February 2025

Dear OkTA Members and Transit Friends,

We're excited to kick off the year and proud to support transit as you keep local communities moving forward. We’re pleased to share that the transit workers’ assault bill is progressing in the Senate and has successfully passed out of committee. This is the result of combined efforts including advocacy from OkTA.

It takes the efforts of many to advocate on your behalf. Our strength lies in numbers. We are a network covering the entire state of Oklahoma and we are better together.

Part of our support to you is to provide talking points and information that you can share with local stakeholders as you continue to advocate for local transit support. As we continue the work to secure funding for you and pass this transit worker safety initiative, please make sure to keep up with your dues for the new year and reach out to your legislators so they know how they should vote.

In addition to our legislative work, this spring, OkTA is going on the road again! If you'd like us to visit your transit, local government meeting, or speak to your community, please email me at the address below and we'd love to schedule a time!

Also, as you plan for your events, be sure to include the ROC Bus! It's a great addition to any event, festival or meeting.. Click here to schedule your ROC Bus request.

Safe travels,

Andrea Ball

Executive Director

301.335.2715 mobile

andrea@oktransit.org

SB 562: A Call To Action

Oklahoma Senate Bill 562 (SB562)

OkTA has been working to move the Oklahoma Senate Bill through legislation on behalf of our members. SB 562, sponsored by Senator Jerry Alvord (R-14) amends the Bus Passenger Safety Act by updating definitions and expanding the scope of unlawful acts related to the safety of passengers using public transportation.

Key changes involve redefining "bus" as "rolling stock transit vehicles," a term that now includes a wider variety of vehicles, such as vans, railcars, and ferry boats. The bill also establishes new definitions, like "transit worker," and revises existing terms to improve clarity and relevance. It also clarifies that illegal actions, such as hijacking a transit vehicle or threatening transit workers, will lead to felony charges and severe penalties.

The bill also mandates that anyone discharging a firearm within a transit vehicle or facility will face felony charges, unless justified by self-defense. Penalties for various offenses have been updated, with heightened fines and longer imprisonment terms for violations involving dangerous weapons. The bill underscores the priority of public safety in transit environments and declares an emergency for its immediate implementation upon passage and approval.

You can help move this bill through the legislative process and ensure the safety of transit workers across our state. Our members are urged to contact their senators asking for their support of SB 562 and sharing the transit assault informational sheet below.

Oklahoma Mobility Management

OkTA is delighted wtih the effort that ODOT is putting forth working on enhancing mobility management in Oklahoma by supporting local transit systems. Their focus on encouraging collaboration across the state, emphasizing the importance of collective effort in maintaining and improving transit services is providing more resource sharing and better passenger experiences.

Additionally, ODOT is providing resources to local stakeholders to bolster local transit support and funding. Connect with your Mobility Manager by region by using the map and contact guide below.

OkTA NEWS TO KNOW

OMI-Embark OCCF Grant

We are pleased to announce that Embark as been awarded an Oklahoma City Community Foundation grant to support Services for Seniors.

Oklahoma Mobility Institute is proud to be the fiduciary intermediary to support this grant. We are thrilled to help support Embark’s Well Senior Health and Wellness Transportation program, aimed at providing greater access to essential services for local seniors aged 60 and above, addressing key social determinants of health. We know the future of innovative transit is bright in Oklahoma with OMI helping to leverage the power of public-private partnerships to better connect communities with mobility solutions.

RENEW YOUR OkTA MEMBERSHIP

Your membership in the Oklahoma Transit Association helps protect and improve transit in our state and we appreciate your support and participation. 2024 was a very productive year for the organization and our future is exciting!

Our biggest victory on behalf of ALL Oklahoma Transit Agencies was maintaining the state revolving fund allocation for a third year in a row! This allocation of $10.2 million dollars will allow public transits in Oklahoma to have access to more match funding and not leave federal dollars on the table. We are already hard at work engaging with our state legislators to ensure this funding continues in 2025, as well as, working to sponsor a bill to address driver assaults with more severe penalties on a 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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