Norman transit ridership jumps; city weighs fare changes while adding security and vehicles

Taylor, a city staff member presenting to the Community Planning and Transportation Committee on Feb. 27, said Norman saw 40,182 boardings in January 2025 compared with 30,295 in January 2024 — roughly a 10,000-ride increase for the month and a near-29% rise year-to-date across bus and paratransit services. “Westarted security services at the transit center February 1,” Taylor said, and staff adjusted hours to noon–8 p.m. on weekdays to match busier times.

The presentation outlined near-term fleet and planning changes. Taylor said six compressed natural gas cutaways for paratransit are on order and expected in March, delaying January delivery. Staff noted three older buses will remain in service while procurement options are evaluated. Taylor also said the city briefed regional partners on the Central Oklahoma long-range transit plan and expects more information before that plan returns to regional boards.

Why the numbers matter: paratransit and on-demand services are expensive to operate and currently provide Normanon Demandservice on Sundays and late nights. Taylor said Norman on Demand logged 3,272 rides in January 2025, a 24% increase from the prior January. “The fare never really puts a dent in the budget for fixed route,” Taylor said, but added staff can run elasticity models if the committee wants to see how fare increases might affect ridership.

Committee members raised budget questions and scenarios. The chair noted the council will face transit-related budget decisions in coming months and said staff and members have discussed raising the on-demand fare (examples discussed included $2 to $5) to reduce subsidies; staff cautioned higher fares typically lower demand and observed fare revenue is a small portion of total transit funding. Members also asked whether university or partner contributions cover student-related costs; staff said such contributions (discussed in the packet) are part of the budget picture.

Accessibility and operations: staff said fixed routes show increased use by riders with mobility devices — about a 16% increase on fixed-route trips carrying mobility devices, with internal counts showing 1,143 device events and 764 bikes — and that Norman on Demand currently operates roughly three ADA-equipped vehicles of seven and keeps at least one on at all times.

Next steps: staff will return with additional data and scenario modeling for fares and service options during the budget process. The committee asked staff to include detailed cost and ridership elasticity information to inform potential decisions on fare changes and service priorities.