Cherokee Nation Launches Survey on Citizen Transportation

TAHLEQUAH, Okla. - The Cherokee Nation has launched a survey to assess transportation needs among citizens who rely on rural transit systems, which receive $2 million in annual support from the tribe.

Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. announced the survey during a National Rural Transit Day ceremony, where he signed a proclamation supporting reliable, safe and accessible transportation for all citizens, especially those in rural areas.

"At the heart of this proclamation and survey is the spirit of Gadugi-working together to ensure everyone living within the Cherokee Nation Reservation can access essential needs," said Chief Hoskin. "That requires reliable transportation services. This survey will help identify any remaining barriers to transportation access, so we can work to remove them."

The Cherokee Nation transit system serves as a vital link for citizens traveling to work, higher education facilities, local businesses, healthcare facilities and other essential destinations. The service is especially important for elders and low-income riders.

The tribe currently partners with four regional transit agencies: KATS, Pelivan, Muskogee County Transit and Cimarron Transit. The Cherokee Nation subsidizes more than 116,000 rides each year and has provided 26 new transit vehicles to help strengthen rural transit services.

Cherokee Nation's funding for public transit systems generates an estimated $5 million to $7 million in annual economic impact on the reservation.

The Cherokee Nation has made investments in rural transportation infrastructure, expanding transit access across its 7,000-square-mile, 14-county reservation and reducing mobility barriers for underserved communities. More than 140,000 Cherokee citizens live within the reservation.

"Ensuring citizens can rely on the Cherokee Nation for transportation to the health center, tribal complex, their place of work, or even to visit relatives is one of the most important ways we can serve the Cherokee people and everyone living within the reservation," Deputy Principal Chief Bryan Warner said.

The proclamation signed by the Hoskin/Warner administration also designated July 16 as Rural Transit Day in the Cherokee Nation. It outlines plans for future investments in rural transportation, including a $10 million federal grant to help establish a dispatch center, maintenance facility and other improvements.

This survey aims to identify the needs of citizens who use public transit systems, especially addressing the barriers to mobility for elders, veterans and people with disabilities. The survey is open and can be accessed here.

Additional investments in transportation across the reservation will be guided in part by data collected from the survey.