FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 31, 2009 

Two Transit Routes Receive A Boost

METRO Transit Adds Service to Morning and Evening Peak Trips

METRO Transit added bus service to Routes 8 and 40 this week, improving frequency for peak times during the morning and evening.

“This is the first service expansion in nearly seven years and is a step toward improving how people can move around the city. Both routes feature park and ride locations, as well as connections to other routes for even more destination choices” said Rick Cain, director of METRO Transit.

City of Oklahoma City Council members amended the 2009-2010, proposed budget to increase the funding of the Transit Department General Fund by $169,200 to enhance bus service on Routes 8 and 40.

Residents may also notice a shinier fleet on the street. Recently, METRO Transit replaced 15 twelve-year-old fixed-route buses and five para-transit vehicles using monies approved by voters in the 2007 City of Oklahoma City General Obligation Bond Initiative. The total cost for the buses was just over $4.66 million. The average life span of a fixed-route bus is 12 years with about 660,000 miles.

''We are still in need of replacing 24 buses in the next 3 years. However, thanks to the City of Oklahoma City’s G.O. Bond monies, we were able to replace the worst buses in our fleet. Keeping old buses in service longer than required, create less reliable service and increases maintenance costs,'' said Rick Cain.

Over the next year, patrons will continue to see bus and service enhancements. Recently awarded stimulus funds will allow METRO Transit to further improve service reliability, accessibility, lower maintenance costs and provide riders more freedom with their time by providing online real-time trip planning information.

METRO Transit currently operates 46 buses, 14 para-transit vehicles, 6 trolleys and 3 river ferries. All fixed-route buses feature bike racks and are wheelchair accessible. METRO Transit’s base fixed-route fare is $1.25.

METRO Transit is a division of the Central Oklahoma Transportation and Parking Authority (COTPA). COTPA is a public trust administered by the City of Oklahoma City and is responsible for providing downtown parking and public transportation to the citizens of the greater Oklahoma City metropolitan area.

To learn more about METRO Transit or how to use the system, visit gometro.org. For trip planning assistance and customer service, call 235-RIDE.

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