Oklahoma Transit Funding Success in 2026 | |
The Oklahoma legislature has finally adjourned sine die and the Oklahoma Transit Revolving Fund received an increase in SB1177. Your personal testimony helped broadcast our message to the legislature securing additional funding.
Oklahoma Transit Revolving Fund Breakdown:
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$850,000 - Title 68. Revenue and Taxation § 500.6. (gas tax)
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$3 million - Title 69. Roads, Bridges and Ferries § 1521.
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$13.8 million - State Transportation Fund (line item in SB1177, page 18 section 66)
The additional additional $6.9 million appropriation in SB1177 brought our total to $17,650,000 (over a 60% increase).
Our communication strategy began during the legislative interim period. We met with all the transportation and appropriations chairmen in their districts with a few public transit workers from the local agencies. We focused on three main price increase concerns over the last five years: vehicle cost, insurance cost and labor cost. We showed legislators the percent increase for each category pulled from the local agency budget. Each category easily showed a 40-50% increase.
In addition, we showed increased ridership, fuel costs, and other rising expenses, but we mainly focused on the top expenses. We also talked about where the transit agency was asked to expand, but couldn't due to budget constraints. We emphasized that for each state dollar appropriated, the local agency can receive up to a 4-to-1 federal match. It's important to let your state legislators know that we are leaving federal money on the table, which will eventually be appropriated to other states.
One last talking point involved Medicaid. State legislators are very concerned about how the federal government will eventually push more local responsibility onto the states. Legislators need to know that public transit is included in the Medicaid discussion and concerns. The Medicaid discussion involves more than just doctors and hospitals. The last important step was asking as many legislators as possible to request that the House and Senate budget chairmen increase funding for public transit. Your personal testimony and concerns helped broadcast our message to the legislature securing additional funding.
Please thank your state legislator if they voted "YES" to help fund the Public Transit Revolving Fund. To view the House and Senate voting record, click on the Votes tab for SB1177.
With your help, this has been a very successful legislative session.
Curt Roggow
OkTA State Lobbyist
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Yesterday the House Appropriation Committee marked up the THUD bill. The measure was approved by the Committee with a vote of 34 to 27.
The bill passed out of committee last week. The full committee report on the bill (which includes the full list of Congressionally Designated Spending projects) is attached here. Oklahoma is listed on page 205.
The BUILD America 250 Act (H.R. 8870), a bipartisan five-year surface transportation authorization bill, continues to advance through Congress. The legislation was approved by the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee on May 22 by a bipartisan vote of 62-2 following a 14-hour markup session.
The bill would authorize approximately $580 billion in funding for highways, bridges, public transportation, passenger rail, and safety programs through 2031. Supporters highlight the legislation's record investment in bridge infrastructure, increased transit and rail funding, project delivery reforms, and efforts to strengthen the long-term solvency of the Highway Trust Fund.
Public transportation stakeholders generally view the bill as a positive starting point. The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) praised the bill's project delivery and regulatory streamlining provisions but is advocating for higher guaranteed funding levels for public transit and passenger rail. APTA also expressed concerns about the proposed Consolidated State Block Grant Program, limitations on federal participation in bus procurements, and additional mandates on transit agencies.
Similarly, the Community Transportation Association of America (CTAA) supports the legislation, noting that it includes many recommendations important to rural, small-urban, and tribal transit providers. CTAA highlighted increased transit funding, expanded support for buses and bus facilities, simplified access to certain federal funds through a new block grant structure, and regulatory reforms aimed at reducing administrative burdens.
During committee consideration, lawmakers added rail safety provisions and approved several amendments. The legislation now awaits consideration by the full House of Representatives before moving to the Senate.
Read Committee Press Release
Text of the BUILD America 250 Act
APTA's Letter
| | FTA Releases Safety Bulletin about Transit Worker Fatigue | | |
FTA published Safety Bulletin 26-01: Transit Worker Fatigue with recommendations to transit agencies on how they can improve safety for workers and the public.
Effective Date: Friday, April 10, 2026
Read Bulletin
| |  | | | Mineta Institute Research Reveals
Surge in Transit Operator Assaults | | |
SEE MINETA INSTITUTE REPORT
A National-Level Hazard: Growing Assaults on Transit Staff.
Mass Transit shares THIS ARTICLE about the report. They share the following:
The Mineta Transportation Institute (MTI) is calling for improved safety measures to improve worker safety after it charted a surge in assaults on public transport workers across North America.
