Is bus system THAT bad? (Oklahoma City, Tulsa: school, university, taxis)

[Garethe]

Regardless of whether I move to Oklahoma or elsewhere I will be getting a job, housing, and a vehicle, in that order. Even if that means taking taxis to/from work, I've done it before and work the expense into my relocation budget.

But just for ***** and grins, is the bus system doable at times? I checked their website and while it's not the best system around, it was decent.

Does anybody here ever ride the bus?

[Bass&Catfish2008]

Bus system in OK City? What's that?

I think you'd have to pretty much live in the heart of the city to really get it to work. You might look into getting a nice bike or moped.

[flyingcat2k]

The bus systems in OKC and Tulsa are not really reliable. I see busses that have broken down about once a week. I often see people waiting up to an hour to catch a single bus. That may change in both cities as OKC and Tulsa are going to have a light rail vs. rapid bus "playoff". Even these will be just a start in specific areas of the cities so they will have mixed reactions.

[Garethe]

Ok great, thanks for that info cuse I had wondered about Tulsa too. Streetcars seem to be the trend in every city so I wouldn't be surprised if the idea comes up one day for your cities.

Whatever they choose, I'm game. As a guest or newcomer, it is up to me to adapt, not tell natives what to do.

[stiffnecked]

Streetcars are nothing more then moneysuckers. Gimmicks to make people feel good while taking money away from other needed services. The bus system in Oklahoma City sucks. My daughter tried to rely on it to get to and from work when we lived there. She'd often call me and ask me to come pick her up at the bus stop cause she'd been waiting for hours and it never came. I've seen broke busses down with people on them and come back by an hour later and their still there with the people still on them. And the bus stops are a joke. A sign alongside the road, that's it. I don't think outside of downtown I've ever seen a covered bus stop or a bench. Try that when the rain is coming down sideways or it's 105 degrees out. I'd get a car before I moved there.

[jfrebel]

for people that can't drive (in my case due to visual impairment) or for folks who can't afford a vehicle, transit is vital. I wish oklahoma would put more money into these services.

I've applied for the disability van in norman. That'll do for now if I'm approved. turns out they may not approve you if you are capable of riding buses alone. Well I can, but I'd rather not wait two hours in 105 degrees on a broken bus and still have to to walk 2 miles when a van can come pick me up and take me right where I need to go.

[stiffnecked]

Originally Posted by jfrebel

for people that can't drive (in my case due to visual impairment) or for folks who can't afford a vehicle, transit is vital. I wish oklahoma would put more money into these services.

I've applied for the disability van in norman. That'll do for now if I'm approved. turns out they may not approve you if you are capable of riding buses alone. Well I can, but I'd rather not wait two hours in 105 degrees on a broken bus and still have to to walk 2 miles when a van can come pick me up and take me right where I need to go.

You could always take a taxi. It would probably be quicker and more efficient. As for the government putting more money into it I think that they are stretched pretty thin. I know I sure don't want to see an increase in my taxes. I pay enough as it is.

[Rubi3]

If I lived in OKC I would vote for a tax increase to improve the city bus service, especially if one of my children needed to use the bus system.

[jfrebel]

cab fares get pretty expensive. though kudos to OKC for its share-a-fare program which at least reduces the costs. (though it still ain't cheap)

From what I can tell, norman doesn't have the share-a-fare thing so if I get stuck using the cab, it'll cost me alot more than the van will.

[flintysooner]

Originally Posted by jfrebel

cab fares get pretty expensive. though kudos to OKC for its share-a-fare program which at least reduces the costs. (though it still ain't cheap)

From what I can tell, norman doesn't have the share-a-fare thing so if I get stuck using the cab, it'll cost me alot more than the van will.

Public Transportation - CART | City of Norman, Oklahoma

Public Transportation - CART
Cleveland Area Rapid Transit (CART) serves as an economic development engine for the City of Norman, carting citizens to work, school, medical appointments, shopping centers and elsewhere. CART is the public transit system of the City of Norman and The University of Oklahoma.

With more than 1 million passengers annually, CART boasts 10 fixed routes in and around Norman and on the OU campus, and a commuter route to Oklahoma City carting 120 people to and from work each day. CARTaccess, an ADA/paratransit system for the elderly and disabled, transports more than 30,000 passengers annually. CARTaccess, by appointment, travels all 188 square miles of Norman.

Public transportation is a vital link for citizens of Norman, and the reason many choose to live and study here. For more information on how to ride CART, when routes run, or the fare structure, visit CART. Get real-time bus information at www.CARTgps.com. For the latest news and information, follow CART on Twitter (@CARTNorman), like CART's Facebook page or phone (405) 325-2278.