Regional + City Planning student Iman Abubakar recently published an op-ed in the OU Daily about transportation inequities in Norman. Abubakar’s article, “Dismantling transportation barriers to socioeconomic equity,” explores accessibility and frequency issues with Norman’s public transportation system.
The local public transport is mostly utilized by low-income families, people with disabilities, and international students who do not have access to cars. According to a survey by Go Norman Transit, 53% of public transportation riders make less than $25,000 a year, and 54% don’t own cars. Despite these statistics, the neighborhoods where many of these citizens live do not have bus stops nearby, leaving them without a reliable form of transportation.
According to Abubakar, another issue with Norman’s transportation system is its limited hours, as it only runs from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. during the week, and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturdays. The low frequency of buses limits those who are dependent on public transport to take them where they need to go, decreasing their standard of living. For instance, these citizens would have no form of transportation to attend night shift jobs, nighttime classes, or access any healthcare facilities once the buses stop running.
Abubakar’s op-ed was written as part of a Regional and City Planning course, “Planning with Diverse Communities,” which is taught by Dr. C. Aujean Lee.
The Christopher C. Gibbs College of Architecture announces John Harris as Associate Dean for Research ad interim, effective Aug. 25, 2026, until the permanent position is filled.
Gibbs College is pleased to announce the 2026 Gibbs College Faculty & Staff Awards recipients. These individuals were recognized by Dean Butzer during the Gibbs College Back to School Meeting and will be honored during the Celebration Banquet in October. They were nominated by their colleagues via an open nomination process.
Telesis, the Gibbs College of Architecture’s student journal, has been awarded a grant from the Graham Foundation for Advanced Studies in the Fine Arts to support its next two issues, “Pause” (Volume IX) and “React” (Volume X).
