OkTA Annual Conference Update | | |
What: OkTA 2026 Annual Conference & Expo
When: October 19-21, 2026
Where: Ardmore Convention Center
Who: Transit Professionals in Oklahoma
OkTA wants to HEAR FROM YOU! The Conference Committee is actively meeting, reading through your suggestions, and developing a meaningful program. Do you have session, topic, or speaker ideas?
Please take 3 minutes to complete THIS SURVEY.
Be on the lookout for registration to launch in July. Don't miss out on the Early Bird discount!
Got questions or feedback? Reach out, oktransit@oktransit.org.
Thank you to our local hosts, Chickasaw Nation and SORTS.
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Check out CTAA's webinar giving a closer look at the Build America 250 Act.
We will keep you updated as we learn more throughout the surface transportation reauthorization process.
| | | House Appropriations Committee Approves FY 2027 THUD Appropriations Bill | | |
By: APTA
FY 2027 THUD Appropriations Bill significantly cuts public transit and passenger rail investment.
On June 3, the House Committee on Appropriations approved H.R. 9170, the Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2027 (THUD Appropriations bill) by a party-line vote of 34 - 27.
As the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) expires on September 30, 2026, there is currently no authorization legislation that applies to Fiscal Year (FY) 2027. The FY 2027 THUD Appropriations legislation freezes Highway Trust Fund contract authority at the FY 2026 levels, without any increase. The bill applies this same approach to public transit, Federal-aid highways, and highway safety programs funded from the Highway Trust Fund. The bill also does not contain any advance appropriations.
The House THUD Appropriations bill significantly cuts public transit and passenger rail funding, compared to the FY 2026 enacted levels.Specifically, the THUD Appropriations bill provides$16.5 billion for public transit in FY 2027, a cut of $4.6 billion (-22 percent) from the FY 2026 enacted level.
In addition, the House THUD Appropriations bill appropriates $3.1 billion for passenger and freight rail in FY 2027 and transfers $5.1 billion from unobligated prior funding in the Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail program to other initiatives. Thus, the bill results in a net loss of $1.9 billion for passenger and freight rail funding, which is a $17.8 billion cut from the FY 2026 enacted level (-112 percent).
The legislation includes several important U.S Department of Transportation (DOT) policy provisions, including a provision regarding immigration enforcement. Section 424 prohibits DOT from providing grants or loans to a local jurisdiction that refuses to comply with a request from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) “to provide advance notice of the scheduled release date and time for a particular illegal alien in local custody.”
Continue reading for more specifics about public transportation, passenger rail, and U.S. Department of Transportation.
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Congress Takes Up TNC Drug Testing Issues
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By: Transit Access Report
An effort has begun in Congress to codify drug and alcohol testing requirements for subsidized ride-hail services.
A “special rule” for this issue is proposed as one small item in the “House version” of a massive, five-year surface transportation reauthorization bill. Based on this newsletter’s interpretation of the language, this small item may provide a framework by which transportation network companies can perform certain public transportation services. At the same time, though, we think the wording will invite challenges from multiple perspectives.
For one thing, if the special rule eventually passes as written, it apparently would endorse a reportedly widespread practice in the transit industry that the Federal Transit Administration considers to be in violation of federal policy. That is, that passengers can take subsidized trips ordered through a choice of ridesource companies even if the companies have either a contract or an “arrangement” with the transit agency and drivers are not included in an FTA drug and alcohol testing program.
The FTA is proposing a clarification of its policy to stress that transit agencies can subsidize trips booked with transportation network companies or taxi companies – without triggering drug and alcohol testing coverage – only if there are at least two such companies in the market and they don’t have a contract or arrangement with the transit agency.
(For details, go to the “regulations.gov” website and look up FTA-2024-0020.)
In contrast, the “special rule” in the reauthorization bill would allow transit agencies to contract subsidized rides with TNCs and taxi companies if the transit agencies do the following:
- Make available to the customer for each ride more than 1 company providing transportation services, including by a transportation network company, a taxicab service, or a provider of public transportation; and
- Provide a written or verbal explanation to the customer on the differences between the alcohol and controlled substance testing requirements, as applicable, for drivers of each company providing transportation services, including providers of public transportation, made available to the customer.
