In order to keep our community safe and slow the spread of COVID-19 in the metro area, the following service rules are required while using EMBARK transit services
The COVID-19 global pandemic is having an unprecedented impact on transit in Central Oklahoma. This page tracks EMBARK's response and any related service changes since March 11, 2020. The latest information will be listed first.
In order to keep our community safe and slow the spread of COVID-19 in the metro area, the following service rules are required while using EMBARK transit services.
4/19/2022 Update
Effective immediately, masks are not required to use EMBARK's buses, streetcars, ferries, or Transit Center. We remain committed to providing a safe and reliable transit experience. We will continue to offer masks to passengers and employees, maintain our sanitizing practices, and operate air purifiers on all transit vehicles.
3/18/2022 Update
Effective March 20 - capacity limits on all buses are lifted.
*Mask Mandate is still in effect until April 18, 2022.
3/14/2022 Update
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has extended the security directive requiring masks on public transportation conveyances and in public transportation hubs through April 18, 2022.
2/14/2022 Update
Effective February 15 - capacity on OKC & Norman fixed-route buses increases to:
1/12/2022 Update
Effective January 16 - capacity on OKC & Norman fixed-route buses decreases to:
Capacity will be re-evaluated in two-weeks.
Effective Immediately - The Customer Care Call Center hours of operation have changed to 7:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m., to coincide with the closure of the Transit Center. Senior Customer Service Representatives are available to assist customers with getting to their destinations quickly and safely. Customers should call 405-235-RIDE for assistance
12/3/2021 Update
Effective ASAP - President Joe Biden's administration will extend requirements for travelers to wear masks on airplanes, trains and buses and at airports and train stations through March 18, 2022.
11/23/2021 Update
Effective December 5 - capacity expands to:
7/1/2021 Update
Effective July 11 - capacity expands to:
Masks are still federally required to ride or enter the Transit Center.
6/15/2021 Update
Effective June 21 - Transit Center capacity expands to 20 - 6 standing and / or 14 seated. Masks are still federally required to ride.
5/31/2021 Update
Effective June 1 - EMBARK transit service in OKC and Norman will further expand onboard capacity. The new capacity limits are as follows:
Masks are still federally required to ride. If you need a free mask, just ask. EMBARK continues to prioritize employee and customer safety through regular coordination with local health authorities and enhanced cleaning and operational practices. As vaccination rates continue to climb, EMBARK will review capacity limits every two weeks.
4/30/2021 Update
Effective May 2 - EMBARK bus service in Oklahoma City and Norman will expand onboard capacity limits that have been in place since last spring.
Over the last year, EMBARK has taken measures to help keep employees and customers safe. Measures include enhanced cleaning, sanitizing, masks, onboard operator shields, and air purifiers. Starting May 2, EMBARK will allow four additional passengers on buses. Seating will remain the same on fixed-route buses; however, four customers can now stand in the aisle. The new capacity limits are as follows.
Employees and passengers will still be required to wear a mask while on transit vehicles and EMBARK facilities. The TSA directive" TSA Security Directive 1582/84-21-01 “Security Measures – Face Mask Requirements” has been extended from May 11, 2021 to September 13, 2021. This means all persons boarding public transit, operators and riders, must continue to wear face masks until at September 13, 2021.
2/3/2021 Update
Effective immediately for Oklahoma City and Norman, EMBARK will follow Security Directive from TSA (Transportation Security Administration) which now requires passengers to wear face masks when they are in airports, bus and rail stations, as well as while on passenger aircraft, public transportation, passenger railroads, and over-the-road buses operating on scheduled fixed-routes and paratransit routes. TSA’s action will also support the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Emergency Order requiring that individuals wear masks on conveyances and at stations, ports, or similar transportation hubs.
A face shield, without the additional use of a face mask, does not meet the TSA requirements. Additionally, face masks are required at the Transit Center, inside the building and outside at bays and other TC property.
As of 2/3/2021, passengers who violate TSA Security Directive will be suspended from EMBARK services for 30-days.
TSA News Release available here.
