Snow Storm Traps Tulsa Transit Buses

Ashli Sims, News On 6

TULSA, Oklahoma -- Tulsa Transit said its buses would be running Tuesday, but in this weather much of the fleet didn't get far.

"If you can make the bus system work for you, we will get to work. We'll get you there and we'll get you back. It may be your best bet," Bill Cartwright said.

That was the word before the record-breaking storm hit.

2/1/2011 Related Story: Tulsa Sets Snowfall Record

Wind-whipped snow stacked drifts several feet deep and ensnared dozens of faithful city busses. Driver Lyndell Marrs says it was dodging other stranded cars that was his downfall.

"Well there was a car here and I was trying to go around the car," he said. "And if you can't make a run at it you're just outta luck."

And no help in sight.

"Yeah, I called for help. And they said well we have to get the other 20 buses first and then we'll get to you," Marrs said.

2/1/2011 Related Story: Emergency Responders Battle Road Conditions In Tulsa-Area

But Marrs and other drivers are far from alone. A semi-truck was suffering a similar fate nearby. The two drivers made friends and considered themselves fortunate.

"On my truck we got coffee, sandwich, something to eat," Juan Lopez, truck driver, said. "I'm stuck but I'm fine.

Marrs says his trusty bus has never been bested before.

"We've never not run in the snow. And I thought well it'll be ok," he said. "But you know we've never had a blizzard like this since I been here."

No one was on Lyndell Marrs' bus when he got stranded. Tulsa Transit is asking for patience on its website, promising to get folks to their destinations.

For road conditions in Oklahoma, call 888-425- 2385.

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