March 2025

UPCOMING EVENTS

OK Transit Day at the Capitol

April 9, 2025

ROC Bus

ODOT- "A Collaborative Future for Mobility"

April 8, 2025

Oklahoma City, OK

ROC Bus

Daily Living Centers

Driver Wheelchair Securement Training

April 9, 2025

Bethany, OK

ROC Bus

Guthrie 89'er Days

April 20, 2025

Guthrie, OK

ROC Bus

Okemah Pioneer Days

April 26, 2025

Okemah, OK

APTA International Bus Roadeo

April 4-8, 2025

Austin, TX

APTA Mobility Conference

April 6-9, 2025

Austin, TX

APTA Legislative Conference

May 18-20, 2025

Washington, D.C.

APTA Transit Board Members and Board Administrators Seminar

July 19-22, 2025

Kansas City, MO

CTAA SUN Conference

August 13-25, 2025

St. Cloud, MN

OkTA Conference Save the Date October 21-24, 2025

APTA TRANSform Conference

September 14-17, 2025

Boston, MA

APTA Safety and Risk Management Seminar

December 7-10, 2025

San Diego, CA

Have an event to add? Email

oktransit@oktransit.org

Dear OkTA Members and Transit Friends,

We’re excited to share that OKTA Transit Day at the Capitol is officially set for April 9, 2025! Let’s come together to celebrate the year ahead and our unwavering commitment to advancing transit systems that keep Oklahoma’s communities connected and thriving.

Exciting progress continues in the legislative sphere: the Transit Workers’ Assault Bill is moving forward in the Senate and has successfully passed out of committee. This is a testament to the power of collective advocacy, strengthened by the efforts of OKTA and our partners statewide.

Advocacy and Collaboration: OKTA represents a statewide network, unified in its mission to advocate for transit and local communities. Together, we achieve more, building a better, stronger future for Oklahoma transit.

Looking Ahead: This spring, OKTA is taking advocacy on the road! If you’d like us to visit your transit system, attend a local government meeting, or speak to your community, please email us—we’d be thrilled to schedule a time.

And don’t forget: as you plan your events, make sure to include the ROC Bus! It’s a fantastic addition to festivals, meetings, and special gatherings. Click here to request the ROC Bus and elevate your event! Click here to schedule your ROC Bus request.

Let’s make this year one to remember for Oklahoma transit. We can’t wait to see you on April 9!h!

Safe travels,

Andrea Ball

Executive Director

301.335.2715 mobile

andrea@oktransit.org

OkTA NEWS TO KNOW

EMBARK expands Climb Ride program to include Pivot

EMBARK is expanding its award-winning Climb Ride program to support youth ages 17 to 24 participating in Pivot's Transitional Living Program (TLP).

The partnership provides participants with free rides to school, doctor's appointments, work, job interviews, and other essential destinations, making it easier for them to focus on long-term goals rather than the basic need for transportation.

“EMBARK is excited to expand our Climb Ride program to Pivot’s transition-age youth,” EMBARK Mobility Management Coordinator Dr. Marilyn Dillon said. “It’s an opportunity to demonstrate the power of collaborative efforts to improve the lives of these young people as they enter the workforce or seek educational opportunities.” Read More.

ODOT introduces Mobility Management program, helps disabled people get around town

People with disabilities facing challenges from getting from one place to another are now able to get a little help from the Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT).

Mobility Management is a program ODOT started a couple years ago. It's fairly new to Oklahoma and to Green Country.

The federal Transportation Administration program specifically helps people with disabilities and their families.

"Transportation in a traditional sense isn't available all the time. It may bit even be reliable or accessible because everybody has various needs," said Mobility Management Program Director Olivia Hook.,

She said the program is essentially like social work; it connects people with the transportation they need.

ODOT recognizes first regional transportation planning entity

The Oklahoma Department of Transportation has designated the South Western Oklahoma Development Authority Board of Trustees as the first regional transportation planning organization in Oklahoma.

Officials said the designation is a significant milestone in regional transportation planning and recognizes the Southwest Oklahoma Regional Transportation Planning Organization’s (SORTPO) long-standing dedication to enhancing mobility and infrastructure across 16 counties in Southwest Oklahoma. The designation also highlights the Oklahoma Department of Transportation’s (ODOT) commitment to facilitating regional transportation planning and public engagement in non-metropolitan areas. The Lawton Constitution

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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