In recognition of 15 years of service, the Lawton Area Transit System (LATS) hosted a week-long anniversary celebration April 24-29, 2017, to recognize the transit system’s contribution to community life. The schedule of daily events included a safety program, a free ride day, a food drive, and prize giveaways.
LATS officially went into operation in April 2002. Lawton, which is located 87 miles southwest of Oklahoma City, has an estimated population of 97,000 permanent residents. In its first month of operation, LATS transported more than 12,000 riders and today ridership has grown to more than 30,000 riders per month.
Former Assistant City Planner and current City Transit Trust Liaison Deborah Jones and Lawton Mayor Fred Fitch attended an awards ceremony on Monday, April 24, and were recognized for their roles in getting LATS up and running.
“The company just wants to give back to the Lawton community to say ‘thank you’ for its support over the years,” said Ryan Landers, McDonald Transit employee and LATS general manager.
McDonald Transit has been the management partner for LATS since it started operating in 2002.
