EMBARK Conducting Full-Scale RAPID and Streetcar Safety Exercise on Aug. 10

August 9, 2023

EMBARK, along with first responders and contractors, will hold a full-scale safety exercise Thursday, Aug. 10, on Hudson Ave. near Scissortail Park in preparation for launch of Central Oklahoma’s first Bus Rapid Transit line – RAPID NW.

The exercise will focus on the City of Oklahoma City’s response to a simulated incident involving a RAPID bus and the Oklahoma City Streetcar and is being staged in collaboration with police, fire, and emergency medical services. The exercise will evaluate the effectiveness of EMBARK’s crisis response plans and procedures and will help assure a coordinated, timely, and effective response and recovery in the event of a major incident.

Hudson Ave. will be closed between S.W. 5^th St. and S.W. 7^th St. from 7 a.m. to noon to accommodate setup and teardown before and after the simulation. The exercise itself is expected to last from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Due to significant first responder presence downtown during the exercise, the public is being notified ahead of time in order to reduce any confusion. The exercise is closed to the general public.

Local agencies participating in the exercise include EMBARK, Oklahoma City Police Department, Oklahoma City Fire Department, EMSA, and Herzog Transit Services. The Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) will be observing.

Media Instructions

A media briefing will be conducted before the exercise and reporters will have opportunities to observe activities during the drill.

EMBARK Full-Scale Safety Exercise Media Briefing

Thursday, Aug. 10

9:30 a.m.

S.W. 6^th St. and Hudson Ave.