"the People's Paths!" Cherokee News Path - Ride for Free on Fun Free Fridays

Tahlequah, OK - The Cherokee Nation has partnered with two area transit systems to provide public transportation, and is now announcing some big changes to make commutes even more affordable and a lot more fun.The Cherokee Nation and the Kibois Area Transit System have partnered in Adair, Cherokee and Sequoyah Counties and in Mayes and Rogers Counties the tribe has partnered with Pelivan.

Round trips between Sallisaw and Tahlequah and Stilwell and Tahlequah to Cherokee Nation offices via KATS have been reduced to just $1, while one way trips are now only 50 cents. As an added incentive, KATS has incorporated Fun Free Fridays, meaning everyone can ride at no cost on Fridays. Round trips between Salina and Tahlequah and Pryor and Catoosa on the Pelivan Transit system have been similarly reduced.Additionally, movies will be shown on KATS during those trips to make the time during the ride to work and back pass a little quicker.

“I’m very proud that the Nation has been given the opportunity to work with another agency in providing yet another program that will benefit all who choose to utilize this service, both Indian and non-Indian,” said Sherry Waters, Infrastructure Data Coordinator, Cherokee Nation Roads Program.

The partnership between the two transit systems and Cherokee Nation began a few years back as a response to skyrocketing gas prices and other economic factors that made it harder for some tribal employees to afford their daily work commutes.

“I live in Pryor and work in Tahlequah; by using the Pelivan I can save close to $60 a week and I only get home 15 minutes later than I would if I drove my own vehicle,” said Jackie King, an engineer with the Cherokee Nation. “I would encourage everyone to ride at least once.”

“This program will help all citizens not only with travel cost but will allow them to have a stress free ride to and from work allowing the rider to be better prepared for work or to wind down after a long day of working,” said Waters.

You do not have to be a Cherokee Nation citizen or a tribal employee to participate in the transit program. For more information about the KATS transit program, including routes and times, please call the Tahlequah area KATS dispatch, phone: 918-453-1153, the Stilwell area KATS dispatch, 918-696-4787 or the Sallisaw area KATS dispatch, phone: 918-775-7433.For more information about the Pelivan transit program in Mayes and Rogers County, including routes and times, please call the Pelivan Dispatch, 800-282-2014 or the Pelivan main office, phone: 800-482-4594.