In 1976, the Country Express began providing transportation to the residents of Mecosta, Osceola, Lake, and Newaygo counties, and was the first transportation system of its kind in the nation. The Country Express worked in cooperation with existing transportation services in the region, including the City of Big Rapids Dial-a-Ride and Lake County's TRANSPO system (now known as Yates Township Dial-
a-Ride) on an experimental basis for a two year period. Although the Country Express closed in 1977, the experimental service clearly demonstrated the need for public transportation in rural areas. Recognizing this need, the Mecosta Rural Transit (MRT) began operations in 1978 as an outgrowth of the Country Express. The Mecosta Rural Transit initially served the senior citizens and disabled residents of Mecosta County, subsequently expanding to meet the needs of all residents throughout the county and changing its name to Mecosta County Area Transit (MCAT). In 1983, the Mecosta County Area Transit expanded its service area to include Mecosta and Osceola counties, changing its name to Mecosta-Osceola County Area Transit (MOCAT). The Mecosta Rural Transit and the Mecosta County Area Transit operated under the authority of Mecosta County. Mecosta-Osceola County Area Transit operated under the authority of Mecosta and Osceola Counties. In July 2005, the Mecosta-Osceola County Area Transit was reorganized as an independent Transportation Authority which no longer operated under the authority of the two counties. The new Authority was named Mecosta Osceola Transit Authority (MOTA). Services provided include modified fixed route, demand-response, and contract transportation, with connections available to neighboring transportation services. Our mission is simple: "Providing public transportation services in a safe, effective, and affordable manner."
