Central Oklahoma is growing, and so are the transportation needs of the people who live, work, and travel throughout the region. That’s why ONE Transit is developing a connected, future-focused transportation network built around four high-capacity corridors designed to move people more efficiently while supporting economic growth for decades to come.
In this edition of our “Exploring the Corridors” series, we’re taking a closer look at two key pieces of the regional transit vision: the North/South Commuter Rail and East Regional Bus Rapid Transit (BRT).
North/South Commuter Rail
The proposed North/South Commuter Rail corridor would create reliable rail connectivity between Oklahoma City, Norman, and Edmond by utilizing the existing BNSF railroad corridor in both directions. Using OKC’s Santa Fe Intermodal Station as the heart, this line offers an opportunity to provide fast, dependable travel between some of the region’s largest employment centers, universities, entertainment districts, and member city communities.
Providing commuters and special event riders with fewer stops and higher speeds will be crucial for traffic management as the region continues to grow, and this is exactly what this line will do. Commuter Rail offers a per-hour peak direction capacity of 600-2,400 passengers, and average speeds of 60-79 miles per hour, providing a better solution for getting around the region. With a proposed 39 miles of services, 10 stops, and a special event station, complete with park-and-ride options and downtown access, the Commuter Rail corridor will reduce traffic congestion and revolutionize how people travel in Central Oklahoma.
East Regional BRT
The East Regional Bus Rapid Transit corridor is designed to provide high-quality bus service connecting Downtown Oklahoma City with Tinker Air Force Base by way of Reno Avenue, Eastern Avenue, and SE 29th Street. Unlike traditional bus service, Bus Rapid Transit combines many of the benefits people associate with rail transit while maintaining the flexibility of buses. It has a per-hour direction capacity of 700-1,300 passengers and average speed of up to 30 miles per hour (that’s more than twice as fast as traditional bus service at 12.3 miles per hour). Our plan proposes a service frequency of every 12-15 minutes during peak service hours.
This line will give thousands of military personnel, civilian employees, and contractors with a better way to get to work instead of driving alone. Not only does this make the lives of commuters better, but it also benefits motorists by taking additional cars off the road, helping us combat traffic congestion as the region continues to develop.
Why Does Central Oklahoma Need a Regional Transit System?
The need for reliable regional transit has never been greater. Central Oklahoma is experiencing sustained growth, with the Oklahoma City region expected to reach 2 million residents by 2040, according to the Oklahoma City Chamber’s 2019 Economic Forecast. Transportation projections tell a similar story, with The Association of Central Oklahoma Governments (ACOG) forecasting 30% population growth by 2045. Without additional transportation options, that growth means more congestion, longer commutes, and increased pressure on existing roadways.
Help Shape the Future of Transit
Building a regional transportation system takes community involvement. ONE Transit welcomes opportunities to speak with neighborhood associations, civic groups, chambers of commerce, businesses, and community organizations about the future of transit in Central Oklahoma. If your organization would like to learn more about the regional transit vision, invite a member of the ONE Transit team to give a presentation and answer questions about the projects currently being planned.