Regional + City Planning student Iman Abubakar recently published an op-ed in the OU Daily about transportation inequities in Norman. Abubakar’s article, “Dismantling transportation barriers to socioeconomic equity,” explores accessibility and frequency issues with Norman’s public transportation system.
The local public transport is mostly utilized by low-income families, people with disabilities, and international students who do not have access to cars. According to a survey by Go Norman Transit, 53% of public transportation riders make less than $25,000 a year, and 54% don’t own cars. Despite these statistics, the neighborhoods where many of these citizens live do not have bus stops nearby, leaving them without a reliable form of transportation.
According to Abubakar, another issue with Norman’s transportation system is its limited hours, as it only runs from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. during the week, and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturdays. The low frequency of buses limits those who are dependent on public transport to take them where they need to go, decreasing their standard of living. For instance, these citizens would have no form of transportation to attend night shift jobs, nighttime classes, or access any healthcare facilities once the buses stop running.
Abubakar’s op-ed was written as part of a Regional and City Planning course, “Planning with Diverse Communities,” which is taught by Dr. C. Aujean Lee.
Gibbs College of Architecture is proud to recognize Petya Stefanoff, who is pursuing her doctorate in the Planning, Design & Construction (PDC) program, has been appointed the new role of Director of Community Development for the City of Shawnee, Oklahoma. She joined the city in 2024.
Gibbs College of Architecture is pleased to announce that Amber N. Wiley, Ph.D., associate professor in the Division of Planning, Landscape Architecture and Design and director of the Institute for Quality Communities, has received national recognition for her book Model Schools in the Model City. The book has been named a finalist for the 2026 the PROSE Awards.
Gibbs College of Architecture Regional + City Planning Professor of Practice Vanessa Morrison and Associate Professor of Architecture Deborah Richards’ Open Design Collective received top honors at the inaugural BlackSpace Urbanist Collective Studio KIN Pitch Night Competition, held last month in Brooklyn, New York City.