This call for safety comes after a new study, A National-Level Hazard: Growing Assaults on Transit Staff, showed that assaults on public transit workers worldwide have risen sharply in recent years. The study reports that 86% of all attacks since 2003 have taken place between 2015 and 2024.
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Between 2021 and 2024, the most recent four years of data, the U.S. and Canada are at the center of this trend, accounting for 41% of all global attacks on transit employees. The study revealed that bus drivers are among the most vulnerable.
Continue Reading
| | | National RTAP: Rural Transit Day, July 16 | | |
For Rural Transit Day, July 16, National RTAP invites students to submit drawings and paintings of what they like about rural transit for a chance to win a prize for themselves and their school.
The contest is open to all K-12 students in the United States. Original drawings or paintings (no computer-generated artwork, please) can be about the bus, driver, riders, bus stop, looking through the window at scenery, etc.
They want to see what YOU like about public transportation in rural areas and small towns. For inspiration, the flyer shows an entry from their 2024 Contest - The Art of Transit.
Entries will be showcased on their website and social media and displayed at one or more upcoming conferences. There will be prizes for the students and the schools.
Contest Flyer
Artwork Release Form
| | Oklahoma Spotlight: Central Oklahoma leaders look to Utah for commuter rail inspiration | |
Oklahoma City metro leaders are looking to Salt Lake City for inspiration to guide eventual plans for a commuter rail between Norman, Oklahoma City, and Edmond.
A delegation of officials from each city, plus representatives of ONE Transit, visited Salt Lake City May 21 through May 23.
“I think one of the words that comes to mind is seamless,” said Jason Ferbrache, interim executive director of ONE Transit. “We walked off of the airplane onto a light rail vehicle that took us within half a block of our hotel. That is the seamless type of transportation that the ONE Transit board is focused on creating here in the central Oklahoma region.”
Continue Reading
| Oklahoma Spotlight: ODOT Seeks Input on State Rail Plan | |
The Oklahoma Department of Transportation seeks public input to help finalize a draft of the 2026 State Rail Plan, which addresses existing and future passenger and freight rail services in Oklahoma. The draft plan reflects the latest rail project priorities and helps position Oklahoma stakeholders for federal funding.
Read More from ODOT
Fox 23 News Story
| Oklahoma Spotlight: MetroLink Tulsa | | |
Meet Bruce Sturges, MetroLink's Sr. Utilities & General Maintenance... and quite possibly the most interesting person on the lot!
Bruce's days are built around availability and versatility. Whether he's assisting the mechanics, tackling organizational challenges, or finding a creative solution to something unexpected, Bruce says "Every day is different."
What brought him to MetroLink? A career change you probably didn't see coming. After 10 years as a travel nurse, Bruce was ready for something outdoors, physical, and a little less hectic. He interviewed with Randy and Dave for a night bus cleaning job, and the rest is history. One of his personal highlights from those early days? Cleaning the now-retired Route 403 party bus at 2 AM. For the uninitiated, the 403 was a full-on experience: party lights, couches, music, and riders heading downtown for a good time. Someone had to clean it up after. That someone was Bruce.
Outside of work, Bruce is a serious long-distance cyclist. He's guided a cross-country bicycle trek from Astoria, Oregon to Point Pleasant Beach, New Jersey, ridden across Oklahoma five times, Iowa twice, and completed tours through California, Utah, and Texas. He's been riding for over 25 years and is currently logging about 125 miles a week. Yeah.
On what keeps him going at MetroLink: "Helping others has always been a priority for me." That was true in nursing. It's true on the road. And it's true here every single day.
SEE POST
| | Chanler Cory, Northern Oklahoma Development Authority provides information on Federal Funding Braiding at the 2026 CTAA EXPO, Omaha, NE. | | Oklahoma was well represented at the
CTAA EXPO in Omaha, NE | | Oklahoma Spotlight: LATS Joined Fort Sill Hiring Fair | | |
The Lawton Area Transit System (LATS) participated in the Fort Sill Hiring Fair, connecting with Soldiers, transitioning service members, Veterans, military spouses, and military families to share career opportunities within the organization. LATS representatives met with attendees to discuss how the skills developed through military service translate to meaningful careers in public transportation.
The event provided an excellent opportunity for LATS to engage with individuals who value leadership, teamwork, safety, and service to their community. By participating in the hiring fair, LATS continues its commitment to strengthening the Lawton-Fort Sill workforce while helping military-connected individuals explore rewarding employment opportunities close to home.
See Post
| | Oklahoma Spotlight: Food is Medicine Initiative | | |
An initiative being launched in four southeast Oklahoma counties aims to combat type 2 diabetes and improve health outcomes through food.
