FAST Forward Releases Draft Transit Plan For The Tulsa Area

NewsOn6.com

TULSA, Oklahoma -- INCOG is unveiling a draft of the Tulsa area's first ever regional transit system plan Thursday.

Labeled 'Fast Forward', the plan identifies and prioritizes Tulsa's highest traffic areas.

Since January, INCOG has been seeking input from residents in Tulsa, Broken Arrow, Bixby, Jenks, Sand Springs and Owasso.

Officials say a plan is being developed to find a solution with transit to help the area remain competitive.

In a news release, INCOG says restoring and enhancing Tulsa's existing transit service are key recommendations of the Regional Transit System Plan released Thursday.

The draft plan, which is available for public review and comments until August 22, also identifies seven priority corridors for further analysis.

This analysis will include reviewing transit options such as rail, bus rapid transit, streetcar and bus.

"Based on a rigorous technical review of current data and extensive valuable input from the public over the last seven months, we have developed a transit plan which we believe will bring the Tulsa region up to speed with other mid-size U.S. cities," said James Wagner, Transportation Projects Coordinator for INCOG. "The recommendations in the draft plan are very deliberate and achievable.  They are the first steps in creating an effective transit system for the region."

Immediate improvements to the current bus system recommended by the plan include:

• Set a standard service frequency system wide
• Implement a "pulse" arrival and departure schedule at transit centers to facilitate quick transfers
• Simplify circuitous routing 
• Replace Night line service with evening & night service hours on key routes
• Improve passenger information using real-time arrival displays at key bus stops and transit centers
• Construct additional transit facilities

INCOG will unveil the draft Thursday afternoon. Then it will hold an open house from 6 to 8 p.m. at Central Center at 1028 East 6th Street.

INCOG says this is a chance for the public to review the draft and comment on how to improve public transportation in the Tulsa area.

Visit www.fastforwardplan.org for more information.