April 2025

AN URGENT CALL TO ACTION FOR

TRANSIT LEADERS

Dear OkTA Members and Transit Friends,

We need your help! SB562 is scheduled to be heard on the House floor sometime before May 8th.

Starting today, please take the time to call and send emails to your State Representative and ask for a YES vote on SB562.

In addition, please email and call both the House and Senate to ask them to support our line item funding of $5 million for public transit in order to get the necessary federal match and not leave money on the table.

Sample email text is below if you’d like to cut and paste it or use it as talking points for a phone call. If you send emails, feel free to copy me so I know you reached out! Thank you for your help keeping transit services in OK rolling!

Thanks!

Andrea Ball

OkTA Executive Director

andrea@oktransit.org

Subject: Support for OK Senate Bill 562

Dear [Recipient's Name],

I hope this message finds you well and thank you for your work on behalf of all Oklahomans. I am writing to urge your support for Oklahoma Senate Bill 562 which will be on the floor soon, which aims to enhance public safety and protect both transit drivers and passengers in Oklahoma.

This bill clarifies the language of the Bus Passenger Safety Act, making it essential for the continued safety and well-being of everyone who relies on our transit systems.

In addition, I also ask that you support the $5 million line item for public transit along with full funding for the Oklahoma Department of Transportation budget, which will enable us to leverage federal matching dollars effectively and help transit provide positive economic impacts and essential services for all Oklahomans.

Your support for this bill (SB562) and our budget request is vital in creating a safer environment for all transit users and in securing the necessary funding to maintain and improve our transit services.

Thank you for considering this important issue.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

[Your Contact Information]

[Your Address]

OkTA HIGHLIGHTS

Recap of Transit Day at the Capitol

We’re pleased to share the highlights from a highly productive day at the Oklahoma Capitol on April 9th, where we advocated for critical transit initiatives that will make a lasting impact statewide.

Thanks to the collective efforts of OKTA and our dedicated partners, we made meaningful progress on key priorities:

Engaging in positive discussions about securing funding for the next fiscal year to advance transit systems.

Strengthening support for the Transit Workers’ Assault Bill (SB562)—an important step toward safer working conditions for transit employees.

This day was a powerful reminder of the difference we can make together through advocacy and collaboration. We are grateful for everyone who contributed to the success of this event and look forward to continuing the momentum.

Learning Links

Request Your OkTA Connection!

The OkTA is Rolling Out a New Member Benefit!

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!

OkTA NEWS TO KNOW

EMBARK is making the Thunder playoff experience stress-free for fans by providing multiple smart and convenient options to get fans to the Paycom Center minus the gameday traffic and parking hassles.

EMBARK's RAPID Bus Line Success: EMBARK's RAPID Northwest Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) line has logged over 55,000 passenger trips since its launch. The city plans to expand with two additional RAPID lines to serve northeast and south Oklahoma City.

Federal Study on Passenger Rail Expansion: The Federal Railway Administration is exploring new passenger rail links connecting Oklahoma City to Tulsa and beyond, with a proposed route extending to Newton, Kansas. This initiative aims to enhance travel options and boost economic flow.

Rural and Urban Transit Programs: Oklahoma's rural transit systems provided over 1.74 million trips in fiscal year 2022, with significant funding from federal and state sources. Urban transit systems continue to serve major cities like Oklahoma City, Tulsa, and Norman, supporting both general and specialized transportation needs.

On a quest to cut waste, Oklahoma House releases its list of ‘DOGE Ideas of Note’ Over 30 complaints of government waste and inefficiency in Oklahoma have been flagged as “ideas of note” and considered by House lawmakers during budget discussions.

Tulsa Stonehenge Is Oklahoma’s Most Expensive Transportation Project In State’s History An interchange in Tulsa, Oklahoma, earned the name "Tulsa Stonehenge," or "Traffic Henge," due to rows of empty bridge piers. Now construction has begun on those empty piers to complete a long-delayed construction plan.

The 36th Annual SWTA Spotlight Marketing Awards have been celebrating creativity and innovation since 1990, making them one of the longest-running awards in the industry. New categories for State Transit Associations and Businesses.

RENEW YOUR OkTA MEMBERSHIP

Your membership in the Oklahoma Transit Association plays a vital role in protecting and enhancing transit services across our state, and we deeply value your support and involvement. The year 2024 was filled with significant achievements, and the future holds even greater promise for our organization!

One of our proudest accomplishments for all Oklahoma Transit Agencies was securing the state revolving fund allocation for the third consecutive year. This $10.2 million allocation ensures Oklahoma's public transit systems have access to additional match funding, preventing valuable federal dollars from being left unused.

Looking ahead, we are actively collaborating with state legislators to guarantee this funding continues into 2025. Additionally, we are championing a bill aimed at introducing tougher penalties for driver assaults, reinforcing safety measures at the state level.

Renew Today!

Schedule the ROC Bus for 2025!

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?

Public Transit Awareness: Learn about various public transit options available in your area.
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.
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.

Let’s make your 2025 event impactful and educational with the ROC Bus!

Have a public event coming up in your area? Invite the ROC Bus!

ROC Brochure Link

OkTA COMMITTEE MEMBERS NEEDED

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

If you have any questions about committees, please contact Andrea Ball at Andrea@oktransit.org.

Click here to learn more about the committees.

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 OTA 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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