The provision for an explanation to the passenger appears to be new; we haven’t seen it before.
Additionally, the House bill would allow TNCs and taxi companies whose drivers are not subject to drug testing to only “supplement, not supplant, fixed route or route-based transportation services.”
That would still leave first-mile/last-mile, guaranteed-ride-home, and same-day ADA paratransit trips to be served with ridesource options.
According to our reading of the bill, it remains silent on TNCs and taxi companies that aren’t under contract with transit agencies, so we would suppose that FTA policy (whatever it turns out to be) would apply to such entities.
Now both regulators and legislators are no doubt subject to lobbying by competing forces on this issue, from those who feel the bill allows TNCs to skirt drug testing requirements to transit agencies seeking more flexibility. As currently written, the legislative proposal would require the customer to make a decision “for each ride.” Neither the FTA proposal nor the House bill addresses the desire of major transit agencies to permit riders receiving user-side subsidies to pre-select their TNC provider of choice.
The bill referred to in this article is H.R. 8870, which has the proposed title of “BUILD America 250 Act.” The provision reported here is in Section 3104, “Special Rule for Certain Transportation Services.” It begins on page 464 of the bill as introduced on May 19, 2026. The overall measure cleared the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure two days later.
| | FTA Scrubs 'Civil Rights' From Office Name | | |
By: Transit Access Report
The Federal Transit Administration has removed the name “civil rights” from the FTA’s civil rights office.
According to the FTA, its Office of Civil Rights has been merged with a part of another office – one dealing with transit safety – to create the new FTA Office of Program Oversight.
The Office of Program Oversight “retains the functions of the former civil rights office,” FTA said.
Beyond that, Transit Access Report is hard put to explain this development in our own words. We heard about a reorganization, queried the FTA Office of Public Affairs about it, and received the following response:
FTA merged the FTA Office of Civil Rights with a sub-office within the Office of Transit Safety and Oversight, creating a new Office of Program Oversight that combines FTA’s mission critical statutory program oversight functions previously split between these two offices. This realignment enhances efficiency and ensures a more focused approach to oversight and safety responsibilities. The new Office of Program Oversight retains the functions of the former civil rights office. It is led by Associate Administrator Selene Dalton-Kumins. The former Office of Transit Safety and Oversight is now named the Office of Transit Safety Oversight, aligning the organization's title with its sole focus on safety oversight and security-related work.
Ms. Dalton-Kumins, whose former title was Associate Administrator for Civil Rights, is now on the FTA organizational chart as Associate Administrator for Program Oversight. (She reports up though a leadership structure that is vacant at the top, following the departure of Administrator Marc Molinaro after six months in the job.) Her office’s responsibilities traditionally fall under these categories:
- Americans With Disabilities Act
- Title VI of Civil Rights Act of 1964
- Equal Employment Opportunity
- Disadvantaged Business Enterprise
The DBE rules recently changed, under the current Trump Administration, to remove presumptions of disadvantage based on race and gender.
We have no guidance from FTA on the scope of the safety mission now assigned to the Office of Program Oversight.
In any event, the focus of this newsletter remains on issues that relate directly to services to riders – primarily under the ADA, also under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act.
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New Accessibility Standards Deadline:
Mobile App and Websites
| State and local government entities, such as public transportation agencies, have been given more time to bring their websites and mobile apps up to current accessibility standards. The original compliance deadline of April 24, 2026, was extended either one year or two years depending on the population size of the entity’s jurisdiction. The extension was published by the U.S. Department of Justice on April 20, 2026. | |
Public Transportation Delivering for
Millions of Fans During World Cup
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As the 2026 World Cup approaches the halfway point, APTA highlights the critical role public transportation is playing in the success of the tournament, moving millions of fans safely and efficiently to matches, fan festivals, airports, and downtown destinations across the U.S.
More than 26 public transit agencies across 11 U.S. host cities have spent the last two years preparing for one of the largest sporting events in history. Through expanded service, enhanced security, new technology, and extensive operational planning, public transportation systems are helping host cities accommodate unprecedented visitor volumes while maintaining reliable service for residents.
