Input sought from community on public transportation issues
Virtual community forums related to public transportation will be held Feb. 17 and Feb. 18 for Washington, Creek, Kay, Osage and Pawnee counties, said Laura Corff, transit director for United Community Action Program/Cimarron Public Transit.
UCAP/CPT operates the City of Bartlesville’s CityRide program, which provides low cost transportation inside the Bartlesville city limits. City funds are budgeted each year for the program, which are supplemented by federal, state and tribal grant funds as well as contract and fare proceeds.
The forums are being held to obtain input from riders, local businesses, municipalities, social service agencies, tribes, private providers, health facilities, elected officials and the general public to assist in preparing for the future, Corff said.
“The advantage of receiving open communication helps the program to better match service with needs,” she said. “Cimarron Transit will be planning for a variety of scenarios during these uncertain times. Priorities will focus on sustainability, aligning available resources to meet the greatest needs.”
Cimarron Transit recently submitted a letter of intent to Oklahoma Department of Transportation to apply for federal assistance for program year 2022, to operate a rural transportation program in the areas of Bartlesville, Bristow, Cleveland, Dewey, Drumright, Kellyville, Mannford, Oilton, Pawhuska, Pawnee, Ponca City, Sapulpa and Skiatook.
“Annually, Cimarron Transit asks for comments from citizens regarding transportation needs and issues for consideration in updating the agency’s plan,” Corff said. “The transportation plan will be incorporated into the annual application for funding under Section 5311 formula grants for Rural Areas, which is due to the Transit Program Division of ODOT in early spring.”
Public remarks assist staff with a better understanding of challenges and concerns from the community’s perspective, she said.
“Every ride and every rider matters,” Corff said. “Open forums provide a place to share ideas and comments to enhance the rider experience, foster the community and create efficiencies in the program to fulfill the mission to provide safe and reliable public transportation in the areas we serve. We are dedicated to maintaining open communication to gain valuable insight as well as strengthen community partnerships.”
Video Meetings are scheduled as follows:
Feb 17, 2021, 10-11 a.m.
- Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom.us/j/99729209244?pwd=TGc0WjJoNVd6ejhKZ3c1T2s4OXFuQT09
- Meeting ID: 997 2920 9244 Passcode: 656332
- One tap mobile 13462487799
Feb 18, 2021, 1-2:00 p.m.
- Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom.us/j/95748391522?pwd=dXIvYjQvWWZ6Qy96Q3o1NTZXZUhhUT09
- Meeting ID: 957 4839 1522 Passcode: 428745
- One tap mobile 12532158782 Meeting ID: 957 4839 1522
Those unable to attend a meeting can submit responses by email to lcorff@ucapinc.org, by fax to 580-718-0981 or by mail to 501 Sixth Street, Pawnee, OK 74058. For more information, contact Corff at 918.762.3041 Ext. 181 or lcorff@ucapinc.org.