June 2023

RAPID BRT Progress Update

Click to watch our progress update video

In our fifth RAPID BRT progress update video, EMBARK Senior Project Manager Kristen Torkelson takes a closer look at the first round of bus shelters and pylons being installed at platforms along the RAPID NW line, as well as stops serving major destinations along Northwest Expressway, including Penn Square Mall and OAK.

We’ll also learn more about the intermodal connections provided by RAPID NW, including the Park-and-Ride at Northwest Expressway and Meridian and access to some of Oklahoma City’s most popular bike trails.  

Construction Progress

• Of the 32 total bus platforms planned for the RAPID NW line, 28 concrete structures have been completed, and work is currently underway at all remaining locations. This includes new platforms at Park and Robinson downtown, Classen and NW 23rd near Uptown, and Classen and NW 31st in the Asian District.
  
  
• The first shipments of bus shelters began arriving in May and 22 have already been installed at platforms on the RAPID NW line.  
  
  
• The first pylon was installed at NW 63rd and Meridian and installation is currently in progress at nine more platforms.
  
  
• Bike lanes and intersection improvements at Classen and NW 13th have been completed as part of the RAPID NW project, as well as additional bike lane installation on Classen as part of a City of Oklahoma City Better Streets, Safer City project.
  
  

Map of new RAPID platforms and bicycle infrastructure at Classen and NW 13th

In The News

• “Oklahoma City continues planning for bus rapid transit” – KOSU
  
  
• “Tsoodle: BRT seeks community input” (Guest Column by Kenton Tsoodle with The Alliance for Economic Development of Oklahoma City) – The Journal Record
  
  

MAPS 4/EMBARK BRT Preliminary Alternatives

MAPS 4/EMBARK BRT Alternatives Analysis Update

The MAPS 4/EMBARK Bus Rapid Transit project team has developed three preliminary BRT alignment alternatives for the Northeast and the South study areas for public review and input. These future BRT lines will interface with RAPID NW and other transit modes to provide a more comprehensive transit system. Your feedback will help the project team refine these proposed alignments and move toward the official adoption of a Locally Preferred Alternative for the corridors.

Visit www.maps4brt.com to take an online survey and find out about upcoming public engagement opportunities.

Check out previous RAPID BRT videos:  

• Progress Update Video 1 here
• Progress Update Video 2 here
• Progress Update Video 3 here
• Progress Update Video 4 here
• RAPID vehicle reveal on May 26 here
• Groundbreaking ceremony on June 28 here
• How will RAPID travel work? Watch our conceptual video here
• First RAPID commercial here
  
  

Stay Connected

EMBARK's transit family will soon include a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system. RAPID will bring high-frequency, premium transit service to central Oklahoma. The first line is expected to launch in Northwest OKC in Fall 2023. > Learn more about the project and upcoming service at embarkok.com/brt. > Sign up for quarterly RAPID Progress Updates and weekly Construction Updates here. > Follow RAPID on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. > Look for more RAPID progress update videos and announcements on YouTube.

The construction of the RAPID NW Line is funded in part by the City of OKC's Better Streets Safer City Bond Program, Central Oklahoma Transportation & Parking Authority, and the U.S. Department of Transportation.