Meeting Summary
The city council held a study session to review the Go Norman Long-Term Transit Study. The presentation covered an analysis of the current transit system, public feedback, and recommendations for future route networks, service expansions, and infrastructure development. Discussions focused on balancing service coverage with efficiency, the location of a downtown transit center, and the continuation of the fair-free policy, with a plan for phased implementation.
Financial Matters
Transit Sales Tax
Citizens showed strong support for transit by passing a sales tax to fund the system.
Cost of Service Expansion
Discussion on the incremental steps for expansion (Sunday service, increased frequency, new routes) and the associated increase in annual operational hours and need for more vehicles. Each route change or vehicle addition is estimated at $0.5M to $1M.
Fair-Free Policy Funding
Recommendation to continue fair-free service, as the cost to implement and maintain fare collection systems would exceed the revenue generated. Norman Regional Hospital contributes to paratransit operations.
Coming Up
Deadlines
- Council approval of the transit plan on the 22nd
- Completing and occupying the joint transit and emergency vehicle maintenance facility
- Establishing a downtown transit center
- Coordinating with Embark to implement changes (updating materials, fine-tuning routes/schedules, updating bus stops, public information campaign)
Watch For
- Future discussions with OU for a potential funding partnership and student pass program
- Potential for a bike share program
- Refinement of the plan as RTA details become more granular
- Further study on the social security route potentially serving the jail
Agenda Summary
Presentation on the Go Norman Long-Term Transit Study
A comprehensive review of the 23-month study, covering existing transit conditions, public feedback from over 900 survey responses, and proposed future service, capital, and policy recommendations. Key proposals include a streamlined route network, expanded service hours (including Sunday service), increased frequency, a new downtown transit center, fleet modernization, and maintaining a fair-free policy.