The Cherokee Nation and the Kibois Area Transit System (KATS) have partnered in Adair, Cherokee and Sequoyah Counties to provide public transportation, and announce changes to make commutes even more affordable and more fun.

Round trips between Sallisaw and Tahlequah and Stilwell and Tahlequah to Cherokee Nation offices via KATS have been reduced to $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. Additionally, movies will be shown during the 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,” Sherry Waters, Infrastructure Data Coordinator, Cherokee Nation Roads Program, said.

Waters said the partnership between KATS 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.

“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,” Waters said.

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 transit program, including routes and times, please call the Tahlequah area KATS dispatch at (918) 453-1153, the Stilwell area dispatch at (918) 696-4787 or the Sallisaw area dispatch at (918) 775-7433.