OKC’S new bus rapid transit system gets a name, service to begin in late 2023

Oklahoma City’s planned bus rapid transit system, which is expected to begin service in late 2023, now has a name. The Central Oklahoma Transportation and Parking Authority Board of Trustees recently approved “RAPID” as the new name for EMBARK’s Bus Rapid Transit (BRT).

The BRT also has a new logo and other conceptual elements for the nine vehicles and raised platforms planned for the route, which will run 9.5 miles each way with 30 stops between the city’s northwest side, Midtown and downtown via Northwest Expressway and Classen Blvd.

The route could potentially include two park-and-ride locations. Each vehicle will run on compressed natural gas and will feature upgraded seating and other amenities. According to Jesse Rush, EMBARK assistant director of operations and the BRT project manager, the project has gone quite well.

“We are getting close to wrapping up the design of the project with a recent 95% submittal of the design drawings. We have issued [purchase orders] for the purchase, delivery and testing of our nine New Flyer CNG 40-foot BRT buses,” he said.

Delivery of the first vehicle is expected in April or May 2022, Rush added. “EMBARK’s vision is to deliver world-class transportation to our region. RAPID helps us move closer to that vision by creating connections where people can move more freely,” said Jason Ferbrache, EMBARK Administrator in a recent EMBARK press release announcing the new name.

“Stakeholders shared that the brand should be inviting, progressive, and sleek – that’s what we delivered.”

Funding for the $28.9 million project comes from local and federal sources, including $14.4 million from the U.S. Dept. of Transportation’s BUILD discretionary grant program. Funding from Oklahoma City’s Better Streets, Safer City program and general obligation bonds will pay for the remaining balance.

BRT is a high-quality system similar to rail transit in that delivers fast, comfortable and cost-effective services. R APID will provide access for many Oklahoma City-area residents access to downtown, healthcare facilities such as SSM St. Anthony Hospital in Midtown and Integris Baptist Medical Center, and shopping and entertainment venues, including Penn Square Mall. In addition, RAPID is expected to attract real estate investments along the planned route.

Figures provided by EMBARK show that the planned route will come within a half mile of more than 40,000 Oklahoma City residents and approximately 91,000 jobs, which represents about 23% of the city’s total employment base.

Each vehicle will feature wider doors and level boarding, with both buses and stations adhering to Americans with Disabilities Act rules and guidelines. The system will also use advanced technologies to ensure fast, safe and on-time service, including intelligent traffic light systems that hold green lights longer, and will be able to track the location of each vehicle in real-time. BRT stations will be equipped with seating, lighting, shelter, and real-time bus arrival displays as well as off-board ticket vending.

To learn more about RAPID, visit embark.com/brt.

This story originally appeared in the December 2021 edition of the VeloCity newsletter.