Frequently Asked Questions

A regional transit system is an interconnected network of transit services that includes Bus, Bus Rapid Transit, Commuter Rail, Light Rail, and Modern Streetcar providing more transportation options for residents throughout a specific region.

As our region continues to grow, so do the ways people need to get around. A regional transit system will give residents and visitors more travel options for work, school, health care or leisure. Whether commuting to work, cheering on your favorite team, attending a festival, or visiting friends and family, we’re making it easier to move between communities safely, efficiently and affordably. Learn more about our Transit System Plan.

The ONE Transit Plan, adopted in 2021, and its Locally Preferred Alternatives adopted in 2023 and 2024 include a mix of modern connected transit options: Commuter Rail, linking Oklahoma City, Norman, and Edmond; Light Rail service between Downtown OKC and OKC Will Rogers International Airport; Bus Rapid Transit to major destinations like Tinker Air Force Base and western Oklahoma City.

According to the American Public Transportation Association’s 2026 Public Transportation Fact Book, regional transit helps everyone save time and money by providing convenient, affordable mobility options for everyday travel. It supports economic growth by attracting new businesses and development, improves air quality, provides relief to traffic congestion, and enhances the overall quality of life in Central Oklahoma.

While agencies like ODOT and ACOG as well as transit providers EMBARK and Citylink Edmond and EMBARK - Norman each play important roles in Oklahoma’s transportation network, ONE Transit is the agency focused specifically on developing and operating the regional transit system that connects Oklahoma City, Norman and Edmond. We work closely with transportation agencies and existing transportation providers like EMBARK in Oklahoma City and Norman and Citylink in Edmond to ensure all transportation modes work together efficiently.

Central Oklahoma is one of the only metropolitan regions of its size yet to develop a regional transit system. The tremendous growth that Central Oklahoma has experienced over the last 10 years is expected to continue for years to come. Central Oklahoma’s population is expected to grow about 30% from its current 1.51 million to 2 million by 2040, according to the Greater OKC Chamber’s 2019 Economic Forecast.

With many regional transit systems taking 10-15 years to be developed and become operational, it is critical that regional transit system development begin now before congestion and mobility impacts are affected. Most other peer cities began developing their regional transit systems at a similar point in time and are realizing the quality of life and economic benefits of their decisions.

Transportation indicators show it is time for Central Oklahoma to begin investment in a regional transit system. Some transportation indicators that show the need for regional transit include¹:

• Central Oklahoma is growing faster than the national average with ACOG forecasting over 30% population growth and 42% growth in daily Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) from approximately 34.2 million miles to 46.5 million miles by 2045.
• Peak-hour congestion is worsening across the regional network, with ACOG projecting daily delay hours to more than triple by 2045 and current OKC metro data showing heavier evening rush-hour congestion.
• Central Oklahoma is adding jobs, including in downtown/core employment centers, while ACOG projects longer average trips and higher delays as regional employment grows nearly 50% by 2045.

1: Encompass 2045, Association of Central Oklahoma Governments.

While the largest cities in the U.S. have had regional transit systems for decades, even our peer cities, such as Salt Lake City, Charlotte, Nashville and Austin have realized the importance of regional transit for their region’s transportation and economic future and have more recently developed effective regional transit systems.

Big league, peer cities, such as Salt Lake City, Nashville and Charlotte have developed regional transit systems over the last 30 years, including Commuter Rail, Light Rail Modern Streetcar, Bus Rapid Transit and local Bus services. Those cities continue to improve and expand their systems, including development of rail transit lines and transit centers providing direct service to those cities’ professional sports venues. ONE Transit is positioned to accelerate development of a comprehensive system thanks to the significant transit planning, investment and development that has taken place since ONE Transit formed in 2019.

A regional transit system plan is an officially approved plan that specifically identifies future proposed regional transit system services, including transit modes and operational corridors.

ONE Transit’s System Plan is a result of five years of comprehensive studies by professional transit consultants involving extensive analysis of social and economic benefits, costs and ridership projections, and significant public engagement. Adoption of a comprehensive system plan is a major step for ONE Transit in applying for Federal Transit Administration (FTA) funding grants. Visit www.onetransit.org/projects to view the ONE Transit System Plan.

ONE Transit aims to build along four high-capacity corridors that connect regional activity centers, such as major employers, educational institutions, and entertainment and commercial areas. These were approved through an Alternatives Analysis Study that included a robust public engagement effort. The corridors and related modes include:

• North/South Commuter Rail connecting Edmond to Norman via Oklahoma City, using the existing BNSF freight railroad corridor
• East Regional Bus Rapid Transit connecting Tinker Air Force Base to Downtown Oklahoma City.
• Airport Light Rail connecting OKC Will Rogers International Airport to Downtown Oklahoma City.
• West Regional Bus Rapid Transit connecting Western Oklahoma City to Downtown Oklahoma City.

ONE Transit funding would come from two primary sources: a dedicated local sales tax and federal grants. Under Oklahoma statutes, funding for ONE Transit and the development and operation of a regional transit system is available through local sales tax revenue, which is the typical funding source for most regional transit authorities and their systems. Proposed local sales tax funding must be approved by the voters within the regional transit district. If approved, ONE Transit’s dedicated sales tax funding serves as the local match, enabling ONE Transit to apply for Federal Transit Administration (FTA) grants to assist in the development and operation of the regional transit system. Most recently, FTA grants for new systems fund 50% of the cost of development.

Federal fuel taxes paid at the pump help fund transportation investments across the country, including public transit, through programs administered by the FTA. For decades, residents of Central Oklahoma have contributed to those federal transportation funds, which have helped support the development of regional transit systems in other metropolitan areas.
By approving a dedicated local funding source for ONE Transit, which would be the local sales tax, Central Oklahoma would position itself to compete for and leverage FTA grant funding to help develop a regional transit system here at home. In effect, local investment would allow the region to better access and benefit from the same federal transit funding programs that communities across the country have used for decades.

We hope the ONE Transit member city councils will approve the election date, sales tax amount and ballot language that enables a vote within the next 12 months.

If a referendum for a dedicated sales tax for regional transit is passed, the vision is that our member cities’ local transit services experience enhancements, like higher frequency and more service. Our plan includes implementing service enhancements within the beneficiary member cities (Oklahoma City, Norman and Edmond) beginning 12-18 months after a successful referendum, while the long-term projects, such as Commuter Rail, are being designed and built.

Yes, a successful regional transit system includes local intra-city services that help connect people to destinations within their cities or can be used efficiently for the first- or last-mile connection to start or finish a trip in conjunction with a regional system mode.

We expect the high-capacity transit constructed and operated by ONE Transit to require a fare. Fare revenue is essential to off-setting a portion of operating costs, allowing key funds to be used for future system development. It is too soon to speculate on the fares associated with ONE Transit’s service of the four high-capacity corridors. We do know that our focus will be on choosing fare structures that prioritize affordability and flexibility so Central Oklahoma residents have options when choosing ONE Transit.

We would expect our member cities’ local transit service providers – Citylink Edmond, EMBARK OKC and EMBARK Norman – to continue setting and managing their local fares.

ONE Transit is a regional effort built with community input at every step. You can stay informed by signing up for our newsletter, attending public meetings, sharing your support with local elected officials, and staying connected on Facebook or Instagram.