Strengthening Transit Across Oklahoma —
OkTA Meets with Senator Chuck Hall in Perry, OK | | |
Cherokee Strip Transit meets with Senator Chuck Hall and OkTA team members Curt Roggow and Andrea Ball, OkTA Executive Director in Perry, OK to discuss funding priorities for the upcoming legislative season.
| | HONORING LEADERSHIP IN TRANSIT | | |
2025 Keith Leftwich Award Recipient:
Charla Sloan
When Charla Sloan accepted the 2025 Keith Leftwich Award, it wasn’t just a personal honor — it was a recognition of decades spent championing transit as a lifeline for Oklahomans. Sloan recalls her early days at the Capitol, pressing for more funding with determination and optimism. “Those were the years we celebrated when we secured $500,000,” she reflects, remembering both the challenges and the victories that shaped her journey.
A Leader Shaped by Service
What defines Sloan’s leadership is her unwavering commitment to telling transit’s story — not in abstract terms, but in the real, everyday ways it transforms lives. Independence, employment, healthcare, shopping, dignity: these are the outcomes she highlights whenever she meets with legislators or community groups. Armed with booklets and information, she makes sure no one leaves a conversation without understanding what transit means for their constituents.
Her approach is always positive. Rather than focusing on obstacles, Sloan emphasizes collaboration — with tribes, ODOT, Area Agencies on Aging, veterans’ organizations, cities, and healthcare providers. “I don’t give gloom and doom talks,” she says. “I show people what KATS can do for them.”
Inspired by Impact
For Sloan, inspiration comes from the riders themselves. A phone call from someone who landed a job because of reliable transit. A letter from a family relieved that their mother can reach dialysis without them missing work. These stories fuel her passion and affirm the power of transit to change lives.
“It is so exciting when you can make a difference,” Sloan says. And with the Keith Leftwich Award now part of her legacy, she continues to prove that difference‑making is at the heart of her leadership.
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Oklahoma Transit Agencies Prepare for Winter Operations
With colder weather arriving, agencies across the state are rolling out winter readiness plans to keep buses and paratransit services reliable. EMBARK in Oklahoma City has announced expanded maintenance schedules to reduce weather‑related breakdowns, while Tulsa Transit is testing new de‑icing protocols for its fleet. Rural providers are also coordinating with county emergency managers to ensure continuity of service during storms.
Why it matters:
- Winter weather can disrupt service and increase costs.
- Proactive planning helps protect ridership and maintain public confidence.
- Coordination between urban and rural systems strengthens statewide resilience.
Read more: Tulsa World – Transit Agencies Gear Up for Winter
Oklahoma Transit Keeps Pace With Holiday Rush
With Thanksgiving week soon behind us, Oklahoma’s transit agencies are reporting record ridership and service demand. EMBARK in Oklahoma City logged a 12% increase in bus and streetcar trips compared to last year, while Tulsa Transit added extra runs to accommodate airport traffic. Rural providers also saw spikes in demand for demand‑response services, particularly for veterans and seniors traveling to family gatherings. These numbers highlight both the resilience of Oklahoma’s transit systems and the growing need for sustainable funding to meet seasonal surges.
Read more: NewsOn6 – Thanksgiving Travel in Oklahoma
Legislative Interim Studies Shape 2026 Transit Proposals
The Oklahoma Legislature’s interim studies on rural mobility and infrastructure wrapped up this month, with findings expected to influence the 2026 session. Lawmakers examined funding models for rural demand‑response services, workforce development strategies, and technology adoption such as app‑based scheduling. The Oklahoma Transit Task Force report, still pending, is expected to dovetail with these studies to create a unified roadmap for statewide transit expansion. For OkTA members, this means the next legislative session could bring significant opportunities to advance transit priorities.
Read more: Oklahoma House – Interim Studies
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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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Oklahoma Mobility Week Highlights Access and Inclusion
Communities across Oklahoma marked Mobility Week 2025 from November 2–8, showcasing how transit connects people to jobs, healthcare, and education. Events emphasized accessibility and inclusion, reminding policymakers and the public that mobility is central to economic opportunity and independence.
Read more: Oklahoma Mobility Week 2025
Rogers County Route 66 Project Resumes After Delay
ODOT announced that resurfacing work on five miles of Route 66 south of the Craig County line will resume after Thanksgiving. The project had been delayed nearly 300 days due to utility conflicts. Completion is expected within six weeks, improving safety and drivability along one of Oklahoma’s most iconic highways.
Read more: NewsOn6 – Long‑Delayed Road Project in Rogers County to Resume
Oklahoma City Metro Faces Construction Challenges
Drivers across the Oklahoma City metro continue to navigate lane reductions and ramp closures as ODOT advances major projects on I‑35, I‑40, and I‑240. The SH‑9W interchange near Norman is being rebuilt into a Diverging Diamond Interchange, while Midwest City commuters face narrowed lanes on I‑40 through 2025. These projects promise long‑term improvements but present short‑term challenges.
Read more: Hoodline – Oklahoma City Metro Faces Widespread Traffic Disruptions
APTA Opens Call for Speakers at 2026 Rail Conference
The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) has opened its call for speakers for the 2026 Rail Conference, scheduled for June 28–July 1 in Baltimore. The event will bring together leaders across urban, commuter, and intercity rail to explore innovations shaping the future of transit. Oklahoma agencies and professionals are encouraged to submit proposals.
Read more: Passenger Transport – APTA Conferences & Events
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Federal Closure Update – November 2025
The record‑breaking shutdown that began October 1 concluded on November 12 when Congress passed a bipartisan funding bill signed by President Trump. The measure funds the government through January 30, 2026, but the impacts are far from over.
Key Highlights for Transit and Infrastructure:
- FTA operations restored: Staff have returned, and reimbursements are resuming, but new grant approvals remain delayed as backlogs are cleared.
- FRA staffing shortages: Roughly 23% of FRA staff were furloughed during the shutdown; hiring challenges for air traffic controllers and safety oversight may persist.
- Air travel disruptions: More than 5 million travelers were affected by cancellations and delays during the shutdown, and staffing gaps could continue to impact schedules.
- Funding uncertainty: The continuing resolution only extends through January 30, 2026, meaning another potential shutdown looms if Congress cannot agree on long‑term appropriations.
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State impacts: Oklahoma’s Transit Task Force report remains overdue, and federal delays could complicate planning for rural mobility and infrastructure proposals in 2026.
Implications for Oklahoma Transit Association (OkTA):
- Agencies should expect delayed processing of new federal grants through the end of the year.
- Reimbursements for approved projects are resuming, but cash flow planning remains critical.
- OkTA will continue direct communication with FTA regional offices to monitor grant timelines and ensure members are updated on funding developments.
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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.
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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 2025 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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