Officials Commemorate 1st Anniversary of RAPID NW with plaque unveiling

December 4, 2024

Officials with EMBARK and the City of Oklahoma City today celebrated the 1^st anniversary of RAPID – the region's first bus rapid transit service – with the unveiling of a commemorative plaque. The event took place at RAPID’s park-and-ride located at the northeast corner of NW Expressway and Meridian Ave.

“Happy first anniversary to RAPID,” said Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt. “Nearly half a million riders in the first year is proof that convenient and comfortable public transit meets a need in our city. I’m excited that through MAPS 4, we’ve already approved lines to the Northeast and South. Clearly, RAPID is a service that is here to stay.”

A customer appreciation event also took place today from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the EMBARK Transit Center, located at 420 NW 5^th St. Customers enjoyed cake, prize giveaways and music entertainment by local DJ LiTE BRiTE.

"This is a historic moment for Oklahoma City. By expanding public transportation options and investing in sustainable infrastructure, we’ve not only improved mobility but also enhanced the quality of life for residents and visitors alike,” said Barney Semtner, EMBARK Board Chair. “I congratulate EMBARK and the City of Oklahoma City on their anniversary, and I look forward to seeing the positive impact RAPID NW will continue to have on the local community.”

The construction of the $28.9 million RAPID NW Line was funded in part by the City of Oklahoma City, EMBARK and the U.S. Department of Transportation.

In the 12 months since RAPID NW launched service, ridership has surpassed more than 450,000 riders with a projection to surpass half a million riders in January 2025.

“The City of Oklahoma City has witnessed significant improvements in public transportation within the Central Oklahoma region because of RAPID NW,” said Jesse Rush, Director of EMBARK. “I am excited to be a part of this anniversary event and to recognize the dedication of EMBARK’s transit professionals. Their commitment to excellence over the past year has been instrumental in the success of RAPID NW.”

In July 2024, the Oklahoma City Council voted to approve a 17-mile line for the new MAPS 4 Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) corridor in northeast and south Oklahoma City. The line with 26 stop locations, will serve key destinations, connect communities and resources, and expand equitable mobility options for residents. This will be Oklahoma City’s second BRT line.

MAPS 4 includes $61 million to build the EMBARK-operated BRT corridor connecting south and northeast OKC.

EMBARK is also celebrating the holiday season with an enter-to-win contest and its bi-annual Half-Price Sale on all fixed-route bus, RAPID NW and OKC Streetcar passes.

The First Anniversary Contest runs December 4 through December 18 with prizes including 365 Universal Day Passes, 12 Universal Monthly Passes and one grand prize of a Universal Annual Pass, granting unlimited rides on EMBARK fixed-route bus, OKC Streetcar, and RAPID NW for an entire year.

The Half-Price Transit Pass sale runs now through December 8. Half-price passes can be purchased through the Token Transit mobile app or at EMBARK’s Transit Center. The Transit Center is open Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 6:45 p.m. and will offer extended service on Saturday, December 7, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.