EMBARK’s RAPID Northwest grows quickly, exceeds expectations

OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) - EMBARK’s RAPID Northwest line is ‘rapidly’ proving to be effective. 

“In 7 short months, we’ve had a quarter of a million rides,” said Jesse Rush, EMBARK’s Assistant Director of Operations. “It’s exciting, very very exciting… Our customers need this, they want this.” 

Since launching service in December 2023, it has averaged more than 1,100 riders a day, exceeding expectations. 

"Initial projections were about 1,000 riders a day,” said Rush. 

According to a press release, RAPID NW has 32 stop platforms, stretches 9.5 miles each way, and integrates into the more extensive EMBARK transit network. 

Carl Albertson relies on it daily. 

"If I didn't have this option I'd be walking a lot or spending a lot of time on a bicycle,” said Albertson. “It would be a hardship actually.” 

Albertson said taking the bus is his most affordable transportation option. 

"I don't have to pay for car insurance, I don't have to buy gas, I can get to within a block of anywhere I need to be,” said Albertson. 

On Thursday, Mayor Holt credited the late U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe for securing a grant for the bus line. 

"That's been a big success over its first 6 months. The riders of that line, among many people, have Senator Inhofe to thank for that,” said Mayor Holt. 

The routes are set to grow, as two additional lines are in design as part of the voter-approved MAPS 4 Transit Project.