Residents of Kingston will soon have a new transportation option available right at their doorstep as INCA Community Services, the Southern Oklahoma Development Association (SODA) and JAMM Transit move forward with plans to extend public transit service into the Lake Texoma community.
Residents of Kingston will soon have a new transportation option available right at their doorstep as INCA Community Services, the Southern Oklahoma Development Association (SODA) and JAMM Transit move forward with plans to extend public transit service into the Lake Texoma community. Representatives from the three organizations hosted their second public meeting on May 28 to discuss the upcoming expansion, answer questions from residents and explain how the new service will operate.
The new route is scheduled to begin June 2, when Kingston residents will be able to ride free of charge as part of the inaugural service day. The second service day will be June 4, and regular fares will begin at just $1 per trip.
The service will continue to operate in Kingston two days each week and will provide door-to-door transportation for passengers. Officials said the goal is to increase mobility for residents who may not have access to reliable transportation, including seniors, individuals with disabilities and residents needing rides to medical appointments, shopping destinations, employment opportunities or other essential services.
JAMM Transit has become a familiar sight throughout southern Oklahoma over the past two decades. The transit system is a division of INCA Community Services and officially began serving the public on Oct. 1, 1999, through a rural transportation grant administered by the Oklahoma Department of Transportation.
The program expanded an existing senior transportation system that had been operating in the region since 1981. Today, JAMM Transit operates a fleet of buses and vans designed to provide safe, reliable and affordable transportation throughout Atoka, Johnston, Marshall and Murray counties.
In addition to countywide transportation services, JAMM currently operates town routes in communities including Madill, Tishomingo, Atoka and Sulphur. The system provides transportation for the general public and offers specialized services for seniors and individuals with disabilities.
According to INCA, the standard fare for local trips is $1 per stop, making it one of the most affordable transportation options available in rural Oklahoma. JAMM Transit reports providing more than 100,000 passenger trips and tens of thousands of rides for senior citizens and individuals with disabilities across its service area.
The expansion into Kingston is being supported through collaboration with INCA Community Services and SODA, two organizations with long histories of serving southern Oklahoma communities. INCA Community Services traces its roots to the War on Poverty programs of the 1960s and has served southern Oklahoma since 1969.
The nonprofit organization currently provides a wide range of services in Atoka, Johnston, Marshall and Murray counties, including Head Start programs, housing assistance, food programs, transportation services, healthcare assistance and support for individuals with developmental disabilities. Its mission focuses on reducing poverty and improving quality of life through education, transportation, housing and community support programs.
SODA, headquartered in Durant, serves a 10-county region that includes Marshall County. The organization was incorporated in 1957 and works with local governments, tribes and community organizations to coordinate economic development, transportation planning, rural fire defense programs and services for older adults.
SODA has long played a role in transportation planning and regional development efforts throughout southern Oklahoma. For Kingston residents, the new service represents a significant addition to local transportation options. The door-to-door model means passengers can be picked up directly from their homes and transported to destinations within the service area, eliminating the need to travel to a centralized bus stop.
Community leaders hope the new route will improve access to healthcare, employment, shopping and other necessities while helping residents maintain independence and remain connected to services throughout Marshall County and neighboring communities. With the June 2 launch date approaching, officials encourage residents to take advantage of the free inaugural ride day and learn more about how the service can meet their transportation needs.
For many Kingston residents, the arrival of JAMM Transit could make getting around Marshall County easier and more affordable than ever before.