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Oklahoma City Breaks Ground for Streetcar; EMBARK to Operate
Construction began Feb. 7 for “one of the most ambitious projects in Oklahoma City’s history,” in the words of Mayor Mick Cornett: the MAPS 3 Oklahoma City Streetcar line, the area’s first streetcar system in generations.
The city is constructing the $131 million modern streetcar system, funded through the MAPS 3 program voters approved in 2009 that uses a one-cent, limited-term sales tax to finance debt-free projects. EMBARK will operate the line when it opens in December 2018, connecting passengers with major employers, businesses, attractions and downtown residences at 22 stops.
“The Oklahoma City Streetcar represents perhaps the most significant capital investment in public transit since the original streetcar was built in the early 1900s,” said Jason Ferbrache, administrator of EMBARK. “We are excited to have the streetcar join our family of services in late 2018. The streetcar will introduce public transportation to those who have never used public transit before in Oklahoma City. And while it is located downtown, the project’s pulse will be felt throughout the city as it seamlessly connects to EMBARK’s larger public transit network.”
Brookville Equipment Corp. is constructing six streetcars, of which five will operate at any given time. Each streetcar can carry approximately 100 people.
The streetcar will have two route options: a two-mile loop serving the Bricktown entertainment district in downtown and a 4.8-mile mainline serving the rest of the central urban core. The line will use overhead wires for electric power on part of the route and batteries for the rest. The project budget also includes a storage and maintenance facility already under construction.
![](http://passengertransport.apta.com/aptapt/editor_images/OKC%20Streetcar%20art.JPG)
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An artist’s rendering of the Oklahoma City Streetcar.
Rendering courtesy of EMBARK |
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