LATS sets public meetings to discuss route changes

Officials operating Lawton’s mass transit system are seeking community input as they move closer to implementing changes in fixed routes for LATS.

LATS General Manager Ryan Landers said his staff plans to take the recommendations on fixed route changes and the LATS “rebranding” to the City Transit Trust for a decision on Nov. 12. The trust is a function of the City Council, focusing on transportation issues.

Before then, LATS has set a series of public meetings to give Lawton-Fort Sill residents and LATS riders a chance to express their thoughts and share ideas about the changes, including a session on Oct. 16. At previous public meetings, Landers and his staff have outlined changes that will include moving some routes to different parts of Lawton to expand service, while also planning shorter routes that also will operate at different times. Proposals also include a plan for Sunday service, Landers has said.

Those specific changes will be available for view at the Lawton City Clerk’s Office, located inside Lawton City Hall at 212 SW 9th; and in the LATS office, 611 SW Bishop Road. Details also will be available on the LATS website, www.ridelats.com. Comments from the public also may be submitted via the website.

Meeting dates are:

• Oct. 16: 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. in the Banquet Room of Lawton City Hall, 212 SW 9th.

• Nov. 1: 1 p.m. in the Banquet Room of Lawton City Hall.

• Nov. 7: 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. at the Owens Multipurpose Center, 1404 S. 11th; and 2 p.m. in the Banquet Room of Lawton City Hall.

• Nov. 8: 10 a.m. at the H.C. King Center, 1705 NW 20th; and 2 p.m. in the Banquet Room of Lawton City Hall.

• Nov. 12: 6 p.m. Public hearing at the City Transit Trust meeting in the auditorium of Lawton City Hall.

Transportation to city hall will be provided at 5:45 p.m. to those attending from the downtown transfer center.

Public comment cards will be available on all LATS buses and at the LATS office for anyone who wants to make comments prior to the Nov. 12 public hearing. The office is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays.

The route changes are part of a series of upgrades being planned by LATS and the City of Lawton. Landers said the system already is making plans to buy new buses, while design plans already are being crafted for the system’s first indoor transfer center, to be built on Railroad Street.