New DMV Could Mean Shorter Lines

Saturday, February 3rd 2007, 4:35 pm

By: News On 6

Broken Arrow is hoping a new driver testing facility will bring some welcome business to the city's downtown, as well as make getting a license a little easier. The News on 6â€™s Chris Wright reports on the plan for a new the Department of Public Safety facility.

Most people don't look forward to a trip to the DMV, but if the state opens a facility in downtown Broken Arrow, at least they may not have to wait in line for very long.

More than 95,000 people stood in line last year at the Department of Public Safety's driver testing facilities in North Tulsa and Jenks. The DPS is hoping a third facility will help reduce that wait. The city of Broken Arrow and the DPS have been in talks for several months, and BA's Director of Communication says a deal is close to being finalized.

"There's only a few facilities in the region, so this is really going to be something unique, not only here in Broken Arrow, but for the residents in our region,â€ Broken Arrow Communications Director Keith Sterling said. â€œBecause a lot of times they have to travel far, over to Jenks or other places to get their services."

If the plan's approved, it would be operated by the state, but the building housing the facility would be leased by the city.

Broken Arrow officials believe a DMV would be a win-win situation, saying it would bring in plenty of potential customers to downtown.

"We have new folks coming into our city all the time, but there are some residents in other areas, who have never been to BA, particularly downtown, so that's what we're looking for here," said Sterling.

The facility could be up and running by this summer, and itâ€™s hoped people will view trips to the DMV with a little less dread.

"We want folks to be able to have convenience to drive to Broken Arrow, and to get their services met without having to take a big chunk out of their day and go way across the Metro," Sterling said.

The city council will vote on whether or not to go ahead with facility during their Monday meeting.