At EMBARK, we’re more than a bus company. We’re a close-knit transit family that plans, schedules, operates, promotes and maintains downtown parking and the public transportation system throughout the Oklahoma City metro area. Our people have passion to be world-class transportation that is accessible to all, and all want to access it.
EMBARK is responsible for planning, constructing, maintaining, and operating multimodal passenger transportation systems and downtown parking facilities. EMBARK provides a safe and affordable multimodal public transit network by fostering relationships, developing public/private partnerships with Greater Oklahoma City communities, and promoting the use of transit-oriented development policies.
A hybrid City of Oklahoma City department and public trust, EMBARK is governed by the Central Oklahoma Transportation and Parking Authority.
1966 - The City Council of Oklahoma City established Central Oklahoma Transportation and Parking Authority (COTPA) in order to continue the needed public service. COTPA, founded as a public trust, started with only 18 buses, which were leased from the Oklahoma Transportation Company.
1975 - COTPA approved the renaming of the bus system to MassTrans
1989 - COTPA was reorganized and the City established the Public Transportation and Parking department providing senior management for COTPA through an inter-local operating agreement that continues today.
1992 - COTPA approved the renaming of the bus system to METRO Transit
2005 - 2030 Fixed Guideway Plan Adopted
2008 - COTPA Launches Oklahoma River Cruises ferry transit service
2012 - COTPA launches Spokies bikeshare program
2013 - COTPA approves doing business as EMBARK for both its transit and parking divisions
2018 - COTPA begins operating OKC Streetcar service
2019 - COTPA approves a contract with The City of Norman for EMBARK to operate the Norman transit system
2020 - COTPA approves Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Regional Transportation Authority of Central Oklahoma (RTA) to provide Interim Administrative Services
Since 1966, EMBARK has been governed by the Central Oklahoma Transportation and Parking Authority (COTPA), a public trust of the City of Oklahoma City. The organization is headquartered in Oklahoma City and has more than 300 employees, many of whom are members of the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) 993 and the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) 2406.
Fixed-Route Bus
Oklahoma City’s first public transit option, EMBARK’s award-winning bus system, consists of 23-routes, offering service to customers seven days a week. Riders can commute, shop or just enjoy the sights and sounds of Oklahoma City on the bus route. EMBARK also operates Norman’s fixed-route bus system.
Paratransit and Mobility Management Services
Safe and convenient transportation geared towards our seniors in Norman and OKC wanting to maintain mobility and independence or those with a disabling condition that may prevent them from using our fixed-route service.
OKC Streetcar
Launched in late 2018, this modern streetcar system has two loops depositing residents within walking distance of every downtown OKC district. Part of a $135-million modern transit initiative, OKC voters said “Yes” to a penny tax via MAPS 3 in 2009, which provided funding for the project. The OKC Streetcar uses priority signaling technology and real-time tracking platforms, similar to the upcoming BRT line.
Oklahoma River Cruises
Located just south of downtown OKC, the ferry transit offers service along a 7-mile stretch along the Oklahoma River. With access to Historic Stockyards City, the Meridian Corridor, Boathouse District and a new landing near the First Americans Museum coming soon, you can park, cruise the river and connect to other downtown amenities through public transit near the docks.
Parking
With five parking garages, four parking surface lots, and over 1,300 metered on-street parking spots located around downtown OKC, EMBARK offers public parking near additional public transit options like Spokies and the OKC Streetcar for customers to park and then ride to their favorite downtown OKC amenities.
RAPID Bus Rapid Transit
A fixed-route bus system with over 30 stops, covering 9 1/2-miles each way, EMBARK’s RAPID system aims to offer transportation to downtown OKC in around 20 minutes with priority signaling and real-time tracking technology for customers. The first RAPID line is slated to launch in fall 2023 with more corridors planned for the future.
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.