Southwest Oklahoma Community Action Group, Inc. will hold public transportation forums in SOCAG’s service area. The forums are to discuss and receive input from the public concerning the public transportation needs for the community. These forums will help SOCAG Board of Directors and staff plan for 2014 and beyond.

The forums will be held in Altus on March 25 at 2 p.m. at the Lincoln Center located at 900 S. Carver Road, in Mangum on March 25 at 11 a.m. at the Senior Center, and in Hollis on March 26 at 11:15 a.m. at the Senior Meal Site, 901 E. Vivian.

Written comments can be submitted to: Public Transit Forms, P.O. Box 1088, Altus, OK 73522 by March 26.

“Everyone with an interest in public transportation is encouraged to attend the forum in their area, said Neil Montgomery, Executive Director. “This is the time when local and county officials, social service providers, employers, and the public can discuss the needs and goals in their community.”

SOCAG currently operates a public transportation service (Southwest Transit) in Greer, Harmon and Jackson Counties. Buses are stationed in Altus, Mangum, Hollis and Granite for demand response service. An intercity route runs from Altus to Lawton Monday through Friday to meet Jefferson Lines. Deviated stops are available in Snyder, Cache and Indiahoma. An intercity route operates from Altus to Elk City Monday through Friday to meet Greyhound Lines. Deviated stops include Blair and Granite.

Monday through Friday, a route operates from Altus to Eldorado with a stop in Olustee and back to Altus. On the same days, a route also runs from Granite to Mangum to Willow and back to Granite. Service is also available to other cities. The cities, times, and dates change as the service is scheduled according to need. Routes from Hollis, Granite and Mangum are available to Altus most days.

For more information concerning the forums, call Ingrid Gifford at 580-482-5040. For more information concerning the routes, call Carlota Gonzales at 580-482-5043.