As of Jan. 1, 2019, riders will see changes to public transportation in Norman, as Cleveland Area Rapid Transit (CART) plans to eliminate Saturday service and reduce frequency on two city bus routes.   

“It is unfortunate that cuts have to be made, but CART is working closely with the City of Norman to do this in a thoughtful manner that has the least impact on riders,” said Kris Glenn, director, University of Oklahoma Parking and Transportation.  

CART will continue operating on all campus and city routes as well as CARTaccess, its disability service; and will continue service Monday through Friday, which services on average 5,000 riders a day. 

Changes to CART schedules include fewer buses on the Main St. and Alameda routes at peak times and the discontinuation of Saturday service due to low ridership, which had around 600 riders each day. 

“These changes to the CART service schedule will save state taxpayer dollars and help balance the budget,” continued Glenn. “Routes that showed a high ridership have been left unaffected while those where ridership was the lowest will be stopped as of January 1.”

CART has been providing service to OU students and to the citizens of Norman since 1980.  However, CART has operated at a loss over the last two years to the tune of $350,000 in FY18 and $430,000 in FY17. Changes are needed to continue to provide service while staying within available resources. 

The University of Oklahoma strives to be an exceptional partner in Oklahoma City, Tulsa and Norman and will continue to work closely with the City of Norman.

CART riders are encouraged to plan ahead by visiting http://ou.edu/cart for updated schedules.