The Community Planning and Transportation Committee convened on September 26, 2024, to discuss key updates on public transit in the area, highlighting significant increases in ridership and ongoing discussions about security at the Norman Transit Center.

Taylor from the city staff presented the monthly public transit report, noting a remarkable rise in ridership numbers for August 2024, with a total of 38,329 passengers using the Embark Norman service, compared to 24,440 in the same month last year. This increase is attributed to the return of students and adjustments made to the transit routes. The report indicated that fixed route services accounted for approximately 36,000 of the total ridership, while paratransit services contributed around 2,100 rides. The Norman on Demand service also saw a strong performance, with 4,694 passengers recorded in its second year of operation.

Committee members expressed interest in analyzing the impact of recent expansions to the transit service area, particularly around Noble Parkway, and requested data on ridership in these newly covered regions. There were discussions about the potential for expanding micro transit services, including earlier operating hours and the possibility of transitioning to an app-based on-demand system for paratransit services.

The meeting also addressed security concerns at the Norman Transit Center, which has been a topic of discussion since its opening in October 2023. As ridership continues to grow, committee members acknowledged the need for enhanced security measures to ensure a safe environment for all users. The committee plans to monitor the situation closely and evaluate the necessary steps to maintain safety as the transit system evolves.

Overall, the meeting underscored the positive trends in public transit usage and the proactive approach of the committee in addressing both operational improvements and safety concerns.