FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 12, 2010

Public Meetings Set for Downtown Transit - Let’s Talk Transit continues with the Greater Downtown Alternatives Analysis

The Central Oklahoma Transportation and Parking Authority (COTPA) is seeking input on the future development of public transportation in the greater downtown Oklahoma City area. COTPA is hosting two Let’s Talk Transit public meetings on August 26 at the Ronald J. Norick Downtown Library Auditorium.

The meetings are a part of an Alternatives Analysis (AA) study that is designed to investigate and present solutions for addressing public transportation in a specific geographic area. The outcome of this study will result in a plan that recommends the most appropriate route and transit technologies for the greater downtown area. The study boundaries roughly encompass the State Capitol to the north, Oklahoma River to the south, Lottie to the east and St. Anthony Hospital on the west. The AA is also one of the required steps to qualify the greater downtown area for federal transit funding.

An AA Steering Committee, made up of citizens and led by Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett, will receive and consider comments from the public. The committee has met to review input from transit consultants, city planners and engineers about both capital and operating costs and other infrastructure that must be considered.

“Public participation is a critical element of this study. Citizens and community stakeholders are encouraged to participate in the public meetings to learn more about the process and submit their ideas and questions,” said Rick Cain, administrator of COTPA.

Both meetings will be held at the Library located at 300 Park Ave. The lunchtime meeting will be noon to 1 p.m. The evening meeting will cover the same agenda from 6 to 7 p.m. Additional information about the transit planning process will be on display 20 minutes prior to each meeting.

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.