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Consider receiving a presentation from LATS and holding a public hearing regarding the proposed changes to LATS’ current fixed routes.
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INITIATOR: Christine James, Planning Director
STAFF INFORMATION SOURCE: Ryan Landers, LATS General Manager
BACKGROUND: As part of the Transit Master Plan, LATS identified key areas of improvement in the Lawton Area Transit System to help increase ridership and enhance services. One major recommendation identified was to update the fixed route system, which has only seen minor changes since its launch in 2002. The updated system will cover more areas using fewer buses reducing the fixed routes from nine to eight. Due to low ridership in some areas and potentially dangerous side streets, some areas currently serviced by a fixed route will no longer be serviced. However, with the proposed micro-transit services there will be other options available. For areas not served by the new fixed routes, a new service called micro-transit will be introduced to minimize gaps in coverage. Micro-transit will offer on-demand vehicles and first/last mile service to locations that don’t require a fixed route bus. The new fixed route service is expected to begin in June 2025, with micro-transit following shortly thereafter. These changes aim to improve accessibility and better serve the needs of the Lawton community.
EXHIBIT: Existing Fixed Routes
Proposed Fixed Routes
KEY ISSUES: Does the Trust desire to update the current fixed route system of LATS as recommended through the Transit Master Plan to increase efficiency?
FUNDING SOURCE: N/A
STAFF RECOMMENDED TRUST ACTION: Receive a presentation from LATS and hold a public hearing regarding the proposed changes to LATS’ current fixed routes.