorities for that job in their respective recruitment area.
  4. Department heads and supervisors are responsible for implementation of this policy and the affirmative action program within their responsibility areas. All applicants and employees shall be expected to be qualified for the position they are seeking, and to indicate through performance, capability of at least acceptably performing assigned duties. Encouragement, information and appropriate on-the-job orientation and training are to be provided to all new employees to assist them in performing their job assignments effectively.
  5. Job placements shall be made by the city manager as delegated to respective department heads. The appointing authorities (director and department heads) shall encourage, and take appropriate affirmative action from the time of job requisition to hiring decision in all job positions to achieve and maintain EEO objectives and goals as rapidly as possible.
  6. While EEO affirmative action shall be considered a top priority, neither shall it unreasonably infringe upon the goal of efficient, productive, continuing public service.

Per City of Columbia Code of Ordinances Section 19-182 employees or job applicants who feel that they have been discriminated against pursuant to EEO provisions of these policies, rules, regulations and procedures may contact the human resources department to resolve the issue, or may utilize available remedies under existing local, state and federal legislation.

The Human Resources Director is the EEO Officer for the City of Columbia.  The Human Resources Director is responsible for the day to day implementation and monitoring of the Affirmative Action Plan. As part of that responsibility, the EEO Officer will periodically analyze personnel actions and their effects to ensure compliance with our equal employment policy.   If you, as one of our employees or as an applicant for employment, have any questions about this policy or would like to view portions of the Affirmative Action Plan, please contact the Human Resources Department during regular business hours.

Printable PDF of the above statements

ADVERTISING

Advertising on Go COMO buses is like advertising on a moving billboard that runs 12 hours a day and is seen by thousands! Even better, bus advertising is one of the most affordable and effective advertising tools for local businesses and organizations. For information or to place your ads on the exterior or interior of the Go COMO buses, contact Houck Transit Advertising.

Toll Free:  1.800.777.7290opens phone dialer
email:  [email protected]create new email
Website:  HouckAds.com

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How do I purchase a Go COMO Pass?

City Council passed an ordinance suspending fares for all fixed route and para-transit services for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2023. No pass or fare payment is necessary on fixed route, Paratransit, or Mizzou Tiger Line services.

Who is eligible for Paratransit Services?

Reliable transportation in a valuable asset for ADA-eligible citizens when they seek to work, attend school, shop or get healthcare. The City has lift-equipped para-transit mini-buses that provide origin to destination service to qualified individuals. For questions or to schedule a ride, please contact Paratransit Services at 573.874.7290 from 7 a.m to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday or by email at [email protected].

How can I receive service alerts?

Service alerts include detours, route delays and other important information for customers. Alerts are provided by text, email or automated phone call for users who register an account at Alerts.CoMo.gov. Alerts are also made in the Go COMO app in the Announcements section and on Go COMO’s Facebook and Twitter pages during administrative office hours (8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday). 

What can we expect during emergency weather conditions?

During extreme weather conditions, Go COMO buses will operate on the Emergency Weather Schedule with at least one hour’s notice, when possible. Go COMO reserves the right to change to the Emergency Weather Schedule at any time if necessary. 

How can I track the buses?

Go COMO offers free bus tracking to customers on its website, for Android users on the DoubleMap Bus Tracker app, and for Apple users on either the DoubleMap app or the Go COMO app. All buses are equipped with GPS and can be tracked in real-time. 

Which High Schools can access Go COMO?

What if I leave an item on the bus?

If you accidentally leave any personal items on a bus, please call customer service at 573.874.2489 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday to Friday and let us know as soon as possible. Be prepared to provide your route and bus number and a detailed description of the lost item.

Can I eat on the bus?

No eating, drinking or smoking is allowed on the bus (including e-cigarettes). Liquids must be in a closed, spill-proof container.

Can I stand on the bus?

Do not stand in prohibited areas, or when open seats are available. Please vacate seats for elderly and disabled customers.

Can I bring my service animal on the bus?

Service animals trained to assist persons with disabilities are welcome. All other pets must be contained in small carriers.

For more information on riding the bus, please call 573.874.2489.