City of Norman to Launch New On-Demand Public Transit Program

Oklahoma's City of Norman announced the launch of Norman On-Demand, a new app-based public transit pilot program designed to fill transportation access gaps in core Norman.

Service started on Aug. 21, and riders get their first six trips for free. 

Norman On-Demand will expand access to affordable public transportation through technology, particularly during evening hours and on Sundays (when other public transit options are limited).

The Norman On-Demand app will power the University of Oklahoma’s SafeRide program, a program designed to provide free late-night transportation to OU students, with an upgraded user experience that includes real-time updates, efficient routing, and enhanced reliability. 

How Norman On-Demand Works

Norman On-Demand will be powered by a new TransitTech provider, Via, which powers hundreds of similar programs around the world.

Riders can book a trip through an app or by calling a phone number, and Via’s algorithm will match riders headed in the same direction into shared vehicles.

Riders will typically be directed to a nearby “virtual pickup and drop-off stop.”

How to Ride with Norman On-Demand

• Download the “Norman On-Demand” app from the App Store or Google Play Store and follow the sign-up steps.‍ Enter pickup and drop-off addresses in the app. 
• Wheelchair-accessible vehicles are available upon request. 
• Riders will receive an ETA from their driver and can follow along in real-time in the app to see when and where to meet their driver. 

Service details: 

Hours: 

• Monday - Wednesday: 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. 
• Thursday - Saturday: 7 p.m. to 3 a.m. 
• Sunday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

Fares:

• Norman On-Demand regular fares are $2 per ride, plus $1 for each additional rider. 
• During OU Student SafeRide hours (Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 10 p.m.- 3 a.m.), students ride for free.
• To be eligible for the free student SafeRides, students MUST create their account using their official OU email address.
• Student rides outside OU SafeRide hours pay the Norman On-Demand regular fares listed above. 

“We appreciate the support of Norman City Council and the partnership of the University of Oklahoma in the launch of this pilot program,” said Taylor Johnson, Transit & Parking program manager for the City of Norman. “We are looking forward to the opportunity of testing a new affordable and flexible public transit option for our community members.”