TODAY: OkTA Federal Legislative Update
Guest: Scott Bogren, Executive Director, CTAA
OkTA Legislative Chair: Charla Sloan, Transit Director, KATS
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Join OkTA for an update on current issues related to the Surface Transportation Bill and to discuss the national climate and perspectives surrounding drug testing requirements for Transportation Network Company (TNC) drivers.
The session will include a 30-minute presentation followed by a Q&A and will be held TODAY, Tuesday, August 11, from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm.
Registration is required
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/U22N57e7Tlms_pWPkqaCbg
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
| | Conference Registration is OPEN! | | |
What: OkTA 2026 Annual Conference & Expo
When: October 19-21, 2026
Where: Ardmore Convention Center
Who: Transit Professionals in Oklahoma
Registration is open! Early Bird discount ends this month.
$350 for Members | $550 for Non-Members
OkTA is listening to you! We asked our membership what sessions, topics, and discussion would benefit you the most. These suggestions were collated into your agenda.
At the heart of these events are the people who keep Oklahoma moving through public transportation. Come together with your peers for meaningful connection, the latest industry news, hands-on problem-solving, and product spotlights.
Thank you to our local hosts, Chickasaw Nation and SORTS.
| | Oklahoma Legislative Update | | |
From: Curt Roggow
Interim Studies Approved
The Oklahoma House and Senate approved their lists of Interim Studies in July and will occur over the next few months. Notable transportation topics include Senate Transportation Chairman, Senator Darcy Jech, conducting an interim study entitled Rough Roads Ahead: Where Oklahoma Highway Infrastructure Investment Levels are Coming Up Short, Why and Anticipated Long Term Impacts. It has been assigned to the Senate Aeronautics and Transportation Committee. Representative Nicole Miller is conducting a House Interim Study on Wrong Way Driving. She will explore the wrong-way driving problem in Oklahoma, including the severity in the number of incidents, collisions, injuries and fatalities. Click here for a full list of approved House and Senate Interim Studies.
| | Job Openings! Apply Today | |
An OkTA Member Benefit:
As an OkTA Member, one of your benefits is FREE job postings and RFPs on our website, newsletter, and social media. Do you have anything to share?
Send to elise@oktransit.org
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EMBARK - Transportation Navigator
Intended Start Date – September 2026
LEARN MORE
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EMBARK - Mobility Navigator (Cleveland County)
Intended Start Date – October 2026
LEARN MORE
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EMBARK - Mobility Navigator (Canadian County)
Intended Start Date – October 2026
LEARN MORE
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Arkansas Transit Association - Executive Director
LEARN MORE
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North Carolina Public Transportation Association - Executive Director
LEARN MORE
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Elise Manion, part of OkTA's Interim Executive Director Team, is traveling across the state meeting with transportation agencies.
These on-site visits let us see each agency's operations firsthand, understand the specific challenges facing urban, rural, and tribal transit systems in different parts of the state, and build the kind of personal relationships that make advocacy and support more effective. It's a chance to gather the real stories and needs that can be carry back to lawmakers and stakeholders.
| | Big Five Conference: SORTS | | | Cherokee Nation
KATS: Tahlequah | | |
Rolling Oklahoma Classroom (ROC) is Available Statewide
OkTA's Rolling Oklahoma Classroom continues to travel the state, providing hands-on training in safety, security, and human trafficking awareness for transit professionals. Communities and transit agencies can schedule the ROC Bus at no cost.
| | The Well - Resource Fair
Norman, OK | | Big Five Conference
Ardmore, OK | | |
Kansas Public Transit Association
Hutchinson, KS
| | APTA Urges Congress to Maintain Current Transit, Rail Investment Levels in FY 2027 | |
APTA is urging congressional leaders to at least preserve current federal investment levels for public transit and passenger rail in any FY 2027 Continuing Resolution (CR) or Surface Transportation Authorization Extension Act.
In a letter sent July 31 to Senate Majority Leader John Thune, Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, House Speaker Mike Johnson, and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, APTA calls for at least $21.1 billion for public transit—including $4.25 billion in advance appropriations—and $15.9 billion for passenger and freight rail, including $13.2 billion in advance appropriations.
APTA warns that failing to continue advance appropriations would result in a 20 percent reduction in public transit funding and an 83 percent reduction in passenger rail investment compared with FY 2026 levels, while eliminating guaranteed funding for passenger rail programs. The association says such cuts would disrupt ongoing planning, engineering, and construction projects nationwide while creating uncertainty for state and local investment decisions.
The letter highlights several programs that would lose all guaranteed funding without advance appropriations, including the All Stations Accessibility Program (ASAP), Capital Investment Grants (CIG), Railroad Crossing Elimination Grants, and the Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail Program. APTA notes that 49 CIG projects in 22 states are currently seeking $35.6 billion in future federal funding.
