House Appropriators Complete FY26 Funding Bills, Advance Results for the American People | | |
The House Appropriations Committee has announced completion of all twelve FY26 federal funding bills, moving the annual budget process into its next phase. This step provides greater clarity for states, agencies, and transportation partners as federal funding levels continue to take shape for the coming year.
OkTA will continue monitoring the process and sharing updates as more details become available, particularly those affecting public transit, rural mobility, and community transportation in Oklahoma.
Full Story: House Appropriators Complete FY26 Funding Bills, Advance Results for the American People
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EMBARK’s RAPID NW Reaches One Million Riders
EMBARK’s RAPID NW line closed out 2025 by surpassing one million total riders since launching in December 2023. The agency marked the milestone with a recognition event honoring RAPID operators, the operations team, and the Oklahoma City community for their role in the line’s rapid growth. RAPID NW now averages roughly 1,400 riders per day and continues to strengthen connectivity along one of OKC’s busiest corridors.
Read the full announcement here.
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EMBARK Expands Winter Weather Service Adjustments After January Storms
Following January’s severe winter weather, EMBARK issued updated February service protocols for OKC bus, RAPID, and paratransit operations. The agency highlighted improved communication tools, expanded real‑time alerts, and refined detour procedures to maintain reliability during freezing conditions.
Why it matters
- Winter weather remains one of the biggest disruptors of transit reliability.
- EMBARK’s updated protocols help riders receive faster, clearer service alerts.
- Improved coordination between city departments strengthens overall mobility resilience.
Read more: EMBARK – Winter Weather Service Updates
Tulsa’s Bus Rapid Transit Corridor Advances With New February Construction Milestones
Tulsa Transit reported progress on its next BRT corridor, including February utility work, station foundation pours, and signal upgrades along the Peoria and 11th Street segments. The project remains on schedule for phased completion later this year.
Why it matters
- BRT expansion increases frequency, reliability, and regional connectivity.
- Construction updates help agencies anticipate detours and coordinate shared corridors.
- Long‑term, the corridor supports higher‑capacity transit in a growing metro.
Read more: Tulsa Transit – BRT Project Update
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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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ODOT February Commission Meeting: Winter Storm Response & $140M in New Projects
At its February 2 meeting, the Oklahoma Transportation Commission reviewed ODOT’s extensive winter‑storm operations and approved nearly $140 million in new highway and bridge projects. ODOT reported spending almost $8 million on storm response, deploying 44,000 tons of salt and sand and more than 507,000 gallons of brine to keep roads passable during prolonged freezing conditions.
Why it matters for OkTA members:
- Severe weather operations directly affect transit reliability, detours, and safety planning.
- New project awards signal upcoming construction zones that may impact routes statewide.
- Early awareness helps agencies prepare rider communications and adjust schedules.
Read more: ODOT – February Commission Meeting Summary
Major Lane Reductions & Closures Across OKC and Norman
ODOT issued multiple February traffic advisories for the Oklahoma City metro and Norman, including lane reductions on I‑235, I‑40, I‑44, and long‑term restrictions on SH‑9E near US‑77 for bridge replacement. Several corridors will see intermittent closures through mid‑February and into early 2026.
Why it matters for OkTA members
- These corridors are heavily used by urban, rural, tribal, and paratransit providers.
- Lane reductions may affect on‑time performance and require temporary route adjustments.
- Agencies can use ODOT’s advisories to proactively communicate delays to riders.
Read more: ODOT – February Traffic Advisories
Owasso: Highway 169 Widening Project Begins February 2026
ODOT has launched a six‑month widening project on Highway 169 in Owasso, targeting a well‑known bottleneck where three lanes narrow to two. While construction will cause delays during peak travel times, the project aims to significantly improve long‑term mobility in a rapidly growing corridor.
Why it matters for OkTA members
- Congestion and construction delays may affect regional transit schedules and paratransit trip times.
- The project improves long‑term mobility in a high‑growth area.
- Early coordination with local partners can help mitigate service disruptions.
Read more: ODOT – Highway 169 Project Details
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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 complete the request form. 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. If you are interested, please contact the OkTA office to learn more or sign up!
- ROC Bus Committee
- Advocacy Committee
- Communications Committee
- Finance Committee
- Grants Committee
- Education Committee
- Convention Committee
- Membership Committee
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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 admin@oktransit.org.
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