Staying Healthy

The COVID-19 global pandemic is having an unprecedented impact on transit in Central Oklahoma. This page tracks EMBARK's response and any related service changes since March 11, 2020. The latest information will be listed first.

In order to keep our community safe and slow the spread of COVID-19 in the metro area, the following service rules are required while using EMBARK transit services. 

4/19/2022 Update

Effective immediately, masks are not required to use EMBARK's buses, streetcars, ferries, or Transit Center. We remain committed to providing a safe and reliable transit experience. We will continue to offer masks to passengers and employees, maintain our sanitizing practices, and operate air purifiers on all transit vehicles.

3/18/2022 Update

Effective March 20 - capacity limits on all buses are lifted.

*Mask Mandate is still in effect until April 18, 2022.

3/14/2022 Update

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has extended the security directive requiring masks on public transportation conveyances and in public transportation hubs through April 18, 2022.

• Federal Mask Requirement for Transit | FTA (dot.gov)

2/14/2022 Update

Effective February 15 - capacity on OKC & Norman fixed-route buses increases to:

• 28-person total capacity for 30' buses
• 32-person total capacity for 35' and 40’ buses

1/12/2022 Update

Effective January 16 - capacity on OKC & Norman fixed-route buses decreases to:

• 24-person total capacity for 30' buses
• 28-person total capacity for 35' and 40’ buses

Capacity will be re-evaluated in two-weeks.

Effective Immediately - The Customer Care Call Center hours of operation have changed to 7:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m., to coincide with the closure of the Transit Center. Senior Customer Service Representatives are available to assist customers with getting to their destinations quickly and safely. Customers should call 405-235-RIDE for assistance

12/3/2021 Update

Effective ASAP - President Joe Biden's administration will extend requirements for travelers to wear masks on airplanes, trains and buses and at airports and train stations through March 18, 2022.

11/23/2021 Update

Effective December 5 - capacity expands to:

• 29-person total capacity for 30’ buses
• 33-person total capacity for 35’ and 40’ buses

7/1/2021 Update

Effective July 11 - capacity expands to:

• 24-person total capacity for 30’ buses
• 28-person total capacity for 35’ and 40’ buses
• Two mobility devices will be permitted on fixed-route vehicles
• 4 ambulatory and 1 wheelchair on Plus Paratransit vehicles

Masks are still federally required to ride or enter the Transit Center.

6/15/2021 Update

Effective June 21 - Transit Center capacity expands to 20 - 6 standing and / or 14 seated. Masks are still federally required to ride.

5/31/2021 Update

Effective June 1 - EMBARK transit service in OKC and Norman will further expand onboard capacity. The new capacity limits are as follows:

• 18-person total capacity for 30’ buses
• 22-person total capacity for 35’ and 40’ buses
• Two mobility devices will be permitted on fixed-route vehicles
• 4 ambulatory and 1 wheelchair on Plus Paratransit vehicles
• Indoor Transit Center capacity will remain at six customers
• 50-person capacity for OKC Streetcar
• 32-person capacity for OK River Cruises

Masks are still federally required to ride. If you need a free mask, just ask. EMBARK continues to prioritize employee and customer safety through regular coordination with local health authorities and enhanced cleaning and operational practices. As vaccination rates continue to climb, EMBARK will review capacity limits every two weeks.

4/30/2021 Update

Effective May 2 - EMBARK bus service in Oklahoma City and Norman will expand onboard capacity limits that have been in place since last spring.

Over the last year, EMBARK has taken measures to help keep employees and customers safe. Measures include enhanced cleaning, sanitizing, masks, onboard operator shields, and air purifiers. Starting May 2, EMBARK will allow four additional passengers on buses. Seating will remain the same on fixed-route buses; however, four customers can now stand in the aisle. The new capacity limits are as follows.

• 12-person capacity for 30’ buses
• 14-person capacity for 35’ buses
• 16-person capacity for 40’ buses
• 4 ambulatory and 1 wheelchair on Plus Paratransit vehicles
• The Transit Center capacity of six will remain the same; however, customers will now be allowed to utilize the vending machine area.
• 16-person capacity for OKC streetcar
• EMBARK will evaluate capacity every two weeks until capacity restrictions have been lifted.