APTA also thanked Congress and the Administration for providing $100 million in federal funding to support World Cup-related public transportation services, helping public transit agencies expand service and deliver the operational resources needed to support both visitors and everyday riders throughout the tournament.
Several host cities have already reported record-setting ridership and strong operational performance, including:
- Seattle: Sound Transit’s Link light rail recorded its busiest day in agency history on June 19, carrying an estimated 280,000 riders for the USA-Australia match—surpassing the previous record of 220,000 set during the Seahawks’ Super Bowl parade. The system logged its third-busiest day in history (approximately 210,000 boardings) for the tournament’s opening Seattle match on June 15.
- San Francisco Bay Area: The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA), working with Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) and Caltrain, moved 37,642 fans to and from the opening World Cup match at Levi’s Stadium on June 13—exceeding Super Bowl LX demand by 6,000. Three days later, VTA carried more than 39,500 passengers for the Austria-Jordan match, while BART’s Milpitas station ridership increased more than 160 percent compared to the previous weekend.
- Kansas City: The KC Streetcar carried 196,284 passengers between June 11 and June 17, averaging 28,041 riders a day. The system set a single-day ridership record of more than 39,000 trips on June 16, the day Argentina faced Algeria at Arrowhead Stadium.
- Atlanta: The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) reports that it has moved approximately 1.7 million people to four World Cup matches, nine FIFA Fan Festivals, and other related events since June 11. The system’s busiest day so far was June 24, when an estimated 220,000 rail riders—approximately 2.3 times a typical weekday—traveled for the Morocco-Haiti match. MARTA Transit Ambassadors have worked nearly 4,000 shifts assisting customers across the system.
- Philadelphia: The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority’s (SEPTA) Broad Street Line is averaging approximately 31,000 riders per match to and from Lincoln Financial Field, with added capacity to move roughly 15,000 people per hour. SEPTA’s Flash bus service for visitors also recorded an 800 percent increase in ridership during the tournament, its largest jump since 2015.
- Los Angeles: LA Metro reported a 598 percent increase in rider taps at the Expo Park/USC Metro E Line Station on a World Cup match day compared with a typical Friday, underscoring the growing reliance on transit to reach tournament venues.
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The OkTA Board has asked the Interim Executive Director team to prioritize member site visits. The best way to learn about your daily wins and struggles is to see them for ourself.
Be on the lookout for a site visit from OkTA with the goal of listening to you. We want to know how we can serve your agency well through training opportunities, legislative efforts, connections, and more.
| OkTA was honored to volunteer as judges for Choctaw Nation Tribal Transit's Hotshot Baken 5th Annual Bus Roadeo. Watching their operators compete demonstrated why skill development and recognition remain at the heart of transit. Congratulations to all participants! | | OkTA visited KATS' Sallisaw Office to learn about their daily operations and meet the staff. We learned that Balinda Holmes, the location supervisor, is leading a team people want to be a part of. | | |
OkTA visited Cherokee Nation Transit in Tahlequah, OK. They have strong partnerships with Cimarron Public Transit System, KATS, Muskogee County Transit, and Pelivan Transit to keep their community moving. Cherokee Nation brought us to KATS in Tahlequah to learn about their good work and partnership.
Please reach out to Elise Manion (elise@oktransit.org) if you're excited to get something scheduled. Elise lives in Oklahoma and is excited to learn from you.
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More Than $2.2 Million Awarded for
Transit Vehicles Across Rural Oklahoma
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The awards are part of the Rural Mobility Access Program, a five-year initiative from the South Western Oklahoma Development Authority.
According to SWODA, 35 vehicle applications were submitted by 12 transit agencies. The applications were reviewed and scored by staff from the Oklahoma Department of Transportation Office of Mobility and Public Transit and the Southwest Oklahoma Regional Transportation Planning Organization. The applications were then considered by the RMAP Technical Review Committee and approved by the SWODA Board of Trustees.
