Changes coming to Tulsa Transit

If you are a bus rider there are some changes to the city's bus service that could affect you. News on Six reporter Patrina Adger says those cuts will save the city around $340,000. <br><br>The Tulsa

Tuesday, January 21st 2003, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

If you are a bus rider there are some changes to the city's bus service that could affect you. News on Six reporter Patrina Adger says those cuts will save the city around $340,000.

The Tulsa Transit Authority had to eliminate several weekday and Saturday routes from its bus schedule. Not an easy task but one that had to be done. The Transit Authority took the public's comments into account, and came up with changes to the city's current bus service.

Starting the first week in March, several weekday and Saturday routes with duplicated service and low rider ship will be eliminated. A half dozen new routes will be added, including a once-a-month bus trip to the Tulsa Zoo, which will run, between April and September.

The lift program for disabled riders and all routes with high rider ship will stay the same. â€œThey listened to us and read our letters.â€ Diane Smock is pleased the bus routes to the Mental Health Center will not change. The same can't be said for many others who might be left walking. â€œYou have a responsibility to ensure this city has an adequate transportation system." But Tulsa Transit says their hands are tied because of lack of city funds and public support.

Doran Barnes with the Tulsa Transit Authority, "The majority of people drive cars and so we have to convince them to bring those funds to us." And for the sake of bus riders, Tulsa Transit is hoping its budget stays in the black. "Provided that we can sustain our city funding at current level and our state funding, we shouldn't have to make any further changes. That's a big if!"