Affordable transportation is on the way to Broken Arrow as a part of the Microtransit Pilot Program that will launch in early 2024.

The program’s goal is to improve quality of life within the region by creating an efficient, affordable, and sustainable public transportation system that is accessible for all.

Microtransit is a demand-response service that uses the same technology and interface as Uber and Lyft.

The City Council has approved the purchase of five vehicles for the program. At its Sept. 19 meeting, they approved the purchase of four 2023 Mustang Mach-E passenger cars with an additional warranty for $233,916.

And, on Sept. 5, they approved the purchase of an all-electric 2020 Lightning ZEV3 Passenger Transit Van with an ADA package for $154,910. The van has seven semi-ambulatory seats, plus a wheelchair area and a side-mounted wheelchair lift.

With this van, the city hopes to improve mobility for seniors and individuals with disabilities by removing barriers to transportation services.

Much of the funding for the program will come from a federally funded Congested Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) grant. It provides resources for state and local transportation programs to help meet the Federal Government's Clean Air Act requirements.

Though the pilot program's funding has been allocated for some time, supply-chain issues have caused delays for the program's launch.

"We were going to get a brand-new E-Transit van, but they called us at the last minute and said it wouldn't be available until December 2024," Community Development Director Kevin Maevers said.

"So, we had the option of purchasing a reconditioned, slightly used vehicle with 24,000 miles that’s in very good shape."

The need for this type of program is real. According to the Broken Arrow Transit Study completed in 2022, 27 percent of the City's households have only limited access to one or fewer vehicles, 15 percent of the population is elderly, eight percent of the population lives below the federal poverty level, and seven percent are disabled.

"The transit van was the first vehicle ordered, and we're looking at a delivery date in late November," Maevers said. “The all-electric passenger cars should arrive by the end of the year.”

Logistics such as charging station locations, and overnight vehicle storage locations are now under consideration.

"We are working with PSO right now to verify that the charging station locations we select have adequate power and security, but the site selection process is moving very quickly," Maevers said.

Drivers for the program will be provided through Tulsa Transit.