Oklahoma City OKs streetcar route
Written by William C. Vantuono, Editor-in-ChiefThe Oklahoma City Council Tuesday approved a proposed route for its MAPS 3 streetcar line, with provisions for adjusting the route as conditions warrant. The proposed route runs in a four-mile loop, connecting the city’s midtown with Bricktown.
"This represents about four miles of the five to six mile route as part of the MAPS 3 budget," MAPS program manager Eric Wenger said.
According to a report given to the city council, the recommended streetcar route should assist in the design and construction of Project 180, a $141 million makeover of downtown streets, sidewalks, and public spaces. The recommended route and Project 180 renovations would take place on the some of the same streets.
Having a recommended route could make it easier to apply for federal funds to help extend routes, Wenger said.
Some within the City Council already are looking beyond the initial step. Councilman Pete White voted to accept the recommendation, but hopes future streetcar service can be extended beyond downtown to the edges of the city, to reach more residential areas.
