Riders, advocates urge COPTA not to eliminate Route 19; propose extending Route 15 or targeted microtransit

Summary

At a May 2 public hearing, riders and transit advocates told the Central Oklahoma Transportation and Parking Authority that eliminating Route 19 and cutting Route 24 commuter service would strand residents who rely on Mary Mahoney Medical Center and other services. The board lacked a quorum and took no formal action.

At a May 2 public hearing convened by the Central Oklahoma Transportation and Parking Authority, riders, housing advocates and the Alliance for Public Transportation urged officials not to eliminate Route 19 and to preserve or replace morning and evening service on Route 24. The board did not have a quorum and made no formal decision.

Speakers repeatedly said Route 19 is the only practical transit link for many Spencer-area residents to reach health care, jobs and other essential services. “There’s no way that I can get there any other way except through Route 19,” said Lynette Morris, a rider who said she depends on the route to reach medical appointments at Mary Mahoney Medical and Dental Center.

Advocates offered concrete alternatives to outright elimination. “Extend Route 15 into Route 19…make it run every 45 minutes,” said Sonarisa Noweki, speaking…

Riders, advocates urge COPTA not to eliminate Route 19; propose extending Route 15 or targeted microtransit

Summary

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