The association also warns of significant reductions to other core programs, including a 48 percent cut to Buses and Bus Facilities Grants, a 20 percent cut to State of Good Repair Formula Grants, and an 11 percent reduction to Enhanced Mobility for Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities Formula Grants. State-by-state and urbanized area funding impacts are detailed in accompanying tables at the end of the full letter.
APTA emphasizes that sustained investment in public transportation strengthens the U.S. economy, noting that every $1 invested generates $5 in long-term economic returns. The association also points to the industry’s nationwide economic impact, supporting more than 3,000 suppliers in more than 1,700 communities and creating or sustaining more than 41,000 jobs for every $1 billion invested.
The letter also urges Congress to address any Highway Trust Fund shortfall if a CR or extension extends into FY 2027.
| | FTA Safety Bulletin on Transit Cybersecurity Events | | |
On July 22, 2026, FTA issued Safety Bulletin 26-02 to raise awareness of a joint cybersecurity advisory from the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Cybersecurity is not just an IT concern; it is a fundamental pillar of critical infrastructure safety. FTA released Safety Bulletin 26-02: Transit Cybersecurity Events to help transit agencies proactively mitigate the increasing number of digital vulnerabilities that threaten physical transit operations. It’s more important than ever to step up and protect critical infrastructure.
FTA encourages transit agencies to review the information, assess if it applies to your agency’s systems, and take the necessary steps to mitigate potential vulnerabilities. Review FTA’s Safety Bulletin and cybersecurity resources to learn more.
| | FTA Launches New "Transit Moves America"
Performance Dashboard | | |
The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has launched Transit Moves America, a new public-facing dashboard that provides easy access to safety, security, accessibility, and performance data for transit agencies across the country. The online tool uses information reported through the National Transit Database (NTD) and presents it in an interactive, user-friendly format for transit agencies, policymakers, and the public.
The dashboard includes monthly updates on safety and security performance, annual accessibility and efficiency metrics, national averages for comparison, and agency-specific data for bus and rail systems. It also includes operating cost per passenger trip information for the nation's 25 largest urbanized areas.
The release of the dashboard is part of FTA's broader effort to modernize how transit performance is measured and communicated. Earlier this year, FTA issued a Request for Information (RFI) seeking industry input on expanding NTD performance measures to better assess the quality of public transportation service. The proposed framework includes five focus areas: safety and security, cleanliness, universal accessibility, real-time service information, and system reliability.
OkTA members are encouraged to explore the new dashboard to see how their agency's publicly reported data is presented and to become familiar with the evolving performance measures that may shape future NTD reporting and public accountability.
| | ODOT Launches Oklahoma Mobility Plan | | |
Taylor Johnson, OkTA's Treasurer, reports on ODOT's Mobility Plan Meeting:
Approximately 79 stakeholders attended the first Community Partner Committee Meeting held on July 22. This included OkTA member transit agencies, as well as other agencies that work with transit regularly. Consultants working on the Oklahoma Mobility Plan (OMP) provided an overview and timeline.
The OMP is expected to be completed summer 2027 with three additional Community Partner Committee Meetings between now and then. There is also a public involvement process to ensure citizens and communities all across Oklahoma can be heard. The meeting concluded with a discussion on the gaps and barriers that riders may have in utilizing public transportation in Oklahoma. For more information on the OMP, please visit the project website here. The website also has a link to the survey that you can share with your community, coworkers, and any others.
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From the Oklahoma Department of Transportation:
The Oklahoma Department of Transportation is launching an update to the Oklahoma Mobility Plan, a statewide effort to strengthen public transit services across Oklahoma and ensure residents have access to safe, reliable and coordinated transportation options.
The Oklahoma Mobility Plan will look at the existing transit system statewide and work with communities to identify gaps in transportation and funding needs and develop recommendations, such as increased service frequency or greater reliability, to improve transit in urban, rural and tribal communities.
Throughout the planning process, ODOT will engage residents, community organizations, transit providers, businesses, tribal governments and other stakeholders through public meetings and outreach activities.
ODOT encourages all Oklahomans to participate by completing the online survey, which is available in both English and Spanish, and attending upcoming public engagement events to share their experiences and ideas. The survey remains open through 2026. The project webpage will be regularly updated along with the schedule of meetings and events.
To learn more about the Oklahoma Mobility Plan, view upcoming engagement opportunities and provide input, visit: Mobility Plan. For comments or questions, email okmobilityplan@odot.ok.gov. The plan is tentatively scheduled to be complete in summer 2027.
About the Oklahoma Mobility Plan
The Oklahoma Mobility Plan will serve as a roadmap to guide public transportation and mobility investments, policies and coordination efforts across Oklahoma over the next 20 years.
| | LATS: Katie Provides Travel Training to Students | | |
BUILDING CONFIDENCE, INDEPENDENCE, AND COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS!
Katie had an amazing time providing travel training to the incredible students of the Abundant Life Christian Church STEM Program!
During the training, students learned how to safely board and exit the bus, understand bus fares, follow transit safety procedures, and confidently use public transportation throughout the Lawton community. They even had the opportunity to explore a LATS bus and experience public transit firsthand!
