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Safety and mobility updates: on-site CDL testing, roadway-worker protection and expanded senior and homelessness transportation

Central Oklahoma Transportation and Parking Authority · January 10, 2026

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Summary

COPTA received program reports on safety (on-site third-party CDL examiners and a completed Roadway Worker Protection Program) and mobility services (64% trip-growth since 2020, a relaunch of a stay-housed eviction-hearing pass program and grant-supported expansions).

Eugene Fritz of safety and Marilyn (mobility management) briefed the board on program-level developments.

Safety: Eugene Fritz said Embark now has two third-party CDL examiners (Tressa Tretter and Dina Ross) enabling on-site CDL testing and shortening turnaround times previously constrained by DPS scheduling. He described an FTA-required safety oversight technical training and the department’s completion of a Roadway Worker Protection Program by Dec. 2, including updated training and a track-access map for staff and contractors. Fritz said fatigue management and overtime monitoring will be emphasized in upcoming safety communications.

Mobility management: Marilyn reported that mobility services have grown substantially over the past five years — total division trips rose from about 89,100 in 2020 to 139,163 in 2025 (a 64% increase). Programs highlighted included senior transportation (EmbarkWell), homeless services and a relaunched partnership with Neighborhood Services Organization (NSO) that will provide one-day bus passes (via QR code or paper) so clients can attend eviction hearings; Marilyn said 76% of eligible people previously did not attend their hearings and that attendance can preserve housing options. She also described grants and partnerships (Arnall Family Foundation, Oklahoma Mobility Institute, Oklahoma City Community Foundation) and said COPTA had awarded 13 vehicles under the federal 5310 funding stream. Marilyn said some federal funding (DHS-related) has paused momentarily due to continuing-resolution timing but staff have restarted services and continue serving clients.

A trustee requested the foundation video and asked that the mobility work be presented to city council; Marilyn agreed to share the link and supported a council presentation.

The board voted to receive the program reports.