I wanted to update progress on the Oklahoma City streetcar. Remember this streetcar system is no pipe dream as it already has a dedicated funding source collecting money. The final route should be released by spring, but in the meantime there is a very open process going on with the public to determine the route. A major focus has been to plan a "first phase" but also plan a future system map so that we aren't short-sighted in the initial route. Consensus is to include a downtown/Midtown transit mall with a leg to one of the outlying urban nodes for the first phase.
So here is a look at a potential system map from Jeff Bezdek who is involved with the transit committees, posted originally at okctalk.com:
The
BLUE portion is the most certain bet for what will be included in Phase 1. It links lofts, bars, and TOD potential of Midtown to the CBD, Bricktown, and major attractions including OKC Memorial, convention center, and arena.
The
TURQUOISE shaded area is also fairly certain to be the location of a multimodal transit hub, which will integrate streetcar, bus, Amtrak, future commuter rail from Edmond to Norman, and future HSR to Tulsa and Dallas/Fort Worth.
The
YELLOW to Paseo and the portion of the
PINK to Plaza District seem to be the most likely candidates for the last portion of the first phase, but this has not yet been determined for sure.
And finally, the
RED noticeably includes a link to the Medical District and State Capitol- OKC would seek federal/state matching funds to extend a line in this direction.
So, progress is good and strong debate from certain council members has actually strengthened the planning IMO by encouraging a link to at least one neighborhood outside of the Downtown/Midtown core.