FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 13, 2010

Driving Books into the Hands of Children: METRO Transit Distributes Books at Downtown Transit Center

OKLAHOMA CITY –The Central Oklahoma Transportation and Parking Authority (COTPA) is conducting an Alternatives Analysis (AA) study to help guide the long-term development and expansion of transit in the greater downtown area. The study builds upon recent planning for the streetcar project that is part of MAPS 3 passed by Oklahoma City voters in December 2009. The study will take about a year to complete.

The AA is designed to explore additional transit options and determine one that best meets the future needs of the downtown community. This is one of several steps that must be completed in order for the City to be eligible for future federal funding, according to Rick Cain, administrator of COTPA.

“The MAPS 3 modern streetcar will provide improved mobility and support economic development in the downtown area and provide the foundation for future growth. The AA is broad in scope and will assess other options that could further enhance public transportation in downtown,” explains Cain. “If we hope to receive federal funding to grow our transit system, it’s critical that we have a plan beyond the initial 5 track miles of downtown streetcar and a multimodal transit hub.”

A steering committee made up of citizens has been formed to guide the process and to represent the diverse interests of the downtown community. Before making a recommendation to the COTPA Board of Trustees or the City Council, the committee is tasked with appraising the study’s findings while considering the input received through this spring’s Let’s Talk Transit public meetings.

An orientation meeting for the AA Steering Committee will occur Wednesday, May 19 from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Civic Center Hall of Mirrors.

The AA Steering Committee includes:

• Jeff M. Bezdek, Modern Transit Project
• Kay Bickham, COTPA Trustee
• JoeVan Bullard, Executive Director, Oklahoma City Urban Renewal Authority
• Mike Carrier, President, OKC Conventions and Visitors Bureau
• Russell Claus, Director, City of Oklahoma City Planning Department
• Mayor Mick Cornett, City of Oklahoma City
• Joseph J. Ferretti, Ph.D., Senior Vice President and Provost University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center
• Joe Hodges, President, St. Anthony Hospital
• Jane Jenkins, President and CEO, Downtown Oklahoma City Inc.
• Don Karchmer, Bricktown Parking Investors
• Klaholt Kimker, Vice President Administration, Devon Energy
• Steve Mason, President, Cardinal Engineering
• Michael Ogan, Business Development Director, Greater Oklahoma City Chamber
• David Remy, Urban Neighbors Board
• Nancy Love Robertson, Sr. Vice President – Communications, Sonic Corporate Headquarters
• Jim Roth, Phillips Murrah P.C.
• Councilwoman Meg Salyer, City of Oklahoma City
• Barney Semtner, COTPA Trustee
• Terry Taylor, Planning and Operations Director, Oklahoma Health Center Foundation
• Jim Thompson, Assistant City Manager, City of Oklahoma City
• Lauren White, President/CEO, NewView Oklahoma
• John D. Williams, General Manager, Skirvin Hilton
• Marsha N. Wooden, Vice President of Administration, SandRidge Energy
• Chris Kauffman, COTPA Trustee

Let’s Talk Transit is an initiative by COTPA to engage public opinions and stakeholders on current public transportation topics. To learn more about COTPA’s Alternatives Analysis and to follow the progress, visit www.LetsTalkTransit.com.

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About METRO Transit

METRO Transit is a division of the Central Oklahoma Transportation & Parking Authority. COTPA, a public trust administered by the City of Oklahoma City, is responsible for providing safe, efficient and convenient public transportation to the citizens of the greater Oklahoma City area. For route information or to learn more about METRO Transit, visit gometro.org.