By: Lesa Jones | Category: Special Interest | Issue: April 2024
Photo courtesy of City of Broken Arrow
The City of Broken Arrow has launched a new way to get around BA—Broken Arrow Transit. This convenient, affordable micro-transit pilot program is an innovative, on-demand, curb-to-curb public transportation service.
Operated by MetroLink Tulsa, formerly known as Tulsa Transit, customers may request a ride by downloading the GoPass app or calling 918-982-6882. This ride share program is available in a 20-square-mile designated pilot program area. Customers may request a ride up to one hour before the ride. Hours of operation for the pilot program will be 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, with a cost of $1.75 for a 3-hour ticket or $3.50 for an all-day pass. Discounts are available.
This new transportation option is the result of the year-long Broken Arrow Transit Study, which was completed in 2022. The study revealed that 27 percent of Broken Arrow households have limited access to one or fewer vehicles. Fifteen percent of the city's population is elderly, eight percent of the population lives in poverty and seven percent are disabled.
"With Broken Arrow Transit, our goal is to improve residents' quality of life by creating an efficient, affordable, and sustainable public transportation system that is easily accessible for all," said Mayor Debra Wimpee. "This program allows people to get where they need to go—be it the doctor, grocery store, or restaurant—for a minimal cost."
With the launch of Broken Arrow Transit, the city's previous public transportation model is changing. The 508-route is being replaced with the micro-transit service, but the 900-route to downtown Tulsa will continue. City Manager Michael Spurgeon said this new transportation option will ensure the underserved have access to the services that they need with improved customer service.
"I'm excited about bringing curb-to-curb service to our residents," Spurgeon said. “Broken Arrow Transit is a direct result of the collaboration between the city and its citizens, through a public survey and public meetings. As a result of the public’s participation, a clear need for a better and more convenient public transportation model in BA was identified, and that model is what we now provide.”
City staff explored various funding options and secured a $500,000 Congested Mitigation and Air Quality grant through the federal government in partnership with the Indian Nations Council of Governments [INCOG]. The grant funded the purchase of four Mustang Mach-E automobiles and a para-transit van that will accommodate wheelchairs. The grant also covered the cost of charging stations for the all-electric vehicles.
Over the long term, the city hopes to extend the boundaries of its program. The micro-transit pilot program is a six-month test run to gather data for further program expansion. For more information, go to Broken Arrow Transit.
(918) 251-5311 | Fax: (918) 259-8226
220 S. First Street | Broken Arrow, OK 74012
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brokenarrowok.gov
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