Public transportation needs were assessed separately for large urban areas, small urban areas and rural areas. In all three classifications, needs were defined as preservation and expansion needs. Preservation needs are those things necessary for continuation of the existing service levels. Expansion needs are the capital needs required to increase or expand service. Large urban needs address the public transportation needs of the Kansas City and St. Louis metropolitan areas. Both areas face significant public transportation needs as they try to expand and maintain current services and make essential capital improvements such as replacing vehicles. Public transportation agencies in small urban areas struggle to maintain service levels and do not provide service to their entire urban areas. Weekend and evening service is limited. Missouri's small urban areas are Springfield, St. Joseph, Columbia, Jefferson City and Joplin. The existing needs for public transportation include preserving the existing level of service and increasing the level of service. Access to public transportation is limited in rural areas. Because there are fewer mobility options for residents without access to automobiles, rural public transportation needs are growing. Few rural systems offer service to employment, schools, volunteer activities or community events. Better access to medical and nutritional services is especially important to certain segments of the population like the elderly and persons with disabilities. The department reviewed the tremendous needs in this area and realized they could not be met in the next 20 years. MoDOT believes approximately 90 percent of the projected needs must be met to adequately serve the needs of Missourians. That equates to approximately $392 million per year for the next 20 years. Table 15 Public Transportation Goals (millions of dollars) Public Transportation Preservation Expansion Cost to Achieve Desired Results   20-Year Capital 20-Year Operating Total   20-Year Capital 20-Year Operating Total   Large Urbanized $1,138 $2,808 $3,946 $2,318 $544 $2,862 $6,808 Small Urbanized $84 $192 $276 $128 $172 $300 $576 Rural $65 $128 $193 $101 $162 $263 $456 Total $1,287 $3,128 $4,415 $2,547 $878 $3,425 $7,840 Public transportation is an essential service for many Missourians. When surveyed, Missourians rated it the second most important mode behind highways and bridges. Investments in public transportation will be guided by the following policies. MoDOT will consider public transportation in its efforts to preserve and enhance Missouri's overall transportation infrastructure, environmental quality and economic vitality. MoDOT will assist local communities in developing and maintaining public transportation systems that are safe, effective and cost-efficient. MoDOT will support the preservation, maintenance, expansion and enhancement of public transportation infrastructure including vehicles, facilities and other assets. It will partner with law enforcement and civic groups to incorporate safety and security in public transportation facilities. MoDOT will work to establish stable and sustained funding mechanisms for public transportation projects and plan, facilitate, provide funding assistance and establish service level guidelines for public transportation services. MoDOT will emphasize that transportation services and providers meet community needs and that transportation projects offer economic benefit to those communities.