October 2024

Dear OkTA Members and Friends,

My sincere gratitude goes out to everyone who came to the OkTA 2024 Annual Conference. It was a fantastic three days filled with networking, educational programming, and the OkTA Transit Expo!

The content for this year's program was designed to accommodate transit organizations of all sizes as well as professionals with varying backgrounds and degrees of experience in the transportation industry. Additionally, the conference provided a unique opportunity to network with colleagues from across the state and vendors nationwide, while also offering comprehensive information on the latest topics in the industry. We hope you found it beneficial both personally and professionally.

A special thank you to all the presenters, attendees, exhibitors, and vendors for making the 2024 conference a success. Your contributions and time were invaluable. Be sure to visit the sponsors and exhibitors to learn more about their valuable products and services. For a full listing of participants be sure to check out the conference highlights below!

Finally, I want to give a shout-out to the planning committee for their outstanding work in organizing a fantastic conference experience for all attendees.

Be sure to mark the upcoming events on your calendars. We hope to see you soon!

Safe Travels,

Andrea Ball

Executive Director

301.335.2715 mobile

andrea@oktransit.org

2024 OkTA Annual Conference Highlights

Directive Requires Action to Protect Transit Workers

In an effort to protect transit workers from assault, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration (FTA) announced General Directive 24-1: Required Actions Regarding Assaults on Transit Workers. This General Directive, the first one to be issued by FTA, will require more than 700 transit agencies nationwide to take action to protect frontline transit workers from the risk of assaults.

The directive reflects FTA’s commitment to the safety of transit workers and the need to address at the federal level the problem of verbal and physical assaults they face while at work.

National Transit News

Transit systems are targeting fare evaders to win back riders leery about crime

As transportation hubs across the country attempt to win back riders who haven't returned since the pandemic — 26% as of September 2023 — one major obstacle is the sometimes inaccurate perception that transit crime is on the rise. Many systems are bulking up enforcement and targeting their efforts on people who try to ride without paying.

OkTA NEWS TO KNOW

Transportation Interim Studies

Eight transportation-related interim legislative studies are being held this fall in both the Senate and House covering a wide variety of topics ranging from aerospace to rural highways to air mobility to fuel taxes to transportation networks for disabled persons. A complete list of interim studies is available at oksenate.gov and okhouse.gov.

Oklahoma's Mobility Management Update

Since the mobility management launched two pilot programs in 2022, new programs and expanded service areas have been rapidly growing across the state. Access to transportation and mobility is critical to all Oklahomans and we are excited to see this essential program that connects individuals to transportation resources grow so fast.

The summer of 2024 brought two new mobility management programs to Central Oklahoma. Please welcome Kristen Winchester, Mobility Manager for CORTPO/COEDD and Ariel Carroll, Mobility Navigator for EMBARK

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. 2023 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 doubling the state revolving fund allocation for a second year in a row! This allocation of $10.7 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 2024, as well as, working to sponsor a bill to address driver assaults with more severe penalties on a state level.

This chart reflects the transit increases in the last two years because of the efforts of the OkTA. Join us and let's keep doing this, together!

Renew Today!

The ROC Bus is Now Taking Reservations 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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