Issue 12 - December 2022

Congratulations to the Choctaw Nation Tribal Transit for their winning entry of the OTA's All Decked Out for the Holidays Decorating Challenge 2022! The winner receives a $100 gift card for their agency office holiday party.  #CNOTribalTransit's theme representative of Christmas past and present was a fan favorite.

Special thanks to Creative Bus Sales, Inc. for sponsoring the 2022 holiday challenge! Bragging rights and honorable mentions for Oklahoma's transits workers entries also include City of Guymon, Kibois Area Transit System KATS, and Tulsa Transit!

OTA To Visit Capitol Hill on January 31-Feb 2

OTA will be visiting our Oklahoma delegation of legislators and their staff in Washington, DC from Jan. 31 - Feb. 2 and invite you to join us and tell you transit story to lawmakers. Space is limited but we have a few spots left so Contact OTA if you would like to attend! You will be responsible for your own transportation and accommodations.

Have you Requested Your

ROC Bus Visit?

The Rolling Oklahoma Classroom is designed to enhance awareness of public transit options in rural, tribal and urban communities. It will also provide hands-on safety and security training for transit workers and address human trafficking awareness and prevention across the state. It is available to every community, tribal nation, and public event in Oklahoma by request and at no cost. Organizations interested in requesting a ROC Bus can complete the request form or online. Contact the OTA at oktransit@oktransit.org for additional information.

Oklahoma Tribal Transit Council Donates Training Wheelchair to the ROC Bus

OTA Past President, Angie Gilliam of the Chickasaw Nation and Terry Holman, Chairman of the Oklahoma Tribal Transit Council recently announced the donation of a wheelchair for training on wheelchair securement on the OTA ROC bus. OTA took delivery of the chair in December and OTA and ROC bus sponsor, Trisha Nolen of Q’Straint came to Oklahoma City to provide training to our bus driver, Jackie Gritz. A special thank you for the wonderful partnerships that make the Oklahoma Transit Community so special!

FTA Announces Funding Opportunity

Today, FTA announced a $500,000 notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) for an organization to research and mitigate transit worker and rider assaults. The successful organization will identify safety risks for transit workers and riders, determine the most effective strategies to minimize those risks, and promote the implementation of those strategies. The final product will be a report highlighting transit worker and rider safety best practices.

OTA is exploring grantable options that align with your legislative plans for 2023 to address Oklahoma Driver Assault in the legislative session. If you have ideas or are interested in partnering in this endeavor, please reach out to our office.

The NOFO for research on safety best practices is in response to the increase in transit worker and rider assault incidents. According to the National Transit Database, assault incidences have increased five-fold from 2009 to 2019.

This opportunity builds upon FTA’s commitment to addressing transit worker and rider assault incidents, including Special Directives on Required Actions Regarding Transit Worker Assault, Request for information on Transit Worker Safety, and Bus Compartment Redesign Program. Apply by February 13, 2023.

OTA Annual Membership Census...

Vehicle Information Needed

The Oklahoma Transit Association needs your input as we work to update this year’s membership and bill for 2023 dues. We are currently in the process of updating this year’s membership records and need your current vehicle numbers. Please select the link below and take just a few moments to update us on your vehicle numbers in less than 60 seconds. After this is completed, you'll receive your 2023 membership invoice.

Your assistance will ensure that we have updated information for our members. You will have the opportunity to provide multiple contacts if you like and can even include your agency logo. In addition, you can modify your profile at any time when your agency experiences changes in staff!

CLICK HERE FOR THE OTA VEHICLE CENSUS

DO YOU KNOW A

"DRIVER DOING GOOD"?

The world today good news! In this day and age, a kind word and a steady presence is especially meaningful. Professional drivers know that their job has the potential to change a person’s day for the better. A kind word and reliable transportation are the mark of quality customer service. 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 oktansit@oktransit.org.

Books in Transit Discussion Group Meeting

February 16, 2023 02:00pm

The National RTAP Books in Transit Discussion Group selected Riding the Bus with my Sister by Rachel Simon (https://www.rachelsimon.com/books/riding-the-bus-with-my-sister) for our next book. The book takes place in rural Pennsylvania and is about someone with an intellectual disability.