Bus Rapid Transit in OKC
The RAPID Northwest Line in Oklahoma City presents an opportunity for bus rapid transit to transform the city. Whether or not the line increases the connectivity of the area for the local populations is the main focus of this study.
COTPA. (2024a). EMBARK RAPID System Map. Embarkok.com; Central Oklahoma Transportation and Parking Authority. https://www.embarkok.com/system-map/?config=rapid
Paper Sections
Literature Review
To establish a background for the analysis, the review of bus rapid transportation includes a historical overview and the effects of BRT on cities. Examples include transportation justice, car-centric design changes, economic growth and gentrification issues, community health, and climate mitigation.
RAPID Analysis
The analysis of the RAPID system begins with background of Oklahoma City and the system itself. Google Maps are then utilized to answer the research question of the paper, showcasing that connectivity in the area increases with the bus rapid transit line.
Thoughts and Recommendations
Following the careful analysis, the paper concludes with strong recommendations for changes to the RAPID system. These include transforming the physical infrastructure with pedestrian-oriented areas, mixed-use development, and bike lanes to bolster the economic development of the areas.
COTPA. (2024b). RAPID | Maps & Schedule. Embarkok.com; Central Oklahoma Transportation and Parking Authority. https://www.embarkok.com/rapid/system-map
Literature Review
Bus rapid transit (BRT) offers an affordable, reliable, and efficient transit option to rival private automobile ownership and usage. By creating an accessible and scheduled bus system on existing roadways, bus rapid transit offers a cost-effective option for city public transportation. It has roots in Curitiba, Brazil, bolstering the economic and population growth along the line and making cars a less attractive mode of transport. As other cities across the globe implement BRT systems, including US cities, the benefits of a viable and efficient public transportation method have positively affected community and economic health, gentrification, climate change, and transportation justice, and have limited car-centric design in many areas.
Research Question
Based on the availability of supportive resources along the RAPID Northwest line, will the Oklahoma City bus rapid transit system increase connectivity for those living along the line, thus improving the social, economic, and physical makeup of the region?
RAPID Analysis
Oklahoma City's demographics and history showcase strong issues related to transportation, such as access to healthy foods, air pollution, and disconnected neighborhoods. Thus, the need for a public transit option in the area is apparent. The RAPID NW Line, the first BRT line built in OKC thus far, offers typical BRT amenities like level boarding and ADA compliance along with departures every 12-15 minutes. Utilizing Google Maps, an analysis of three different stations along the line is made to highlight how the line increases connectivity to options of grocery stores, schools, medical centers, and recreational opportunities.
Google. (2024). Google Maps. Google Maps; Google. https://www.google.com/maps
Thoughts & Recommendations
The Google Maps analysis strongly suggests that the RAPID NW Line does, in fact, offer nearby populations more opportunities for the four aforementioned amenities. Mitigating or solving the specific transportation-related issues for Oklahoma City is thus possible through offering connectivity. Reusing parking lots, improving pedestrian infrastructure, adding more amenities in specific locations, and aiming economic growth at local businesses are a few recommendations for the RAPID NW Line to implement.