Lawton Area Transit System, believes transportation should be accessible and understandable for everyone. They are proud to partner with local schools, programs, organizations, seniors, individuals with disabilities, and community groups to provide travel training for riders of all ages and abilities.
| | Mukogee County Transit: Meet the Staff | | EMBARK: Featured in These Roads We Share Video Series | | |
These Roads We Share is a documentary video series that looks at how communities across the country are coming together through innovation and coordination to meet one of life’s most basic needs, simply getting where we need to go. Each episode features a recipient of an Innovative Coordinated Access and Mobility (ICAM) grant and highlights how those grant funds have impacted their community.
The series explores the agencies and everyday people behind the pioneering transportation programs that connect neighbors to jobs, healthcare, and opportunity. Through heartfelt stories, along well-traveled roads, and across the landscapes that have shaped our towns and cities for generations, the series reminds us that mobility is more than movement, it’s connection, dignity, and the freedom to be part of the world around us.
At its heart, These Roads We Share is a tribute to the people, programs, and enduring legacy of the Federal Transit Administration and its many partners whose work continues to move America forward. From rural bus routes winding through farmland to bustling city streets alive with people in motion, these stories celebrate the spirit of community and progress that has always defined America, honoring not just the roads we travel, but the shared commitment that keeps us connected: one ride, one neighbor, and one story at a time.
| | Explore how the Oklahoma Standard shines through EMBARK’s wellness program for the older adults in Oklahoma City. Through strong coordination with wellness centers and community organizations, EMBARK provides reliable access to health programs, social connection and essential services. Supported by funding from the Innovative Coordinated Access and Mobility (ICAM) Pilot Program, EMBARK Well demonstrates how coordinated mobility can help people stay active, independent and connected to their community. | | Oklahoma City: ONE Transit Commuter Rail | | |
A transportation network plans to propose a new sales tax next year to pay for a expanded commuter rail service in the Oklahoma City metropolitan area.
The sales tax plan, which would also pay for the expansion of existing bus transit services, is expected to cost a penny per taxable transaction and would fund a commuter rail service connecting Oklahoma City to Edmond and Norman, among other projects, said John Sharp, deputy director over the Association of Central Oklahoma Governments.
If approved by voters, the sales tax is expected to generate a similar amount of revenue to previous penny sales tax measures, which have generated over $130 million a year.
It would be decided by voters in Oklahoma City, Edmond and Norman, which compose the membership of ONE Transit, said Armando Reyes, a spokesperson for the governmental agency. ONE Transit, formerly known as the Regional Transportation Authority of Central Oklahoma. The organization prioritizes policies increasing access to public transit in Central Oklahoma.
If passed, the tax would stay in effect as long as ONE Transit is in operation, Reyes said.
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OkTA Member Benefit in Action Across the State
OkTA is dedicated to supporting and empowering transit members across the state. We’re excited to introduce a new way to connect with us and access personalized support tailored to your needs.
Whether you’d like us to visit your transit facility, attend a board meeting, speak at a specific event, or provide specialized training, we’re here to help you achieve your goals and strengthen your transit system.
To schedule your request, simply rely to this email and the OkTA team will be in touch!
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FREE SERVICE:
Bring the Rolling Oklahoma Classroom (ROC Bus)
to Your Next Event!
The Rolling Oklahoma Classroom is an innovative initiative funded by a grant provided by the Federal Transit Administration. The bus's purpose is to raise awareness of public transportation options in urban, rural, and tribal areas. In addition to addressing human trafficking awareness and prevention throughout the state, it offers transit workers hands-on, practical safety and security training.
Why Schedule the ROC Bus?
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Public Transit Awareness: Learn about various public transit options available in your area.
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Safety and Security Training: Receive hands-on training for transit workers to ensure a safer commute for everyone.
- Human Trafficking Prevention: Gain valuable insights and tools to combat human trafficking in our communities.
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Accessible to All: Available to every community, tribal nation, and public event in Oklahoma by request and at no cost.
Perfect for:
- Community Events
- School Fairs
- Tribal Gatherings
- Corporate Events
- Festivals
How to Schedule:
Organizations interested in requesting a ROC visit, complete this REQUEST FORM. Don't miss this unique opportunity to enhance your event with valuable information and engaging activities.
| | OkTA Committee Members Needed | |
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Interested in Volunteering?
OkTA is seeking committee members! OkTA has a several committees that help drive transit forward in Oklahoma and would love your help! Most committees take no more than 1-2 hours per month and meet via Zoom.
Interested? Please contact the OkTA office to learn more or sign up!
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NOMINATE A DRIVER DOING GOOD!
In this day and age, a kind word and a steady presence is especially meaningful and is the mark of quality customer service. Professional drivers know that their job has the potential to change a person’s day for the better. Help the OkTA to recognize these special individuals who go out of their way to care for others! Submit "Drivers Doing Good" stories or photos by sending an email to oktransit@oktransit.org.
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