MetroLink Tulsa moves towards paperless driver bidding with Optibus, following union-backed rollout

MetroLink Tulsa, the public transportation provider serving Tulsa, Oklahoma, has introduced the Optibus Driver Portal and Digital Bidding system, with 24 bus drivers submitting their work selections entirely through the app during an initial digital bidding round.

The implementation replaces elements of a previously paper-based procedure for allocating driver work assignments. According to information shared by Optibus, the rollout was carried out in stages, beginning with a parallel paper-and-digital process and involving union representatives during the testing phase. The operator is now working towards fully paperless bidding, although a date for eliminating physical procedures has not been specified.

Optibus launched the Driver App in late 2023.

Optibus digital bidding at MetroLink Tulsa

Before introducing the Optibus platform, MetroLink Tulsa managed recurring driver work bids through physical bid sheets and in-person selection appointments. Drivers were required to attend a designated location during a 15-minute window to select their assignments for the upcoming operating period.

The procedure involved paper schedules displayed on boards, while administrative staff manually recorded selections, monitored the progress of bidding and managed changes to available assignments. Drivers also contacted the office by telephone or visited in person to obtain information about the process.

Under the new arrangement, the Optibus Driver Portal and Digital Bidding system allows bus operators to access available assignments and submit their preferences using personal mobile phones. Drivers can also monitor the bidding process as it progresses, checking which assignments remain available and updating their preferences before making a selection.

The implementation was coordinated by a team comprising MetroLink Tulsa representatives Naaja Jefferies, Nate Stewart and Casey Graves, alongside Ofir Bar and Curtis Griggs, working with Optibus on bidding configuration, driver app setup and the mapping of operational workflows.

MetroLink Tulsa involves union representatives in Optibus rollout

The deployment followed a phased approach, with union representatives receiving early access to the application during testing, before it was made available to the wider driver workforce.

According to the information provided by Optibus, union representatives participated in the initial testing activities and subsequently supported the introduction of the digital bidding procedure among drivers.

The first bidding round was conducted through a parallel arrangement. Drivers could access the application in advance to review available assignments, but their selections were still submitted in person. These were then recorded digitally through roster allocation in the operations system.

Naaja Jefferies, Deputy General Manager, and Nate Stewart coordinated the operational execution of the first round.

During the following bid, the majority of drivers used the application to follow assignment availability in real time, while 24 operators completed their selections entirely through the digital platform, without submitting their choices through the traditional in-person procedure.

Real-time assignment visibility and next steps

One of the functions introduced through the Optibus platform is the ability to view assignment availability while other drivers complete their selections.

Previously, information on available work was managed through physical bid sheets and updates coordinated by office personnel. With the digital system, operators can follow the status of assignments directly through the application, including changes occurring during the bidding process.

According to Optibus, real-time visibility was among the features positively received by MetroLink Tulsa drivers during the initial rollout.

The operator has now completed several bidding rounds involving digital procedures and is working towards eliminating paper-based bidding entirely. The information released does not specify a timetable for full digital adoption.

In brief

• Which Optibus solutions has MetroLink Tulsa implemented?
  The Optibus Driver Portal and Digital Bidding system, allowing drivers to view and select work assignments through a mobile application.
• How many drivers completed their bids digitally?
  According to Optibus, 24 drivers submitted their selections entirely through the application during an early digital bidding round.
• What role did the union play in the implementation?
  Union representatives received early access during testing and supported the subsequent rollout.
• Has MetroLink Tulsa completely eliminated paper bidding?
  Not yet. The operator has completed several bidding rounds involving digital procedures and plans to move towards fully paperless operations.

Naaja Jefferies, Deputy General Manager at MetroLink Tulsa, said: “Our drivers are simply loving the Optibus Driver App. It’s made things so much easier for them.”

Casey Graves, Planning Manager at MetroLink Tulsa, commented on the involvement of union representatives: “We took it to the union first. We let them try Optibus when we were testing and did all that. So they got the sneak peek, and they were some of our biggest supporters, which made the whole push a lot easier for everyone else.”