Transit staff report modest ridership gains, finalize last bus purchases and pursue TSET grant for senior service

Taylor Johnson, transit and parking program manager in Public Works, told the Community Planning and Transportation (CPT) Committee on Oct. 23 that overall fixed-route ridership for September was 47,643, up from 44,679 the prior September, and that staff are wrapping up vehicle procurement and pursuing a TSET grant for a senior-focused pilot program.

Johnson said the city recently received council authorization to purchase three large buses under a Washington state contract and that those three will be the final large-bus replacements the system needs. "We appreciate council approving, acceptance of grant funds, moving some monies around and then the authorization to purchase of 3 large busses last Tuesday," Johnson said.

The transit manager updated the committee on several planning and service items. He said the Central Oklahoma Long Range Transit Plan is heading to ACOG for anticipated adoption in November and that staff will work with ACOG staff next year on an implementation or action plan. He also…