CENTRAL OKLAHOMA SETS COURSE FOR TRANSFORMATIONAL TRANSIT FUTURE WITH NEW LONG-RANGE PLAN

The Association of Central Oklahoma Governments (ACOG) Board of Directors unanimously approved the Central Oklahoma Long Range Transit Plan (COLRTP), charting a bold vision for transit on behalf of the people of Central Oklahoma at the November 20, 2025 Board Meeting.

The first regional transit plan since the completion of the 2005 Fixed Guideway Study, the COLRTP consolidates prior transit planning efforts in Central Oklahoma, identifies existing and future needs, and outlines a vision for the development of transit services over the next 30 years.

The plan calls for additional investments of $4 billion – $6 billion over the next 30 years to achieve an integrated transit system that provides Central Oklahomans access to bus, bus rapid transit (BRT), light rail transit (LRT), commuter rail, streetcar, on-demand, and paratransit services.

“This plan represents a major step forward for Central Oklahoma,” said John Sharp, Deputy Director of ACOG. “For the first time in decades, our region has a unified roadmap that reflects the needs, priorities, and future growth of our communities. By working together, we can build a transit system that strengthens access to jobs, education, and opportunity.”

Aligned with four key project goals – provide communities with meaningful access to transit, create a compelling, reliable rider experience, offer competitive service options, and utilize resources effectively – the plan analyzes current transit trends, existing service levels, and key demographics to determine regional transit needs; identifies opportunities to address need by developing short-, mid-, and long-term planning scenarios; and recommends a phased series of cross-agency actions to help Central Oklahoma achieve a comprehensive, integrated transit system over the next 30 years.

The plan was developed in partnership with EMBARK, the City of Oklahoma City MAPS 4 office, Norman Transit, Edmond Citylink, and the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) of Central Oklahoma. Consultant Kimley-Horn assisted the project team by facilitating a public engagement process that included a website and public comment platform, a series of virtual town halls, circulation of social media content, distribution of factsheets and other print materials, and presentations at nearly 30 public meetings across Edmond, Norman, and Oklahoma City.

“The COLRTP gives us both direction and momentum,” Sharp said. “Implementing this 30-year vision will require collaboration, investment, and leadership across our region. But the payoff is a more connected, resilient, and competitive Central Oklahoma for generations to come.”