Local Nonprofit Introducing Autonomous Transit Vehicle Program To Tulsa Area

A Tulsa nonprofit is leading a new effort for an autonomous vehicle pilot program in Tulsa.

The Terrence Crutcher Foundation said the program is designed to improve transportation support in underserved communities. A one-year pilot program will determine its viability.

The organization said it is asking residents of North Tulsa to give feedback on how a transportation project can best fill gaps in its neighborhoods. The program will feature four self-driving vehicles, which will be considered the first to be used in MetroLink Tulsa’s micro-transit system.

Since it is a new development, each car will have a safety driver in case they need to take control of the vehicle.

The U.S. Department of Energy is funding this $3.4 million dollar project. Tulsa is one of just a few cities across the nation getting to test this pilot program.

Leaders with the Terrence Crutcher Foundation say support like this should help fill a big need.

“We’ve looked at heat maps where we see ZIP codes that have the lowest rates of car ownership, and a lot of those being in North Tulsa ZIP codes," organization deputy director Sheyda Brown said. "We see that affect things like chronic absenteeism in schools and even just recently with the election, we were helping people get free rides to the polls."

North Tulsa residents are being asked to join a community advisory board to help with the program.

Residents in targeted ZIP codes in North Tulsa will be paid participants to be at the center of community voice and decision-making for the transportation effort.

“Is this going to be transporting to and from a medical appointment or to get groceries?" Brown said. "Could it transport or deliver groceries? Could it help students get to school? Could it help people get to work? So we’re going to be looking at routes."

People can apply through Nov. 30 and will be paid for their time.

The transit program is expected to start in the spring of 2026.

To apply to serve on the advisory board, click here.