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Central Oklahoma Overhauls Public Transit with 'One Transit'

  //automotive-transportation.news-articles.net/co .. a-overhauls-public-transit-with-one-transit.html
  Published in Automotive and Transportation on Sunday, February 15th 2026 at 18:58 GMT by koco.com
      Locales: Oklahoma, UNITED STATES

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - February 15, 2026 - The Central Oklahoma Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) is poised to revolutionize public transit with the impending launch of "One Transit," a sweeping overhaul of bus routes, schedules, and fare systems across Oklahoma City, Tulsa, and the surrounding metropolitan areas. This ambitious project, years in the making, aims to address long-standing issues of accessibility, connectivity, and efficiency, creating a truly regional transportation network.

For years, navigating public transportation in Central Oklahoma has been a fragmented experience. Different cities and counties operated largely independent systems, leading to confusing transfers, limited route coordination, and a lack of seamless travel options. "One Transit" tackles these problems head-on with a comprehensive network redesign. While specific route details are still being finalized based on ongoing community feedback, the core principle is to create a hub-and-spoke system that prioritizes high-frequency corridors and direct connections between key destinations. This means fewer transfers, shorter travel times, and a more predictable experience for riders.

"We want this to be something that works for all residents in Central Oklahoma," explains RTA General Manager Mark Lisa. "This isn't just about improving bus routes; it's about fostering economic opportunity, enhancing quality of life, and connecting people to jobs, healthcare, education, and recreation." The vision is to make public transit a viable alternative to private vehicles, reducing traffic congestion and improving air quality.

Beyond the physical network, "One Transit" leverages technology to enhance the rider experience. A cornerstone of the initiative is the implementation of real-time tracking apps. Riders will be able to use their smartphones to monitor bus locations, predict arrival times, and plan their trips with confidence. This level of transparency and convenience is crucial for attracting new riders and increasing overall system utilization. Furthermore, the RTA is developing a unified fare system, potentially incorporating mobile ticketing, contactless payment options, and integrated fares across different modes of transportation. This eliminates the need for multiple tickets or passes, simplifying the payment process and making transit more accessible.

However, the transition to "One Transit" isn't without its challenges. As Lisa acknowledges, funding remains a significant hurdle. The RTA is exploring a variety of funding sources, including federal grants, state appropriations, and local sales tax revenue. Securing consistent and reliable funding is essential to ensure the long-term sustainability of the project. Another key challenge is coordination across multiple jurisdictions. Oklahoma City, Tulsa, and surrounding communities all have their own priorities and perspectives, and building consensus requires ongoing communication and collaboration.

Recognizing the importance of community involvement, the RTA has actively engaged residents throughout the planning process. Numerous town hall meetings, public forums, and online surveys have been conducted to gather feedback and address concerns. "We know we can't do this in a vacuum," Lisa stresses. "It's going to take the entire community to make this work. We know we need to be listening to the community and responding to what they're telling us." Preliminary feedback has focused on ensuring routes serve key employment centers, healthcare facilities, and areas with high concentrations of seniors and individuals with disabilities. Concerns about service frequency in suburban and rural areas are also being carefully considered.

The potential impact of "One Transit" extends beyond simply improving the commute for existing riders. A well-integrated regional transportation system can spur economic development by connecting workers to jobs, attracting businesses to the area, and reducing transportation costs. It can also promote social equity by providing affordable and accessible transportation options for all residents, regardless of income or location. The RTA is working with local workforce development agencies to ensure that "One Transit" supports job training and placement initiatives.

Looking ahead, the RTA envisions "One Transit" as a catalyst for further expansion and innovation in regional transportation. Plans are underway to explore the feasibility of adding Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) lines, expanding service to underserved areas, and integrating with other modes of transportation, such as bike-sharing programs and ride-hailing services. The long-term goal is to create a truly multimodal transportation network that meets the evolving needs of Central Oklahoma for decades to come.

For more information about "One Transit" and to provide feedback, residents are encouraged to visit rideRTAok.org.