The Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) released its first statewide plan for public transportation Friday and is now seeking public comment.
The plan, which unites urban and rural transit services by detailing the state’s mobility priorities for the next 20 years, was drafted by ODOT and the Oklahoma Transit Association (OTA).
“With rapidly increasing mobility needs in urban and rural parts of the state, public transit planning has never been more important in Oklahoma,” Secretary of Transportation and ODOT Executive Director Tim Gatz said. “This plan contains the first detailed study of the projected transit needs of our communities and begins to explore the changes and resources that may be necessary to modernize services and meet future demand.”
The plan gives insight into the goals, strategies, objectives, and priorities ODOT and OTA want to include to make Oklahoma a “top 10 state for public transit by 2040,” ODOT announced on Friday. The plan includes identifying the existing gap in funding for transit based on current and future projected needs, a strategic investment scheduled outlining the best use of funds through 2040, and an in-depth look at transit funding used by peer states.
“Completion of the Oklahoma Public Transit Policy Plan is just the beginning of a new era of cooperation and coordination between ODOT and the state’s public transit providers,” OTA Chief Executive Officer Mark Nestlen said. “We really appreciate the input from our transit providers, stakeholders, and the public, and we really hope this plan will be a helpful tool for the legislature to help ensure mobility for all Oklahomans.”
Public comments will be accepted through Nov. 21. They can be sent to the ODOT by email at transitplan@odot.org, or via mail at Oklahoma Dept. of Transportation, Strategic Asset and Performance Management Division, 200 N.E. 21st St., Ste. 3-A4, Oklahoma City, OK 73105.