TAHLEQUAH, Okla. — The Cherokee Nation is partnering with Pelivan Transit, a public transit service, to offer Cherokee citizens and Native Americans a discounted rate for booking on-demand or scheduled rides in parts of northeast Oklahoma through the new Pelivan app.
The easy-to-use app can be downloaded on any smartphone to book rides to and from Nowata, Craig, Ottawa, Rogers, Mayes and Delaware Counties. Booked rides within these six counties, no matter the distance, cost just $0.50 one way for Cherokee and Native American citizens who confirm their identity through the app or with the driver.
“Faster, affordable access to the Pelivan Transit service through this app will benefit many of our Cherokee citizens in northeast Oklahoma,” said Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. “For citizens who need a ride to a doctor’s appointment, job interview or other important daily activities, this is a great option. I’m proud of the work we have done by partnering with Pelivan and other public transit agencies to improve the quality of life for our citizens.”
Getting set up for the Pelivan Transit service is as simple as downloading the Pelivan app from the App Store or Google Play Store and following the signup steps. When ready to book a ride, users of the new app can enter their pickup and drop-off addresses and then choose which ride works best.
The rideshare service is available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Riders will have the option to pay with cash, debit card or credit card. Rides can be booked in a matter of minutes or scheduled up to 30 days in advance. Riders can also set up recurring rides through Pelivan by calling 855-735-4826.
In 2023, the Cherokee Nation also secured several new transit vans, including two to be used for the Pelivan Transit service. The transit vans add to a growing fleet of vehicles provided by the tribe to assist regional transit services agencies with providing transportation to Cherokee and Native American citizens.
“We’re more than happy to partner with service like Pelivan, which can accommodate many people in northeast Oklahoma with their travel needs,” Deputy Chief Bryan Warner said. “These services provide a lifeline to citizens.”
Riders who are not tribal citizens will be charged a base fare of $3 for rides within a single county, and variable pricing based on distance will be applied for rides across different counties.
Rides outside of the six-county zone are available on a limited basis and must be scheduled in advance by calling Pelivan at 855-735-4826. Additional charges may apply for rides outside of the six-county zone.
“We are pleased to bring this innovative service to the citizens of the Cherokee Nation and other Native Americans that offers independence through extending the service area,” said Kendra McGeady, Director of Pelivan Transit. “Providing better access to medical appointments, pharmacy, food and nutrition services and cultural events is paramount to improving quality of life for the members of our Nation.”
Cherokee Nation Transit has operation agreements with four public transit providers – Pelivan, KATS, Muskogee County Transit and Cimarron Transit – in order to maximize the drivers, dispatchers, and vehicles available for public transportation services. Through these providers, Cherokee Nation Transit provides eight commuter routes and Demand Response Services.
Additional information regarding Demand Response Services and the commuter route schedules can be found at https://transit.cherokee.org.