In the first of two podcast episodes--and an upcoming Transit Unplugged TV episode--from Tulsa, Oklahoma, Paul chats with MetroLink Tulsa (https://www.tulsatransit.org/) CEO Scott Marr about:

• His city
• His career in transit
• The overwhelming success of microtransit and merging it with paratransit operations
• His plans for expanding Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) to Route 66 for the 100th anniversary
• And the path to lower emissions with CNG and battery-electric buses

After a long career as a transit fixer across the U.S., Scott returned to Tulsa as the CEO taking the reins of a system revitalized with BRT and microtransit. But it's not all smooth sailing for Scott and his team. Plans to expand BRT to historic Route 66 for its 100th anniversary in a couple years have hit a bump in the road with a $15M shortfall caused by inflation and price increases beyond his control. Undaunted, Scott is rallying his team and seeking support from the FTA and other sources to make this happen in time.

Tulsa is also our next feature city on Transit Unplugged TV on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@transitunplugged) . You don't want to miss seeing all the Americana that is Route 66, plus Paul's standup comedy routine at an open mic night. Check out the episode Thursday, March 14.

Coming up next week, we stay in Tulsa with MetroLink Tulsa Director of Planning Chase Phillips talking about the unique places that make Tulsa one of the most iconic cities in the U.S.

If you have a question or comment, email us at [email protected].

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 Introduction and Background

00:21 Rebranding and the New Name

01:22 Exploring the Transit System

02:38 The Future of Transit in Tulsa

12:29 Reflections and Conclusions

17:56 Coming up next week on Transit Unplugged