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

Public alerted to significant first responder presence downtown for routine safety drill, Hudson Ave. street closure

Oklahoma City – 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. Members of the media should RSVP to the media contact in advance if they plan to attend.

EMBARK Full-Scale Safety Exercise Media Briefing

Thursday, Aug. 10

9:30 a.m.

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

About EMBARK

EMBARK is the business unit of the Central Oklahoma Transportation & Parking Authority (COTPA) – a public trust administered by the City of Oklahoma City. EMBARK's vision is to be world-class transportation that is accessible to all, and all want to access it. EMBARK's mission is to be a self-sustaining transportation network that removes barriers of location and socioeconomic status, while elevating the status and use of public transportation so all of central Oklahoma can safely and quickly reach their destination.