May 2025

Dear OkTA Members and Transit Friends,

As the 2025 Oklahoma Legislative Session comes to a close, we are excited to share the progress made for public transit across the state!

Thanks to strong advocacy efforts, the state revolving fund has been maintained at prior levels for all Oklahoma transit systems. Governor Stitt has signed the budget, allocating over $10 million to support public transit services in the coming year. We sincerely appreciate the efforts of all OkTA members whose calls, letters, and unwavering support helped make this funding a reality.

In addition, the Governor has signed into law an amendment to the Bus Passenger Safety Act, reinforcing safety measures for transit drivers, riders, and the public. Under this newly passed legislation, assaulting a transit driver is now classified as a felony in Oklahoma, ensuring stronger protections for those who serve our communities.

With this funding and policy improvements now finalized, agencies statewide can begin implementing enhancements to better serve riders and strengthen transit systems.

We deeply appreciate your ongoing commitment to advancing public transit in Oklahoma, and we hope you have a safe and enjoyable summer!

Thanks!

Andrea Ball

OkTA Executive Director

andrea@oktransit.org

OkTA HIGHLIGHTS

FTA Bus and Low No Competitive Grant Programs FY25 Notice of Funding Webinar

Join FTA next month to learn about a competitive funding opportunity for approximately $1.5 billion that will support state and local efforts to replace and rehabilitate transit fleets with low and no emission buses, renovate and construct bus facilities, and support workforce development.

Potential applicants to the FY25 Grants for Buses and Bus Facilities Program and Low or No Emission (Low-No) Program are welcome to register for and attend the scheduled webinar on June 4, 2025 from 2:00 – 3:30 p.m., ET. Webinar attendees will learn about program eligibility, evaluation criteria and selection considerations, and the submission process.

FTA is committed to providing equal access to these sessions for all participants. If you need alternative formats, options, or services, please email ftalownobusnofo@dot.gov.

Links:

June 4 Webinar Registration

Notice of Funding Opportunity

Grants for Buses and Bus Facilities Program

Low or No Emission Program

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!

Request Your OkTA Connection!

OkTA NEWS TO KNOW

House Backs Electric Vehicle, Hybrid Fees in Budget Bill

A massive House-passed tax and budget measure promises to return a federal account central to transportation maintenance projects to solvency.

Duffy Defends Trump’s $27 Billion Infrastructure Budget Transportation Secretary Sean D uffy informed the appropriations panel about funding proposals the Trump administration is pursuing for freight connectivity improvements, highway safety projects and the regulatory streamlining of infrastructure projects.

Wilk Praises Passage of Oklahoma Secure Roads and Safe Trucking Act of 2025 The Oklahoma House of Representatives last week passed Senate Bill 20 by a vote of 71-13. SB20, or the Oklahoma Secure Roads and Safe Trucking Act of 2025, is a measure that strengthens requirements for non-domiciled commercial drivers operating in the state. Authored by Representative Jonathan Wilk, R-Goldsby.

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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