TAHLEQUAH, Okla. —The Cherokee Nation is ensuring citizens in the 14-county tribal jurisdiction have rides to health centers and senior nutrition sites by setting aside more funds for transit services.
“For many of our most vulnerable Cherokee citizens, the transit programs are not just a way to get to the doctor or the grocery store, but a way to live independently and with dignity,” said Chuck Hoskin Jr., deputy speaker of the Tribal Council. “Fortunately, we have found a way to keep these services going with more funding.”
The Cherokee Nation Tribal Council recently passed a resolution that increases the portion of the tribe’s road construction budget set aside to supplement transit services from 1 percent up to 5 percent. The increase in funds is aimed to help in recent demand for more ridership.
Cherokee Nation Transit Services offer two programs through their contracted providers. The fixed route program operates five routes through three service providers and is open to the public at a fee of $1 roundtrip. The Demand Response Program allows Native Americans and tribal government employees to call the transit service provider in their area and request a ride. The service cost is $1 for roundtrip, but citizens should schedule a ride three days in advance.
“We worked hard to increase funding for the Demand Response Program to help our citizens,” said Tribal Council member Dick Lay, of Ochelata.
Citizens in the following counties can call the transit agency in their area to schedule a ride for the Demand Response Program or check times for fixed routes:
Adair, Cherokee, Wagoner, Sequoyah and McIntosh counties for Ki Bois Area Transit System, 800-289-7228.
Craig, Delaware, Mayes, Nowata, Ottawa and Rogers counties for Pelivan Transit, 800-482-4594.
Muskogee County for Muskogee County Transit, 918-682-1721.
Washington County for Cimarron Public Transit, 918-336-2233.
For general information call Cherokee Nation Transit Services at 800-256-0671 or visit their website, http://transit.cherokee.org.
