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Embark takes streetcar operations in-house, board approves custodial RFP
Summary
The COPTA board confirmed that Embark assumed streetcar operations June 1 and approved an RFP for custodial services covering streetcars, platforms and the maintenance facility, with proposals due July 16 and an estimated cost of $300,000.
Embark took over operations and maintenance of the Oklahoma City streetcar on June 1, and the Central Oklahoma Transportation and Parking Authority board on June 16 approved a request for proposals for streetcar custodial services estimated at $300,000.
The custodial RFP covers cleaning of the streetcar maintenance facility, streetcar platforms and the vehicles themselves; the agency plans to advertise the RFP on June 18, expect proposals on July 16 and award the contract at the August board meeting. “I am happy to report that on June 1, we did officially take over streetcar operations and maintenance, so we have now officially been providing those services for about 16 days now,” said Jesse, Director, during the meeting.
Why it matters: bringing operations in-house and contracting discrete services such as custodial work can change the agency’s long-term operating costs and staffing needs. Board members and staff said the in-house move will create savings by eliminating contractor overhead and profit that had been part of previous third‑party agreements. “With the agreement that we have with Herzog, part of the contract terms are that they get to have a 10% overhead fee that is applied to the costs. Plus they’re also given a 5% profit,” said Suzanne, Administrator, describing the prior contract structure.
Board discussion and next steps: Staff described the RFP scope and timeline, and trustees asked operational questions including whether current contractors would continue during the transition; staff said existing work would continue while the RFP process proceeds. The board voted to approve the RFP; the motion passed. Staff also highlighted that Embark has hired dozens of employees to support the in‑house streetcar operation—“by the end of this fiscal year...37 employees,” staff said—so personnel costs and one‑time startup expenses will appear in near‑term budgets even as longer‑term contract savings are expected.
Staff noted operational impacts during downtown construction and garage demolition. During the Prairie Surf Garage demolition, Embark ran a temporary bus bridge to maintain service on corridors affected by the rail closure and coordinated with MAPS, Public Works and Traffic to limit rider disruption. The custodial RFP, the completion of hiring and the contract award timetable are the immediate items to watch; proposals are due July 16 and an award is expected at the August board meeting.
