South West Transit Association
EMBARK Launches Free Fare Pilot Program for OKC Streetcar
Oklahoma City, OK — EMBARK has officially launched a free fare pilot program for the OKC Streetcar, marking an important step in evaluating fare-free transit as a tool to improve accessibility, increase ridership, and support economic activity in downtown Oklahoma City.
The pilot program removes fares for streetcar riders for a limited period, allowing EMBARK to study how fare-free service impacts ridership patterns, customer experience, and system efficiency. By eliminating the cost barrier, the initiative aims to make public transit more accessible for residents, workers, and visitors while encouraging increased use of the streetcar as a convenient mobility option.
EMBARK officials emphasized that the pilot will provide valuable data to help guide future decisions about fare structures and long-term transit funding. The program will track ridership trends, service demand, and operational impacts to better understand how free fares influence system performance and community engagement.
The OKC Streetcar serves as a critical connection within downtown Oklahoma City, linking major destinations, businesses, residential areas, and entertainment districts. Fare-free access is expected to support local commerce, enhance visitor mobility, and improve overall connectivity within the urban core.
This initiative reflects a growing national conversation around fare-free transit programs and their role in advancing equity, reducing barriers to mobility, and strengthening local economies. As transit agencies across the Southwest explore innovative approaches to service delivery, EMBARK’s pilot offers an important case study in evaluating how pricing strategies can support broader transportation and community goals.
SWTA will continue to highlight and share innovative transit programs across our member states that demonstrate forward-thinking approaches to mobility, access, and community impact.
Read EMBARK’s full announcement here:
https://www.embarkok.com/news-