The following agencies will receive awards:
- Cherokee Strip Transit (Garber)
- United Community Action (Pawnee)
- Comanche Nation Transit (Lawton)
- Pelvian Transit (Big Cabin)
- Ki Bois Area Transit System (Stigler)
- First Capital Trolley (Guthrie)
- Big Five - Southern Oklahoma Rural Transportation Services (Durant)
- LIFT (Hugo)
- Washita Valley Transit (Chickasha)
- Central Oklahoma Transit System (Shawnee)
- Southwest Oklahoma Transit (Altus)
- Delta Public Transit (Lindsay)
| | ODOT: Intercity Bus Program | | |
Oklahoma’s Office of Mobility and Public Transit (OMPT) released the 2026 Intercity Bus Program Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) on June 1, 2026. This funding opportunity provides financial assistance for intercity bus services operating between October 1, 2026, and September 30, 2028.
The Intercity Bus Program application package will officially be released on July 1, 2026, and applications must be submitted no later than 4:00 PM CT on Friday, August 14, 2026.
| | EMBARK's 60th Anniversary Video | | |
EMBARK shares its 60th Anniversary video celebrating six decades of service, growth, and connection throughout its community.
The video highlights EMBARK’s journey, impact, and continued commitment to providing mobility and transportation services across the region.
You can watch the video HERE.
We are proud to celebrate this milestone and grateful for the partnerships and collaboration that continue to support mobility efforts across Oklahoma.
| | MetroLink Tulsa Highlights its
July Teamwork Spotlight Recipient | | |
Employee Spotlight: Charles Walters
Congratulations to Charles Walters, MetroLink Tulsa's July Teamwork Spotlight recipient!
Charles exemplifies the value of teamwork through his dependable attitude, willingness to help, and unwavering commitment to supporting those around him. He plays an essential role in keeping their routes running smoothly by consistently going above and beyond for both our drivers and command staff. No matter how busy the day becomes, Charles approaches every challenge with a calm, steady mindset, often reminding those around him to take things "one task at a time." His reliability and positive outlook help create a more supportive and productive work environment for everyone.
His collaborative approach and commitment to helping his coworkers succeed make him an invaluable member of the MetroLink team. Charles' willingness to support others and lead by example reflects the true meaning of teamwork and the kind of excellence that strengthens our organization every day.
Thank you, Charles, for your contributions to the MetroLink team!
| | LATS is Hiring a Transit Supervisor | | |
Lawton Area Transit System is looking for a dependable, professional, and motivated leader to join its team as a Supervisor serving Lawton, Fort Sill, and the surrounding community.
This is a great opportunity for someone who understands public transportation, values safety, communicates well, and is ready to help lead daily transit operations with pride and purpose.
- Position: Supervisor
- Location: Lawton, Oklahoma
- CDL with Passenger Endorsement required before applying
- Public transportation / transit experience preferred
- Leadership, dispatch, route support, and operations experience are a plus
As a LATS Supervisor, responsibilities may include:
- Supporting team leadership and daily operations
- Ensuring safety and policy compliance
- Assisting with dispatch and route support
- Communicating between drivers and management
- Reporting and problem-solving in the field
- Helping provide reliable transportation service for our community
At LATS, the mission is bigger than buses. They help connect people to work, school, medical appointments, shopping, Fort Sill, downtown Lawton, and everyday life. They are looking for someone ready to lead with professionalism, serve with purpose, and support the team that keeps Lawton moving.
Apply today and take the next step in your career with Lawton Area Transit System.
Any questions regarding pay or scheduling, please call
(580)248-5252 Ext 007 Stasia Mendoza
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Driving Accessibility, Assistance for Public Transit in OKC
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Accessible transportation can be the difference between isolation and independence, but for many Oklahoma City residents with disabilities, driving or using standard public transit isn’t always possible.
That’s why EMBARK – the umbrella organization for multiple public transportation options across OKC and beyond – provides a wide range of accessibility services for seniors, foster youth, families in the child welfare system, and riders with disabilities across the city, providing access to schools, workplaces, grocery stores, and critical medical appointments.
Through grant-funding from the Oklahoma City Community Foundation, EMBARK transports seniors to Oklahoma County Senior Nutrition sites, where participants can share meals, play games, pursue creative hobbies, and learn from guest speakers, as well as providing seniors with weekly grocery shopping trips and rides to and from medical appointments.
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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 click the Request Button, complete the form, 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 are encouraged to reach out at roc@oktransit.org or 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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