COPTA authorizes RFP for transit-center feasibility study as Embark expands rapid routes

The Central Oklahoma Transportation and Parking Authority voted to approve a request for proposals and authorized the administrator to advertise a transit center feasibility study aimed at assessing whether the current transit center can support Embark's planned service growth.

"This item takes a look at our current transit center and essentially draws a line in the sand," said Jesse, the authority's administrator, describing the study's purpose to identify the capacity limits of the current facility and options such as mobility hubs, additional smaller transit centers and connections with commuter rail to Santa Fe Station.

Nut graf: The study is intended to guide capital and route planning as Embark rolls out Rapid Northwest and plans future Rapid routes; it will consider connections among the transit center, the proposed Santa Fe Depot/commuter-rail service, and high-frequency bus rapid transit corridors.

Jesse told trustees the RFP will evaluate how long the existing transit center can accommodate growth, where mobility hubs might be sited across Oklahoma City, and how to link the transit center with Santa Fe Station and future commuter-rail service. The item passed on an electronic motion and vote after brief discussion; trustees did not add conditions to the authorization.

The study will inform longer-term capital planning and potential changes to Embark's facility footprint as the agency expands Rapid services.