Fixed Route Bus Service
The City of Norman is pleased to offer public transportation as a part of its services to the residents and visitors of Norman. Fixed-route and paratransit services are provided through a partnership with the Central Oklahoma Transportation and Parking Authority doing business as EMBARK Norman.
The City of Norman has five local routes that serve various destinations in the community six days a week, and a limited service route to the Moore Social Security Office is provided twice a week. In addition, a commuter route (Norman Express route 024) to and from Oklahoma City is offered Monday through Friday by EMBARK OKC.
For the digital version of the Ride Guide booklet showing routes, stops, and times; follow the link below:
The route network uses a bidirectional system where each route follows a single direction outward and then returns along the same line effectively doubling the stops made along the route and decreasing the time before a bus stops in the same area. This helps to cut down the time a rider has to wait for the bus.
Additionally, this route network is designed to also accommodate future service expansions, when funding allows, to reach destinations further north, east, and southeast of where buses have gone previously.
These routes went into effect on October 16, 2023.
Fares
City of Norman transit service operates fare-free.
As part of the Go Norman Transit Plan, a Fare Analysis was conducted and recommended to continue fare free operations. If a fare was considered in the future, a public participation process must be conducted before implementation.
Norman to OKC commuter bus service (Norman Express route 024, formerly the Sooner Express) is operated through EMBARK OKC. A single trip cash fare for this route is $3.00 per adult, and $1.50 for reduced rate riders. A 24-hour Universal Pass is available for $4.00 per adult. Additional information about fares and passes for OKC transit services can be found here.
Norman Transit Center - 320 E Comanche St.
The City of Norman purchased property at 320 E Comanche St. (located at the corner of Porter/Comanche) in downtown Norman in April of 2022. Following months of planning and preparations, construction began in March of 2023 to remodel the former drive through bank into Norman's first City Transit Center, and a ribbon cutting ceremony was held on Thursday, October 12, 2023. The opening of the Norman Transit Center was aligned with the transition to the new routes which started operations from the Transit Center as of Monday October 16, 2023.
The Norman Transit Center is a secure indoor facility with the following amenities:
EXTERIOR:
- Bus Bays
- ADA Compliant Site Circulation
- Benches
- Shelters
- Trash Cans
INTERIOR:
- Public and Staff Restrooms
- Public Indoor Waiting Area
- Public Water Fountain (With Bottle Fill Option)
- Public Vending Machines
- Staff Breakroom/Workspace
EMBARK
Fixed-Route Services (EMBARK Norman)
Plan your Route
In addition to the map and route guide provided above, a phone app dedicated to Norman city bus routes is free to download on both the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store; riders can also search either store for "EMBARK Norman".
Additionally, information about how riders can use their smart phone or computer to look at real time maps and arrival times for fixed route service online can be found at the link below.
Bike & Ride
All EMBARK Norman buses are equipped with a bike rack on the front that can hold two bicycles. Bicycles are not allowed inside buses unless they can collapse to the size of a standard piece of luggage to ensure that the aisle stays clear.
To find out more about how to use the bike racks on EMBARK Norman buses, visit:
Rider Conduct & Items Allowed on the Bus
We understand that our riders don't always travel empty handed. Because it is important that doors and aisles are not blocked and to maintain health and safety in general, some items have to meet certain criteria in order to maintain the safety of drivers and riders:
- Food/drinks: You aren’t allowed to eat on EMBARK but you can bring food and drinks if you keep them in closed containers. Open containers of alcohol are not allowed.
- Grocery carts: Two-wheeled carts can be brought on the bus.
- Luggage/bags/backpacks/packages: You may bring up to four grocery-size bags as long as you can manage them and store them in your own space.
- Mobility devices: ADA accessible buses can safely hold wheelchairs and scooters (up to 30 in x 48 in, weighing up to 800 pounds when occupied).
- Pets: You can bring your pet on a leash, rope, harness, chain, or in a hard sided lap carrier designed for transporting animals. If you have a registered service animal, they are welcome to ride with you.
- Strollers: Single, umbrella style strollers can be folded and stored under seat or in luggage area. Note: large or double strollers are not a safe option for the bus.
For EMBARK's complete Rider Conduct & Exclusion Policy as well as a summary of your responsibilities as a rider, visit:
Paratransit (EMBARK Plus)
EMBARK Plus paratransit service complements the existing transit system by providing lift-equipped public transportation to eligible individuals who are not functionally able to ride our fixed-route bus service due to a disabling condition. EMBARK Plus paratransit service is a shared-ride public transportation and requires an application and eligibility determination prior to use.
To request a Plus application packet by mail, contact EMBARK Mobility Management at (405) 235-7433 or follow the link below.
TTY -Dial 711 to reach Relay Oklahoma for free communication assistance with EMBARK. Simply give the operator the EMBARK Customer Relations number (405) 235-7433 or the Norman EMBARK Plus Paratransit Scheduling number (405) 235-7587.
To learn more about eligibility requirements, scheduling trips, and visitor eligibility and to print an application, visit:
EMBARK PlusReasonable Modification Policy: EMBARK is committed to making reasonable modifications to its policies, practices and procedures to ensure EMBARK services are accessible to everyone. Requests for modifications can be made by emailing mobilitymanagement@okc.gov.
For additional information about EMBARK's Accessibility programs including the Reasonable Modification Policy, visit:
Additional Information
Service Alerts, Detours, & Winter Weather
Occasionally, when roads are impassible because of construction, road closures, or winter weather, buses will take approved detour routes. Live maps and real time tracking is set up online and in EMBARK mobile apps to reflect the most accurate location for buses regardless of detours.
Active current detours can be reviewed at the link below. Options are available to filter for Norman Bus Service and for the Norman Express service operated by EMBARK OKC.
Standard winter weather detours make use of regional snow routes with priority snow and ice removal. Tips for riding the bus during inclement weather can be found here.
Advertising
For information about advertising on buses, bus shelters, and benches, please click here.