Oklahoma City’s public transportation system is launching a new name and system-wide changes on Monday. EMBARK, formerly METRO Transit, will roll out system-wide enhancements that include new routes and bus stop times.
Changes include increased frequency of bus routes, reduced passenger wait time, reduced passenger travel time and routes that better match demand. On most routes, busses will arrive every 30 minutes. System improvements also include two high frequency 15 minute corridors. The first is from downtown to the Health Sciences Center and the second is from downtown to NW 23rd and Pennsylvania where connections to the 23rd street crosstown route, the busiest route in the system, can be made.
EMBARK will have ambassadors available onboard buses at various times throughout the week to assist riders as well as additional customer service personnel at the Transit Center. During the first week’s transition to the new routes, the bus system is offering free rides for passengers using regular bus service.
“To make sure our riders are ready for the changes, we are urging them to pick up new route maps at any metro library, at our Transit Center or on our new website,” said Jason Ferbrache, director of public transportation and parking.
Information about routes and bus stop times is available on the website at embarkok.com. Later this spring the website will include a more user-friendly journey planner to help riders plan their trips in advance.
Additional improvements to the bus system are currently underway including new technology updates that will provide real-time information on the location of buses and text notification system.
The route changes are the result of a series of public meetings last fall and a study conducted by an international transit research firm – Nelson\Nygaard - hired by the City of Oklahoma City and the EMBARK Board to review and make recommendations for improving the current public transit system.
About EMBARK
To learn more about EMBARK and view bus schedules and routes, visit www.embarkok.com or call (405) 235-RIDE (7433) for personal assistance from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. To learn more about carpooling or to be matched with someone in your area, visit www.getaroundok.com.
Media Contact: Michael Scroggins, Public Information Officer
Office: (405) 297-2107 Mobile: (405) 837-9510
michael.scroggins@okc.gov
