Tulsa Transit Starting New Bus Route

A new bus route is coming to north Tulsa that will help connect people without cars to good jobs.

The City of Tulsa said areas where there are fewer jobs tend to have more people who don't have cars. Route 969, the Workforce Express Network, promises to help remedy that issue.

The route is aimed at getting people to look for jobs at companies like Amazon, Whirlpool, and the Macy's fulfillment center in Owasso.

Mayor G. T. Bynum said people who live in North Tulsa deserve to have access to these jobs even if they don't have a car.

"Historically, North Tulsa did not have an equal seat at the table when it came to economic development in our city. It was overlooked for decades," said Bynum. 

City leaders said when the route reaches its projected ridership, it will help bring an economic impact of $3 million a year in wages and benefits with an additional $21 million impact on north Tulsa. Joi McCondichie said she came by to hear the announcement.

"This is grandiose, this is enormous for North Tulsa, this is an economic development loop, the catch on that we've needed in North Tulsa," said McCondichie.

The route will be free for riders until the end of the year.

This is just the start of better transit in Oklahoma, leaders say they plan to release a statewide transit plan in the coming weeks.

For more information on the route CLICK HERE.