"the People's Paths!" Cherokee News Path - Cherokee Nation Expands Transit Routes

STILWELL, Oklahoma - With gas prices on the rise again, Cherokee Nation continues to explore ways to cut expenses for employees and others who regularly commute to and from Tahlequah. One of the most affordable options currently offered is public transportation between Stilwell and Tahlequah, using the Kibois Area Transit System (KATS).

A cooperative agreement between the tribe and KATS has been in place since last August, providing a direct point-to-point route from Cherokee Nation Industries in Stilwell to the Cherokee Nation complex south of Tahlequah. The existing route is now expanding to encompass other stops along the way, making it more accessible for people who want to catch a ride from places such as Eldon or to Cherokee Nation W.W. Hastings Hospital.

At only $1 for one-way and $2 for round-trip, the service is very economical. Anyone who needs morning transportation to one of the stops along the way is welcomed. Riders can also use the schedule to return home in the evening. To ensure a ride and help keep the bus on schedule, participants are asked to arrive at their desired departure location at least five minutes prior to the scheduled departure time.

Parking is available at Cherokee Nation Industries in a designated area, and participants may use the regular parking lots available at each of the other departure points.

Michael Lynn, Cherokee Nation Community Services Roads director, said that the Nation is very pleased to be able to offer the expanded routes to various Cherokee Nation facilities for both employees and the general public. In addition to the Stilwell/Tahlequah route, Lynn indicated that new transit routes in Mayes and Sequoyah Counties are also in the works and will begin later this year.

“Those that participate will not only save on fuel costs but on vehicle wear and tear as well,” said Lynn. “I really encourage everyone who can take advantage of this opportunity to give it a try.”

A complete schedule of departure locations and times follows:

     Morning Schedule                     Departure Times            Evening Schedule                      Departure Times
Cherokee Nation Industries                   6:50 a.m.           Cherokee Casino Tahlequah                    5:05 p.m.
Eldon Baptist Church                         7:05 a.m.           Sequoyah Schools/Child Dev. Ctr.             5:10 p.m.
W.W. Hastings Hospital                       7:21 a.m.           Cherokee Nation Complex                      5:15 p.m.
Cherokee Nation Housing Services             7:30 a.m.           Cherokee Nation Cancer Programs              5:20 p.m.
Cherokee Nation Cancer Programs              7:35 a.m.           Cherokee Nation Housing Services             5:25 p.m.
Cherokee Nation Complex                      7:45 a.m.           W.W. Hastings Hospital                       5:34 p.m.
Sequoyah Schools/Child Dev. Ctr.             7:50 a.m.           Eldon Baptist Church                         5:50 p.m.
Cherokee Casino Tahlequah                    7:55 a.m.           Cherokee Nation Industries                   6:05 p.m.
End Route/Other                              8:00 a.m.           End Route/Other                              6:10 p.m.

For more information about the transit program, please call the Tahlequah area dispatch, phone: 918-453-1153 or the Stilwell area dispatch, phone: 918-696-4787.