Episode 328 – Exploring ORT On Demand and the Next Era of Public Transportation in Northwest Arkansas

About the Show:

“Public transit actually provides freedom.”

       – Joel Gardner

This episode is part of a special series supported by the Walton Family Foundation. Through their Home Region program, the Foundation is investing in the people and ideas shaping Northwest Arkansas—across housing, entrepreneurship, transportation, and leadership.

In this episode of I Am Northwest Arkansas®, host Randy Wilburn sits down with Joel Gardner, Executive Director of Ozark Regional Transit (ORT), for an inside look at the state and future of public transportation in Northwest Arkansas. Joel brings years of experience from transit systems across the country and shares how Northwest Arkansas can grow smarter as the region’s population booms.

From the story behind ORT’s community-centered headquarters in Springdale to the expansion of the ORT On Demand service, this episode offers practical advice, local insight, and clear reasons why investing in public transit matters for everyone—from college students and seniors to busy parents and professionals. Discover how public transportation equals freedom, relieves parking and traffic headaches, and can play a key role in the region’s future quality of life.

Whether you’re new to the area, an NWA native, or simply transit-curious, this conversation will get you thinking differently about how we can all get around safely, independently, and sustainably.

Key Takeaways:

• Transit is Freedom: Public transportation helps everyone—from teens to grandparents—get where they need to go safely and affordably.
• ORT On Demand = Local Uber: Order a ride within select city zones through the app, making car-free living easier across Springdale, Fayetteville, Rogers, and Bentonville.
• A Growing Region Needs Smarter Transit: As NWA grows, roads are getting crowded. Investing in transit now helps prevent traffic headaches, keeps costs down, and gives more people choices.
• Collaboration is Key: Bentonville and Rogers are leading the way by pooling resources and thinking regionally, not just city-by-city.
• Every Rider Makes a Difference: Taking transit just a few times a week can help reduce traffic, parking problems, and even DUIs at busy events or nights out.
• The Future Takes Planning: Large-scale improvements take years to fund and build. Supporting transit today ensures options for everyone tomorrow.

All this and more on this episode of the I Am Northwest Arkansas® podcast.

Important Links and Mentions on the Show:

• Ozark Regional Transit (ORT): www.ozark.org
• Using On Demand Transit
  Download the ORT On Demand app (powered by Via) on iOS and Android
• Citymapper App: Get real-time trip planning across fixed routes, on-demand zones, bikes, scooters, rideshares, and future parking info.
• Learn about public transit funding: Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and Arkansas Department of Transportation (5311 rural funding and rental car tax support).
• FindItNWA.com NWA’s Hyperlocal Business Directory

This Episode is Sponsored By:

The Walton Family Foundation

The Walton Family Foundation is, at its core, a family-led foundation. Three generations of the descendants of founders Sam and Helen Walton, and their spouses, work together to lead the foundation and create access to opportunity for people and communities. The foundation works in three areas: improving education, protecting rivers and oceans and the communities they support, and investing in the home region of Northwest Arkansas and the Arkansas–Mississippi Delta.

Hear all of the episodes from this series right HERE

Learn more at waltonfamilyfoundation.org

Note: some of the resources mentioned may be affiliate links. This means we get paid a commission (at no extra cost to you) if you use that link to make a purchase.

Connect more with I am Northwest Arkansas:

• Grab our Newsletter 
• Email Us at hello@iamnorthwestarkansas.com
• Connect with Our Facebook Page
• Connect with Our Instagram
• Connect with Our LinkedIn Page
• Join the Facebook Group
• Connect with our Fearless Host, Randy Wilburn

Discover more by tuning into this episode and staying connected for upcoming topics from the I am Northwest Arkansas® podcast.