December 2025

We’re thrilled to announce another successful grant partnership with EMBARK! The Oklahoma City Community Foundation has awarded OMI $22,500 under their Services for Seniors program to expand our non‑emergency medical transportation services.

This year, OCCF introduced an exciting Impact Ready donor portal, where our project will be featured from December 1–15. Donors can read about our work and even contribute to increase the total award. After the portal closes, we’ll receive notice of any additional funding and finalize the grant.

“This award strengthens our ability to connect seniors with the medical care they need, ensuring transportation is never a barrier to health and independence,” said Marilyn J. Dillon, Ph.D., Mobility Management Administrator/ADA Coordinator.

This support helps us continue connecting seniors to the care they need. Thank you for being part of our mission!

Learn more: Grants to Support Services for Older Adults | OCCF

Dashing Through the Snow... 
OkTA wishes everyone Season Greetings

As winter settles across Oklahoma, the Oklahoma Transit Association celebrates the people and systems that keep our communities connected. From icy morning commutes to festive evening rides, transit remains a vital thread in the fabric of daily life. This season, we honor the operators, planners, and riders who make mobility possible—through every flurry, detour, and destination. Here's to a safe, joyful, and well-traveled holiday season..

Oklahoma City Launches Transit Survey to Shape Future Funding

A citywide survey was mailed to Oklahoma City residents in early December to gather opinions on public transportation and funding options. EMBARK officials say the survey is designed to capture feedback from both riders and non‑riders, helping identify barriers to use and preferences for service improvements. Results will inform upcoming budget discussions and long‑range planning.

Why it matters:

Public input ensures that transit investments reflect community needs.

Engaging non‑riders helps identify gaps in service and accessibility.

Survey results may influence future funding models and expansion priorities.

Read more: The Journal Record – Oklahoma City Transit Survey


MetroLink Tulsa Adjusts Microtransit Zones to Improve Service

MetroLink Tulsa announced new daytime microtransit zone adjustments effective December 7, 2025. Zone 6 was shifted into Zone 2 during daytime hours, while Zone 7 was moved into Zone 5. Officials say the changes are designed to streamline coverage and improve efficiency in high‑demand areas, while night and Sunday service boundaries remain unchanged.

Why it matters:

Microtransit zone adjustments expand coverage where demand is highest.

Daytime efficiency improvements reduce wait times and improve reliability.

Maintaining night and weekend boundaries ensures continuity for existing riders.

Read more: NewsOn6 – MetroLink Tulsa Adjusts Daytime Microtransit Zones


Central Oklahoma Approves Long‑Range Transit Plan

The Association of Central Oklahoma Governments (ACOG) Board of Directors unanimously approved the

Central Oklahoma Long Range Transit Plan (COLRTP) at its November 20, 2025 meeting. The plan consolidates prior studies and sets a 30‑year vision for transit development, including expanded bus rapid transit, regional rail, and technology integration.

Why it matters:

A long‑range plan provides a roadmap for sustained investment in transit.

Regional coordination strengthens funding opportunities and project delivery.

Future‑focused planning positions Central Oklahoma for growth and resilience.

Read more: ACOG – Central Oklahoma Long Range Transit Plan Approved


Oklahoma Transportation Commission Meeting Rescheduled by Ice Storm

The Oklahoma Transportation Commission postponed its December meeting to December 8, 2025, after an ice storm made travel unsafe in Oklahoma City. The agenda includes recognition of ODOT’s Weatherford bridge project and updates on agency efficiencies.

Read more: OK Energy Today – OKC Ice Storm Delays Transportation Commission Meeting

ODOT Prepares Metro Roads for Winter Weather

Crews across Oklahoma City were activated in early December to pretreat bridges and highways with salt brine ahead of freezing rain and snow. Trucks loaded with sand and salt mixtures remain on standby to keep more than 30,000 lane miles safe for drivers.

Read more: News9 – ODOT Preps OKC-area Roads for Winter Weather

Oklahoma City Streetcar Goes Fare-Free in January

Beginning January 5, 2026, EMBARK will pilot a fare-free program for the Oklahoma City Streetcar, running through July 5. The system saw record ridership in 2025, and officials hope eliminating fares will further boost use and potentially extend to bus service.

Read more: Planetizen – Oklahoma City Streetcar Goes Fare-Free in January

  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.

Contact Us: 

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!

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 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.