Tinker express begins making runs Published Sept. 15, 2008 By Brandice Armstrong Tinker Public Affairs TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla., -- In the wake of rising gas prices, Central Oklahoma Transportation and Parking Authority officials are offering a cost-effective alternative: the Tinker Express Bus. On Sept. 2, a luxury bus started to transport Tinker personnel between Norman and Moore to Tinker AFB, Monday through Friday. "I love it. It's clean, relaxing and very convenient. I've had to change my schedule a little, but it is wonderful. I hope it is successful because I save $140 a month," said 72nd Air Base Wing Safety specialist, Gale Gendron. The bus has a capacity to hold 44 passengers, and has handicap accessibility. A single ticket is $57 for 30-day unlimited rides. If a patron doesn't want to purchase the monthly ticket, they can ride the bus for a $3 one-way ride. "Take advantage of this bus," said Jim Wagoner, program manager for the bus project. "One of the many benefits for taking the bus includes unlimited rides for any Metro Transit bus." The bus program will run for a year, so the project sponsor, the COPTA Board, can determine if the project is worthwhile. If this initial test route is successful, future additional routes servicing other municipalities may be added, Mr. Wagoner said. The Tinker Express begins it route at the Kohl's parking lot in Norman before heading to the First Baptist Church in Moore. From Moore, the bus will enter Tinker through the truck entry gate, Gate 33, off S.E. 59th Street, making stops at Bldg. 3001 (flagpole) and west side of Bldg. 460. Tickets are available at Bldg. 3001's gift shop (734-2396) next to the cafeteria at the south end of area C, and Bldg. 478 Tinker Tickets & Travel (734-3791). For more information about the Tinker Express, call Jim Wagoner at 739-5044.