Pelivan Transit, based in Big Cabin and operating throughout several northeast Oklahoma counties, is the 2009 Oklahoma Public Transit System of the Year.

The announcement took place during the 12th Annual Oklahoma Transit Association ‘Awards for Excellence’ banquet at the Crowne Plaza Hotel. Lt. Governor opened the envelopes announcing the Awards for Excellence recipients. As part and parcel of the award, Debbie McGlasson, Pelivan Transit director, was also named Public Transit System Manager of the Year.

McGlasson accepted the award from Lt. Governor Jari Askins and OTA President Rick Cain of METRO Transit, Oklahoma City.

This is the first-ever statewide transit award for Pelivan Transit which is part of the Grand Gateway Economic Development Association.

In 2009, Pelivan Transit took the lead in developing a nine tribe consortium in northeast Oklahoma. A trolley loop was established in Miami with help from the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma. Through the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act funding, Pelivan will establish an new multi-modal center in Miami. The work with tribal governments was labeled a ‘Best Practice’ by the Tribal Transit Programs division of the Federal Transit Administration.

Another area in which Pelivan Transit has set the standard is the move toward CNG energy. Through GGEDA, Pelivan has applied for funding to establish four CNG fueling stations in northeast Oklahoma.

Other major awards announced:

• Professional of the Year: Melissa Fesler, First Capital Trolley.
• Best Marketing Program: Enid Transit.
• Ridership & Expanded Service Award: Southwest Transit.
• Safety & Training Award: Little Dixie Transit.

MAPs 3, yes!

OKC voters approve package containing
largest transit project in state history

Oklahoma public transit entered a new era this evening.

With approval of Oklahoma City voters for the MAPs 3 initiative, the largest, single public transit project in state history will be a reality. MAPs 3 received 54 percent yes votes to 46 percent no; a slightly larger margin of victory than the first MAPs proposal. This was the largest turnout for any MAPs election.

The Modern Transit Solution, a streetcar rolling over several miles of downtown track, will in all likelihood evolve into the state’s iconic transit image upon completion. The streetcar will link major employers, businesses, attractions, residences, and communities from the downtown area.

Click here for animated video of the proposed MAPs street car project.

The $130 million transit component was part of an overall $777 million package.

The campaign was one of the most contested and contentious in capital city history as both the firefighters and police unions spearheaded intense opposition through a ‘Not This MAPS’ effort.

While the turnout was significant for a special election of this type, the numbers are far below those of a primary or general election. Still, over the course of the campaign the media reports, discussion and debate about the streetcar and public transit issue exceeded any previous coverage for public transit. Roughly 60 percent of the state’s registered voters were exposed to the public transit message.

The streetcar, commuter rail and a hub were called for in the Fixed Guideway Study which provides the blueprint for central Oklahoma transit needs in the coming decades.

Click here to view the Central Oklahoma Fixed Guideway Study.

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