Transit Begins Permanent Saturday Service

Comanche Nation Transit will move to permanent Saturday service starting in August, according to Asset Manager Rebecca Tahchawwickah.

“So many people in our community don't have access to public transit on Saturdays, especially for work,” she said. “Lawton Area Transit System, they're a wonderful system, but sometimes they just don't meet the needs of the community. Sometimes, we don't meet the needs of the community. But one thing we can do is be a part and offer the option for our community, and that gives persons with disabilities, elders, and also people just going to work more opportunity to get to where they want to and need to go.”

The department has already been running the first Saturday of the month to familiarize riders with the app.

“We still had a lot of people who were like, ‘Well, are you guys ever going to open it up to phone service?’ So, we, you know, talked with them, and we're like, ‘Eventually, yes, if this starts to pick up,’ and it did,” Tahchawwickah said. “Gradually, more and more people were taking advantage of the service on Saturdays. Rural clients were taking advantage of the Saturday service when we were having it, and that is something we like. We want to hear more of that. You know, that's the point of our public transit service is rural transit. Being able to get into the city, get what they need and then be able to go home without worry.”

She said those who need a ride can call before the weekend to schedule a Saturday ride.

“It is first call, first book. So, make sure we're calling early, give your details, have the address you're going to and where you're coming from, and be specific about the pickup times or the windows that you need,” Tahchawwickah said. “If we don't have that available, we'll try to offer you something else, you know, and let you know what we can and cannot do over the phone.”

She said it should be a smooth transition but will require adjusting.

“We have some wonderful drivers. They are amazing, and they adapt to a lot of things that come our way, and they're actually very excited about it, and I think the transition will be smooth,” Tahchawwickah said. “It's just going to probably take a little bit of adjusting, and then we have some new drivers who have onboarded, which we are absolutely excited to have them with us, and they're looking forward to it as well and being a part of our team. So, I think it will be a really great adjustment, and everything is going to go fairly well.”

The department will still run on regular hours.

“We're here to get people to where they need to and want to go. If you want to go and go to the grocery store, the bank, you want to just go visit a friend, we're here for you,” Tahchawwickah said.

More information can be found by contacting Transit at 580-492-3389.