Employees and passengers will still be required to wear a mask while on transit vehicles and EMBARK facilities. The TSA directive" TSA Security Directive 1582/84-21-01 “Security Measures – Face Mask Requirements” has been extended from May 11, 2021 to September 13, 2021. This means all persons boarding public transit, operators and riders, must continue to wear face masks until at September 13, 2021.

2/3/2021 Update

Effective immediately for Oklahoma City and Norman, EMBARK will follow Security Directive from TSA (Transportation Security Administration) which now requires passengers to wear face masks when they are in airports, bus and rail stations, as well as while on passenger aircraft, public transportation, passenger railroads, and over-the-road buses operating on scheduled fixed-routes and paratransit routes. TSA’s action will also support the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Emergency Order requiring that individuals wear masks on conveyances and at stations, ports, or similar transportation hubs.

A face shield, without the additional use of a face mask, does not meet the TSA requirements. Additionally, face masks are required at the Transit Center, inside the building and outside at bays and other TC property.

As of 2/3/2021, passengers who violate TSA Security Directive will be suspended from EMBARK services for 30-days.

TSA News Release available here.

12/9/2020 Update

OKLAHOMA CITY SERVICE AREA

• From December 10 – 22, the Transit Center hours will be limited to 7 am – 4 pm Monday through Friday. Bus schedules will remain the same. Passes can always be purchased online or through the TokenTransit app. Download the app here: https://tokentransit.com/app

9/18/2020 Update

NORMAN SERVICE AREA

• Front door boarding has resumed on all buses in Norman.
• EMBARK Norman continues to operate fare-free.

8/18/2020 Update

Since March, EMBARK has implemented several measures to encourage safety and help prevent the spread of COVID-19 in its service area. We all must work together to limit the spread of COVID-19. EMBARK continues to uphold the safety of our passengers and employees as one of our highest values. That is why EMBARK continues to adjust our response as new information and guidance are made available from local and national health officials. The following updates will be effective Sunday, August 23.

7/21/2020 Update

Masks are Required

• As of 7/21/2020, masks are required for all EMBARK bus and OKC Streetcar customers and drivers.
• Masks are available on all buses and at the Transit Center, while supplies last.

Other Temporary Service Rules

• Social distancing on buses and streetcar will continue to limit capacity. Passengers are required to maintain at least 6-feet of space between themselves and others.
  • 16-person capacity for all streetcars.
  • 10-person capacity for 35’ buses.
  • 12-person capacity for 40’ buses.
  • 2-customer capacity on Plus vehicles.
• Cash fares are not accepted on board buses. Purchase fares at Transit Center or Token Transit app.

Transit Center Closed on Weekends Until Further Notice

• Hours: Monday - Friday, 6:15 am - 6:15 pm
• Only 6 customers allowed inside at a time.
• Transit Center access is limited to utilizing restroom facilities and fare purchases.

05/20/20 Update

A state of emergency has been declared due to the community spread of COVID-19in the metro area. As a result, compliance with the following service rules is required while using EMBARK transit services.

Transit Center Closed on Weekends Until Further Notice

• Hours: Monday - Friday, 6:15 am - 6:15 pm
• Only 6 customers allowed inside at a time.
• Transit Center access is limited to utilizing restroom facilities and fare purchases.

OKC & Norman Bus Service Returns To Regular Schedule Starting Sunday, June 7, 2020

• Face coverings are strongly encouraged for all passengers.
• Rear-door boarding is required on all Norman buses and on 1600 and 1700 series OKC buses.
• Social distancing on buses will continue to limit capacity. Passengers are required to maintain at least 6-feet of space between themselves and others.
  • 10-person capacity for 35’ buses.
  • 12-person capacity for 40’ buses.
  • 1-customer capacity on Plus vehicles.
• Cash fares are not accepted on board buses. Purchase fares at Transit Center or Token Transit app.