To ensure that transportation is not a barrier for patients, the Southern Oklahoma Development Association will contract with local nonprofits to provide transportation to health-related appointments and cooking classes and deliver produce to patients if needed.
“SODA Mobility Management is excited to be a part of this innovative and pioneering partnership,” said Todd O’Neal, SODA Mobility Navigator and member of the Oklahoma Mobility Management Program. “Our area public transit providers — SORTS (Big Five Community Action Agency) and JAMM (INCA Community Action Agency) — have met the call to provide transportation for all aspects of the project. We will build on our existing relationship to improve the health of our neighbors in south-central Oklahoma.”
Full Article
| Oklahoma Spotlight: JAMM Transit | | |
JAMM started new Kingston Route June 2!
JAMM is now picking up in Kingston to increase access and mobility of seniors in the community. To make the launch a complete success they held a public meeting on May 27 for the Community to experience the vehicles, learn how to ride and get answers to their questions.
JAMM picked up seniors from Kingston Housing Authority office and transported them to the meeting a couple of miles away, took them back afterwards. The meeting had city and county leaders and area social services and non-profits. Erica Pogue gave information about the expansion, how it works, and how to call and book a trip. She also answered questions and took suggestions.
An added bonus was that three new potential contract partner organizations may have been secured for JAMM for their clients transportation!
| | | | | Oklahoma Spotlight: EMBARK | | |
The Oklahoma Mobility Institute (OMI) received a grant from The Oklahoma City Community Foundation to expand its partnership with EMBARK to provide transportation for older adults to access supportive services when they are no longer able to drive.
See interview with Dr. Marilyn J. Dillon, EMBARK Mobility Administrator.
Watch Interview
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Dr. Marilyn J. Dillon, EMBARK Mobility Administrator was also interviewed by The Spotlight to discuss how the organization is helping seniors across Oklahoma City stay active, connected, and independent through transportation and wellness programs designed to improve quality of life.
Watch Interview
| | Oklahoma Spotlight:
Mobility Management Program Updates | | |
New Mobility Managers
Two host agencies recently expanded their mobility management efforts:
Eastern Oklahoma Development District (EODD) hired a new Mobility Manager who began in May: Jody Scheulen Southwest Oklahoma Development Authority (SWODA) also welcomed a new Mobility Manager in May: Jeff Johnson
Mobility Management Program Presented at Disabilities Caucus
On May 6, 2026, the Oklahoma Mobility Management Program presented updates to the Disabilities Caucus hosted by Representative Ellen Hefner. The presentation highlighted statewide transportation coordination efforts, mobility management successes, and initiatives designed to improve transportation access for Oklahomans with disabilities.
WIC Transportation Access Project Featured Nationally
Chanler Corey presented Oklahoma's WIC Transportation Access Project at the Community Transportation Association of America (CTAA) Conference in Omaha on May 11. The presentation highlighted innovative approaches to improving transportation access for WIC participants and strengthening partnerships between healthcare and transportation providers.
Employment Transportation Highlighted at MidAmerica Industrial Park
On May 21, 2026, the Oklahoma Mobility Management Program partnered with MidAmerica Industrial Park to host an Employment Transportation Lunch & Learn. The event showcased transportation services available to employees traveling to and from the industrial park. Participating organizations included Pelivan Transit, Muskogee County Transit, KATS Transit, and Enterprise Commute, which shared information about vanpool opportunities and commuter transportation options. (I have pictures if you need them)
Kingston Community Transportation Meeting
The Town of Kingston hosted a public transportation needs meeting on May 28, 2026, bringing together community members and transportation stakeholders to discuss local mobility challenges and opportunities. JAMM Transit participated in the discussion and shared information about available transportation services. (I have pictures if you need them)
Rural Health Transformation Project Launches
The Rural Health Transformation Project is officially kicking off in Oklahoma and includes transportation as a key component of improving access to healthcare services. For additional information and project updates, please contact Julie Sanders julie@swoda.org https://oklahoma.gov/health/rhtp.html
MOKA Conference for the Blind
The Mobility Management Program participated in the MOCA Conference for the Blind in Tulsa, sharing information about transportation options, travel resources, and accessibility needs across Oklahoma. The event provided an opportunity to engage directly with individuals who are blind or visually impaired and discuss transportation barriers and solutions
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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. Don't miss this unique opportunity to enhance your event with valuable information and engaging activities.
Contact Us:
Let’s make your 2026 event impactful and educational with the ROC Bus!
| | 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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