Three public workshops are coming up for Tulsans to weigh in on decisions affecting land use along a future Peoria Avenue rapid bus route.
Tulsa Transit’s Debbie Ruggles said public transportation and land use are married to each other.
"The more you have density, the higher the density, more mixed-use development, businesses closer to the street, sidewalks — all of those things make for higher transit ridership," Ruggles said.
Bus rapid transit service on the nearly 13-mile route should start in 2020. There will be 36 permanent stations.
"We're looking for opportunities around those major stations to get the kind of business development and growth we see at some of the other transit agencies across the nation," Ruggles said.
Consultants will have design concepts for workshop attendees to review and comment on. The goal is creating an environment to foster economic growth.
"For instance, we'll be looking at zoning codes, and they'll be looking at sidewalk access, and they'll be looking at developers who might be interested in mixed-use development, higher density — making sure that is allowed and encouraged," Ruggles said.
Meetings are Oct. 25 at Spirit Life Church, 5345 S Peoria Ave., and Morton Comprehensive Health Services, 1334 N Lansing Ave.; and Oct. 26 at Central Center, 1028 E Sixth St. All start at 5:30 p.m.
