Summer Service Changes on the Horizon for EMBARK

EMBARK is preparing for system changes to focus on the preservation of essential transit services throughout FY 2021. The proposed shifts in services are aimed at increasing on-time performance and are based on ridership data as well as community feedback surrounding the most-used service – bus transit.

“According to our 2019 Rider Report, 72% of our customers use our bus services for essential trips like getting to work, going to the doctor and picking up groceries1,” said EMBARK Administrator Jason Ferbrache. “We are focused on finding efficiencies in routes and strengthening core services to ensure we invest fully in those who rely on EMBARK for essential transit in Oklahoma City and Norman.”

• Retire Downtown Route 050 (known as the CIRC)
• Route 044 will service the Oklahoma City Social Security Office located at NE 122nd and Kelley Ave
• Route 009 (W. Reno Crosstown) will increase frequency from 60 minutes to 30 minutes on weekdays
• Route 010 will shift from 30-minute to 36-minute frequency on weekdays starting at 3 p.m.
• Route 023 will shift from 25-minute to 30-minute frequency on weekdays
• Route 024 (Norman Express) service will now be operated by EMBARK OKC. The service will complete nine trips per weekday with increased peak frequency during 7:30-9:30 a.m. and 4:30-7:30 p.m.
• EMBARK bike share known as Spokies will be suspended until June 30, 2021
• EMBARK ferry service known as Oklahoma River Cruises will be suspended until June 30, 2021

EMBARK officials are hosting virtual community meetings via Microsoft Teams to give OKC customers and residents the opportunity to offer feedback on the proposed bus service changes and current status of services. The next meeting will take place July 30 5:30-6:30 p.m. A public hearing will take place at 9 a.m. on Friday, August 7. Pending COTPA board approval, changes are expected to go into full effect on August 9.