Representatives from EMBARK Transit, the Federal Transit Administration and the City of Oklahoma have celebrated the groundbreaking for the region’s first bus rapid transit system.
The RAPID line is expected to begin service in autumn 2023 and will be operated by Oklahoma’s Transportation Authority, EMBARK Transit.
The first RAPID line will be 9.5 miles long each way and will connect downtown Oklahoma City to Classen Boulevard and Meridian. Over 20 percent of the region’s jobs are located within a half-mile of this route.
“Modern cities demand world-class transit systems to move people, connect neighbourhoods, and drive vitality. Today's groundbreaking represents an unwavering commitment to our city's continued growth, livelihood, and accessibility. I commend the dedicated individuals who have worked to foster strategic partnerships on many levels so that we, as a city, continue to enhance and increase public transit options for all of OKC.”
In May 2022, EMBARK unveiled the first of nine RAPID vehicles that will operate on the bus rapid transit route. The battery-electric XcelsiorCHARGE and Xcelsior CNG vehicles will be manufactured by NFI.
The RAPID bus rapid transit line will provide passengers is Oklahoma City with a faster and more frequent service that will benefit from dedicated lanes and priority traffic signals at 38 intersections.
