Public Transit Trumps Politics in Oklahoma City with Mayor David Holt

Transit Unplugged

Usually on Transit Unplugged we bring you the voices and stories of transit leaders from around the world, but this week we have something a little different. Join Paul as he sits down with Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt to talk about transit, politics, and changing how people view public transit in his city.

As David describes it, like many cities West of the Mississippi, Oklahoma City was planned, developed, and built for cars. Transit was seen as transportation of last resort. What this translated into was a sporadic and sparse transit system where people could wait a hour for the next bus after walking miles to get to a stop that's just a stick in the mud.

David and his predecessor thought it was time to change that and create a modern, robust transit system in Oklahoma's capital city. Now the city is building out its bus route network, putting in bus rapid transit (BRT), and looking at light rail to connect two key suburbs. David's plan hinges on doing big things in small steps over the course of a few years. Instead of proposing a massive light rail network, he's proposing this smaller, focused project to prove it out and build support for the project over the long-term.

We think you'll enjoy this refreshing discussion from a pro-transit politician who is building support regardless of your politics.

Coming up next week on the show we have Justin Stuehrenberg, General Manager of the Madison Metro Transit System talking about his big projects happening in his city.

If you have a question or comment, email us at [e-mail].

Transit Unplugged is brought to you by Modaxo and these fine folks:

• Paul Comfort, host and producer
• Julie Gates, executive producer
• Tris Hussey, editor and writer
• Tatyana Mechkarova, social media

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00:00 Welcome to Transit Unplugged

00:05 Introducing Mayor David Holt and Oklahoma City's Transit Vision

02:04 The Geography and Demographics of Oklahoma City

05:33 Embark: Oklahoma City's Public Transit System

07:42 The Evolution of Public Transit in Oklahoma City

12:37 Funding Transit: The Role of MAPS Initiatives

16:32 The Future of Transit: Regional Transit Authority and Light Rail Plans

22:32 Political Perspectives on Transit and Closing Thoughts

27:24 Coming up next week on Transit Unplugged