Community Planning & Transportation Committee, 2/27/25

The City of Norman's Community Planning & Transportation Committee met on February 27, 2025, to discuss public transit updates and a State Highway 9 safety report. The transit report included updates on a new security contract with Embark, procurement of six new transit vehicles expected in March, and ridership increases across fixed route and on-demand services. Budget considerations were raised regarding the sustainability of the Norman on Demand program, including potential fare increases and future integration with regional transit plans pending a sales tax vote. The committee also reviewed detailed collision data and safety concerns along State Highway 9 from 36th Avenue to the city limits. Discussions focused on ongoing and planned safety improvements, including road safety audits by ODOT, intersection signalization, and infrastructure upgrades such as rumble strips and shoulder widening. The committee considered the costs and benefits of roundabouts versus traffic signals at key intersections and emphasized continued monitoring and advocacy with ODOT for safety enhancements. No formal votes or contract awards were recorded during the meeting, but several procurement and budget-related topics were discussed.