City of Broken Arrow introduces innovative micro-transit service

Credit: City of Broken Arrow

The City of Broken Arrow (BA) has unveiled an ambitious new transport initiative, Broken Arrow Transit, to address the needs of its diverse population. This micro-transit pilot programme promises convenient, affordable and accessible public transportation tailored to the community’s needs.

Operated by MetroLink Tulsa, formerly known as Tulsa Transit, Broken Arrow Transit offers an on-demand, curb-to-curb service within a designated 20-square-mile area. To request a ride, residents can either utilise the user-friendly GoPass app or call 918-982-6882. With the flexibility to book up to an hour in advance, commuters can seamlessly plan their journeys.

Mayor Debra Wimpee said: “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. This programme allows people to get where they need to go – be it the doctor, grocery store, or restaurant – for a minimal cost.”

The initiative stems from the findings of the year-long Broken Arrow Transit Study conducted in 2022. Highlighting the transportation challenges faced by a significant portion of the population, the study revealed that a considerable number of households have limited access to vehicles, while segments such as the elderly, impoverished and disabled require specialised assistance.

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City Manager Michael Spurgeon underscored the community-driven nature of the project, saying, “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.”

Funding for the initiative has been secured through a $500,000 Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality grant from the federal government, in partnership with the Indian Nations Council of Governments (INCOG). This funding facilitated the acquisition of four electric Mustang Mach-E cars and a para-transit van equipped to accommodate wheelchairs, alongside the installation of charging stations for the vehicles.

The launch of Broken Arrow Transit marks a significant shift in the city’s transportation landscape, with the micro-transit service replacing the 508-route while maintaining the vital connection to downtown Tulsa through the 900-route. Looking ahead, city officials aim to leverage the pilot programme’s data to expand its scope and accessibility in the long-term.