To help control the spread of COVID-19, Governor Kevin Stitt is giving the Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) $6 million to help transit agencies with personal protective equipment (PPE) and cleaning supplies. The Protect Transit project will prioritize rural transit providers and services for the elderly and individuals with disabilities.
“This funding is essential for helping Oklahoma’s transit operators weather this storm while continuing to provide their service to the public,” said Stitt. “ODOT works with transit providers on a daily basis, so we already have good relationships and systems in place to identify the greatest needs and get these supplies delivered quickly.”
The funding is meant to supply transit drivers with PPE and for routine disinfecting of the fleet. ODOT has started taking applications from transit agencies and will do so until the funds are allocated.
Transportation Secretary Tim Gatz says the Protect Transit project is meant to help transit agencies during this time that ridership is down and costs are increasing.
“Public transit is extremely important to our communities and provides transportation for some of Oklahoma’s most vulnerable populations to get to work or the doctor,” said Gatz. “This $6 million will protect drivers and riders by reducing the spread of the virus and allowing Oklahomans to ride confidently.”