03/30/2020 Update

Temporary Service Schedule

OKLAHOMA CITY SERVICE AREA (bold are weekday only routes)

Weekday Service: 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

• 25-Minute Service – 023
• 30-Minute Service – 002, 005, 038
• 45-Minute Service – 012, 013, 014
• 60-Minute Service – 003, 007, 008, 009, 010, 011, 016, 018, 019, 022, 040
• Regular Schedule – 015, 024

Weekends: 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

• 45-Minute Service – 012, 013, 014, 038
• 50-Minute Service – 023
• 60-Minute Service – 002, 003, 005, 007, 008, 009, 010, 011, 016, 022, 040

- Service on Route 050 (Downtown Circulator) will be suspended
- Weeknight Service will be suspended
- No changes to EMBARK Plus Services (vehicles are limited to 1 customer per trip)

NORMAN SERVICE AREA

Weekday service: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

• 30-Minute service – routes 111, 112
• 60-Minute service – routes 110, 121
• Regular Schedule – routes 120,124
• Service on route 144 has been suspended

Out of concern for safety, buses have self-imposed capacity limits with no more than 10-12 people per vehicle. Passengers are required to maintain at least 3-feet between themselves and others.

EMBARK Plus continues to have the capacity to serve demand, which has dramatically declined from early March. Already, only one passenger is permitted in the vehicle at a time.

03/27/2020 Update

Temporary Service Rules

No more than 10 people in the Transit Center at any given time. The Transit Center is open for pass purchases, customer service assistance, and restrooms only. No interior seating is available. No vending machine access.

03/19/2020 Update

Temporary Service Rules

Bus (OKC)

GIVE EACH OTHER SPACE [updated]

• At least 3-feet is required between yourself and the next person at all times.
• Vehicle capacity is limited. Vehicles already at capacity may not stop until an onboard stop is requested.

PAYING FARES

• Always have fare ready before boarding.
• Use the Token Transit mobile app to pay fares, if possible.
• Be prepared to take a seat immediately.

WHEN RIDING [updated]

• Exit the bus through the rear door.
• No eating or drinking on the vehicle. Sealed containers and groceries allowed.

REQUESTING ASSISTANCE

• Only approach the operator after others have boarded.
• Do not cross the yellow line.
• ADA rules regarding mobility device securement are in effect.

Streetcar

GIVE EACH OTHER SPACE [updated]

• At least 3-feet is required between yourself and the next person at all times.
• Vehicle capacity is limited. Vehicles already at capacity may not stop until an onboard stop is requested.

PAYING FARES

• Use the Token Transit mobile app to pay fares, if possible.
• Be prepared to take a seat immediately.

WHEN RIDING [updated]

• No customer food or drink allowed. Sealed containers and groceries allowed.
• Expect longer wait times.

UPDATED SERVICE HOURS [new]

• Starting Friday, March 20, Streetcar service will end at 10 pm.

Bus (Norman)

GIVE EACH OTHER SPACE [updated]

• At least 3-feet is required between yourself and the next person at all times.
• Vehicle capacity is limited. Vehicles already at capacity may not stop until an onboard stop is requested.

WHEN RIDING [updated]

• Exit the bus through the rear door.
• No eating or drinking on the vehicle. Sealed containers and groceries allowed.
• Expect longer wait times.

REQUESTING ASSISTANCE

• Only approach the operator after others have boarded.
• Do not cross the yellow line.
• ADA rules regarding mobility device securement are in effect.

03/16/2020 Update

Temporary Service Rules in Effect

A state of emergency has been declared due to the discovery of possible COVID-19 community spread in the metro area. As a result, compliance with the following service rules is required while using EMBARK transit services.

For Buses & Streetcars:

GIVE EACH OTHER SPACE
Maintain at least 3-feet between yourself and the next person at all times.

Note:

- Transit vehicles are limited to the number of passengers that can maintain a 3-foot distance from others. Capacity will vary by vehicle.

- Vehicles already at capacity may not stop until an onboard stop is requested.

For Buses:

• WHEN REQUESTING ASSISTANCE
  Only approach the operator after other’s have boarded.
  Do not cross the yellow line.
  ADA rules regarding mobility device securement are in effect.

For Streetcars

03/11/2020 Update

With Coronavirus (COVID-19) confirmed in Oklahoma, we understand there may be anxiety around the use of public services, including transit and parking facilities. EMBARK takes public health and safety very seriously. Many do not realize that we do our part to protect public health routinely throughout the year by disinfecting transit vehicles regularly by wiping down touchpoints and hard surfaces and spraying seats and floors.

• Oklahoma City-County Health Department
• Oklahoma State Department of Health
• CDC - Learn more about the 2019 Coronavirus Disease