Oklahoma City is actively addressing the critical need for accessible and reliable transportation among its younger residents through the innovative Embark Haul Pass program. This initiative, spearheaded by Embark, the city’s public transit service, offers a transformative solution, ensuring that youth aged 18 and under can navigate the city freely and safely, fostering greater independence and access to essential resources.
The core of the Haul Pass program provides eligible students with complimentary rides on Embark’s extensive network, including fixed-route buses, the vibrant OKC streetcar, and the efficient RAPID NW service. This comprehensive approach to free public transportation is designed to eliminate financial barriers that often hinder young people’s access to education, employment, and extracurricular activities.
Director Jesse Rush emphasized the program’s foundational goal: to establish a robust system of safe, reliable, and affordable student mobility for the community’s youth. Recognizing this long-standing need, the Embark program was specifically crafted to empower young individuals by granting them consistent access to all parts of the city, year-round and at any time of day.
Eligibility for the Haul Pass is straightforward, extending to any youth aged 18 and younger. Prospective participants are required to complete a simple application form to obtain their personal Haul Pass. Applications can be conveniently submitted online or acquired and turned in at the Customer Service counter located within the bustling downtown Transit Center, streamlining the enrollment process for families.
To receive an official Embark photo ID, which is provided to youth 12 and older, applicants must present one of several valid identification documents. Acceptable forms include a birth certificate, driver’s license, state or military ID, or proof of current school enrollment such as a student ID, transcript, or class schedule, ensuring a verifiable and secure registration.
Upon successful application submission, applicants or their designated parents or guardians will be promptly notified of approval via email, typically within a short timeframe of three to five business days. Following notification, the Haul Pass and Embark ID can be conveniently picked up at the downtown Transit Center, marking the official commencement of their free transit benefits.
For youth aged 12 and above, presenting both their Haul Pass and the Embark ID is a requirement for accessing Oklahoma City transportation services at no cost. Conversely, children aged 11 and younger only need to display their Haul Pass. This flexible system ensures ease of use across different age groups, making youth transit seamless across all Embark service areas and routes, truly enhancing urban transit options for the city’s future.
