ACOG and Embark outline 30-year Long Range Transit Plan for Central Oklahoma

ACOG (Association of Central Oklahoma Governments) and Embark presented a regional long-range transit plan to the Edmond City Council on Jan. 27, describing a 30-year vision, goals and a phased process to assess, evaluate and recommend transit investments across the metropolitan planning area.

The plan, which ACOG staff described as the region’s first major transit update since the 2005 fixed-guideway study, lays out an assess phase (baseline conditions and needs), an evaluate phase (network development and scenario planning) and a recommend phase that will include facilities, fleet, and operating and capital-cost estimates. "This plan will also be used as feeds into our 2050 plan for the region," said John Sharp of ACOG.

Why it matters: Council members and presenters said the region expects substantial population growth over the planning horizon and that a coordinated transit approach is needed to give residents options beyond widening roads. Chip Nolan of Embark said the study aims to create a holistic regional network so local services integrate with higher-capacity corridors. "As these high-capacity transit corridors come online, how do we adjust our local service in a way that makes sense?" Nolan asked.

Key points: - Scope and timeline: The study covers roughly a 30-year horizon. Staff said the team is wrapping up the assess phase and moving into evaluation and scenario work, with plan approval targeted later in the year. - Project categories: The presentation identified "resource" projects with committed funding (the Northwest rapid line launched in December and others funded through MAPS), catalytic regional projects such as a north-south commuter rail between Edmond and Norman, and unconstrained long-horizon ideas (an airport line, Tinker AFB connection and BRT extensions). - Local service integration: Presenters emphasized evaluating how local bus routes and hubs will connect to regional rapid transit and commuter corridors, including service frequency, spans and transfer facilities. - Public engagement: A town hall and project website (connectcentralok.com) were announced; presenters said the town hall recording will be posted for those unable to attend.

Council response: Mayor and several councilmembers urged Edmond to remain a strong regional partner. "I just hope Edmond continues to stay and be a strong regional partner as we go forward," the mayor said. Council members noted traffic and congestion concerns and expressed support for a long-term regional solution that could also improve mobility for residents who cannot drive.

Next steps: Presenters asked residents and stakeholders to join scheduled outreach events; staff said they will continue coordination with the RTA and other local agencies as the plan advances.