12/9/2020 Update
OKLAHOMA CITY SERVICE AREA
9/18/2020 Update
NORMAN SERVICE AREA
8/18/2020 Update
Since March, EMBARK has implemented several measures to encourage safety and help prevent the spread of COVID-19 in its service area. We all must work together to limit the spread of COVID-19. EMBARK continues to uphold the safety of our passengers and employees as one of our highest values. That is why EMBARK continues to adjust our response as new information and guidance are made available from local and national health officials. The following updates will be effective Sunday, August 23.
OKLAHOMA CITY SERVICE AREA
NORMAN SERVICE AREA
General Service Updates
7/21/2020 Update
Masks are Required
Other Temporary Service Rules
Transit Center Closed on Weekends Until Further Notice
05/20/20 Update
A state of emergency has been declared due to the community spread of COVID-19in the metro area. As a result, compliance with the following service rules is required while using EMBARK transit services.
Transit Center Closed on Weekends Until Further Notice
OKC & Norman Bus Service Returns To Regular Schedule Starting Sunday, June 7, 2020
03/30/2020 Update
Temporary Service Schedule
OKLAHOMA CITY SERVICE AREA (bold are weekday only routes)
Weekday Service: 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Weekends: 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
- Service on Route 050 (Downtown Circulator) will be suspended
- Weeknight Service will be suspended
- No changes to EMBARK Plus Services (vehicles are limited to 1 customer per trip)
NORMAN SERVICE AREA
Weekday service: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Out of concern for safety, buses have self-imposed capacity limits with no more than 10-12 people per vehicle. Passengers are required to maintain at least 3-feet between themselves and others.
EMBARK Plus continues to have the capacity to serve demand, which has dramatically declined from early March. Already, only one passenger is permitted in the vehicle at a time.
03/27/2020 Update
Temporary Service Rules
No more than 10 people in the Transit Center at any given time. The Transit Center is open for pass purchases, customer service assistance, and restrooms only. No interior seating is available. No vending machine access.
03/19/2020 Update
Temporary Service Rules
Bus (OKC)
GIVE EACH OTHER SPACE [updated]
PAYING FARES
WHEN RIDING [updated]
REQUESTING ASSISTANCE
Streetcar
GIVE EACH OTHER SPACE [updated]
PAYING FARES
WHEN RIDING [updated]
UPDATED SERVICE HOURS [new]
Bus (Norman)
GIVE EACH OTHER SPACE [updated]
WHEN RIDING [updated]
REQUESTING ASSISTANCE
03/16/2020 Update
Temporary Service Rules in Effect
A state of emergency has been declared due to the discovery of possible COVID-19 community spread in the metro area. As a result, compliance with the following service rules is required while using EMBARK transit services.
For Buses & Streetcars:
GIVE EACH OTHER SPACE
Maintain at least 3-feet between yourself and the next person at all times.
Note:
- Transit vehicles are limited to the number of passengers that can maintain a 3-foot distance from others. Capacity will vary by vehicle.
- Vehicles already at capacity may not stop until an onboard stop is requested.
For Buses:
For Streetcars
03/11/2020 Update
With Coronavirus (COVID-19) confirmed in Oklahoma, we understand there may be anxiety around the use of public services, including transit and parking facilities. EMBARK takes public health and safety very seriously. Many do not realize that we do our part to protect public health routinely throughout the year by disinfecting transit vehicles regularly by wiping down touchpoints and hard surfaces and spraying seats and floors.
What We’re Doing
How You Can Help
Most importantly, providing safe transit is a shared responsibility. We encourage all to practice good hygiene. However, as a reminder, the CDC always recommends everyday actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:
It is important to keep in mind that touchable surfaces should never be considered sanitized. That’s because vehicles and surfaces are only clean until someone touches it or coughs/sneezes nearby. If we’re to prevent the spread of coronavirus locally, we need your help.
For more resources about staying healthy and information about COVID-19, check out:
As of end of day, April 21:
Total EMBARK OKC Employee Cases: 113
Active Cases: 0
Recovered: 113
Total EMBARK Norman Employee Cases: 19
Active Cases: 0
Recovered: 19
Total Streetcar Employee Cases: 22
Active Cases: 0
Recovered: 22
Total Parking Employee Cases: 2
Active Cases: 0
Recovered: 2
Total HMS Employee Cases: 4
Active Cases: 0
Recovered: 3