This week’s Bryan County United Way agency is the Southern Oklahoma Rural Transportation (SORTS).

SORTS was started in 1985 by Big Five Community Services, Inc. SORTS provides transportation to citizens of Bryan, Carter, Coal and Love Counties.

More than 75% of riders who use SORTS are transit dependent and have no other way to travel to obtain basic necessities.

According to Big Five Community Services website, www.bigfive.org, The SORTS program is funded in part by a Section 5311 Grant from the Federal Transit Administration passed through the State of Oklahoma’s Department of Transportation.

Other funds are provided by city and county entities, United Way, a Special State Revolving fund made possible through our legislators and contracts with other social organizations.

SORTS has several programs to provide transportation to various citizens in the counties it serves.

The Sooner Ride routes provide rides to Medicaid eligible clients to get to and from approved medical treatments.

These rides may sometimes lead as far as to Oklahoma City and Dallas. If these rides are approved by Logisticare (a Sooner Ride Contractor) the ride is at no cost to the client.

SORTS also provides transportation to and from work for citizens in the counties served. They encourage businesses that have employees in need of work transportation to contact SORTS.

SORTS has routes to Headstart facilities and senior citizen centers in the areas as well. SORTS Demand Response provides transportation to various locations.

Ride prices vary from $1.50 to $3 depending on age and location. Demand Response transportation is available from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Who is SORTS? SORTS is a Big Five Community Service that provides for all transit needs such as rides to work, school, shopping, medical appointments, dining or just visiting friends.

What is the goal of SORTS in Bryan County? Durant Route Supervisor Carla Trail said their goal is to provide efficient, safe, reliable transportation.

Who does Bryan County SORTS serve? According to Trail, SORTS serves all of the people in Bryan County in need of transportation.

How can Bryan County help? Trail said donations are always welcome and citizens can spread the word that SORTS is here for them.

“We’re here waiting for their calls,” said Trail.

To contact SORTS citizens can call 924-5331. To Donate to SORTS contact them directly or donate to Bryan County United Way who helps support SORTS programs.