Two Texoma public transportation services get federal grant

Two Texoma public transportation providers are getting federal funding to update their fleet and buy new vehicles.

One of those is the Southern Oklahoma Rural Transportation Service, or SORTS, which Durant woman Juaneta Williams uses every day.

"For me, the SORTS is my only resort," said Williams, who is 90.

She uses the service for shopping trips, visiting her son at work or just getting out and about.

"When I need to go to the doctor, I can call SORTS," she said.

SORTS director Allen Leairdsaid the service is used by many people in rural areas without city bus systems. Leaird said they drive more than half a million miles per year serving Bryan, Coal, Carter and Love counties.

He said their most critical need is replacing aging buses.

Knowing they received a grant to keep these services going brought Williams peace.

"That's a good thing, without SORTS, what would they do?" she said.

The money is thanks to a nearly $3.6 million federal grant given to ODOT. It'll be split amongst 10 Oklahoma rural transit agencies, but SORTS doesn't yet know how much they'll get.

All SORTS vehicles are handicap accessible. The service is open to anyone in the public.

Little Dixie Transit in Hugo also received the grant.

"They're very kind to people, they do their best to accommodate everybody," Williams said.