LATS Keeps Its Management for Five More Years, but New Buses Won't Arrive Until 2027

Lawton’s Transit Trust Authority voted to renew Hendrickson Transportation Group’s contract to manage the Lawton Area Transit System for another five years, with two optional one-year extensions. The new deal starts Dec. 1 at a year-one price of $248,125 and rises to $301,597 by the fifth year. Todd Bough was reappointed LATS general manager, and the reduced-fare programs for elderly, medical, military and student riders all continue, along with the Lawton Public Schools ridership agreement.

The bigger question for riders is the fleet. Six GILLIG electric-hybrid buses are fully funded by a Federal Transit Administration grant exceeding $6 million, with each bus costing north of $1 million. But GILLIG has been occupied building buses for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and planning director Christine James told the Trust the city will be lucky to get its order by summer 2027. Meanwhile, LATS carried 209,151 passengers in fiscal year 2025-26, slightly below the prior year’s 214,279.

For riders who depend on LATS to reach Fort Sill, medical appointments, the schools and senior services, both stories matter. The contract keeps service stable. The buses are the upgrade everyone is waiting on. If you’re a regular rider, what would you want to see improve first? Drop your answer in the comments.