FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 25, 2011

METRO Transit Seeks Public Input
Public Meetings Set For Downtown Alternatives Analysis Study

OKLAHOMA CITY- Central Oklahomans are encouraged to provide their input on future Downtown Transit Alternatives during two public meetings at noon and 5:30 p.m. Thursday, March 31 at First United Methodist Church of Oklahoma City, 131 NW 4th St. METRO Transit is hosting the meetings as part of a discussion on the greater downtown Alternatives Analysis study. Both meetings will cover the same subject matter.

The public meetings are one facet of a multi-phased planning study called an Alternatives Analysis (AA). This is one of the required steps to qualify for new Federal funding. The AA study will provide a broader scope of the transportation needs of downtown Oklahoma City - beyond what will be planned with the MAPS 3 modern streetcar - and recommend the most appropriate transit technologies and routes for the Greater Downtown area. The study boundaries roughly encompass 23rd Street to the north, the Oklahoma River to the south, Lottie Avenue to the east and Classen Boulevard on the west.

The AA Steering Committee, made up of citizens and chaired by Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett, has been meeting to review input from citizens, transit consultants, city planners and engineers about both alternative routes and technologies that are being considered. COTPA and the Steering Committee are interested in receiving additional comments from the public.

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

Gratis parking is available in the church parking lot off of NW 5th and nearby. Additional information about this transit planning process will be on display 30 minutes prior to each meeting.

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 (www.gometro.org) is a division of the Central Oklahoma Transportation & Parking Authority (COTPA). COTPA, a public trust administered by the City of Oklahoma City, is responsible for providing safe, efficient public transportation to the citizens of the greater Oklahoma City area..