Excellent. I'm going to try to go as well. This concept is exciting, and I'm glad to see it's got the mayor's support.

Great! I often wonder how many in the blog world actually get out and physically advocate what they support. Your support is needed to make this happen.


Mayor Cornett Speaks on the MAPS 3 Transit Proposal

What is Proposed and Why We Need to Do it Now

An Urban Fundraiser for the MAPS 3 Modern Electric Streetcar System

Skirvin Hotel
Crystal Ballroom
14th Floor
Thursday, September 17th
Opens at 5
Presentation at 6
Music Food Drinks + Visuals

RSVP ENCOURAGED rsvp@mtpokc.com

Down Payment on the Future - Oklahoma City - Big League City
Metropolitan Area Projects

This may be a ridiclous question... Is there any sort of dress code? I've been wanting to go to city meeting such as one like this for a while, but don't want to show up in a tee shirt and jeans and stick out like a sore thumb in a room full of business suits. Haha. Once again sorry for the dumb question.

While I can't speak officially for Urban Pioneer, but as I understand it and other fundraisers I've been to at Skirvin, ALL are welcome. Yeah there will be people there in jeans and polo or tshirt, but there will also be plenty of suit types. After all it is a classy hotel and a sexy topic and fundraiser. I think the important thing is to just show up, especially people from all walks of life, to show our city leaders how widespread the support is for the mass transit issue. I talked to Jeff and the fundraiser is free to enter, with a cash bar, however they will be accepting donations to further the cause.

My suggestion would be business casual if you want to be comfortable. There will be plenty of people in suits and dresses but this project is for everyone. There will be plenty of food. Drinks will be available. We are working through some fun animations and photography.

Follow news about the MAPS 3 transit proposal at ModernTransitProject (mtpokc) on Twitter (http://www.twitter.com/mtpokc).

http://www.mtpokc.com/assets/evite/MTP-html-Invitation_02.jpg

Why can't they have these things on a Saturday or something? If they want to put a little extra time in for the general public to see what their project is all about, then Saturday would be great. I want to go, but it's super busy at my work that week. I'll be working til at least 7 or 8pm that night. Boo!

Why can't they have these things on a Saturday or something? If they want to put a little extra time in for the general public to see what their project is all about, then Saturday would be great. I want to go, but it's super busy at my work that week. I'll be working til at least 7 or 8pm that night. Boo!

I am sure that there will be an opportunity for a Saturday meeting in the future as the campaign progresses.

Even though it has been addressed on this blog before, I would like to re-clarify what the Modern Transit Project is since the invitation to this first fundraiser and public event was circulated on the web.



The Modern Transit Project is a political committee dedicated to the inclusion of a Modern Streetcar and other important new transit components in the MAPS 3 public proposal.

As of now, the MTP is not affiliated with and does not directly benefit an official council supported MAPS 3 initiative. However, we will positively support an official campaign for the entire MAPS 3 initiative as it becomes organized.

The funds raised by this independent committee will be utilized for the technical analysis and necessary positive public information and education campaign to support modern transit in Oklahoma City.

Mayor Cornett has graciously accepted our invitation to attend this first fundraiser and speak on the importance of developing an improved transit system. The event will involve a visual presentation of the modern streetcar and its relevance to developing a comprehensive Regional Transit System.

Many thanks for your interest in participating in this important initiative,



Jeff M. Bezdek
Campaign Director


Austin Hacker Chairman (Wind Energy)
James Ellison Vice Chairman (Transit Oriented Development)
Karen Arbogast Treasurer
Walter Jacques Board Advisor (Bus System)
Dr. Mark Gibbs Board Advisor (Connectivity)
Caryl Gibbs Board Advisor (Environmental)
Nathaniel Harding Board Advisor (Compressed Natural Gas)

Just a reminder that the MTP mass transit forum at the Skirvin is coming up next Thursday! Wanted to give everyone a courtesy reminder in case you need to make plans to take off work early or babysitter or whatever. We need a good turnout for this to get some real mass transit in our city!

We are updating our website Welcome | Modern Transit Project in Oklahoma City (http://www.mtpokc.com) with new article archives and just now, a video of the Seattle streetcar system. It is a very good video.

The only problem I saw in the video was that they charge to ride. If the goal is to get as many people into mass transit as possible then anything that stands as a barrier needs to be removed. Riding the trolley should be free. If they want to have a plastic card that you apply for to track ridership then fine - but getting on and off should be free. Sell advertising inside and outside of the vehicle to cover expenses or even sell naming rights.

The Seattle transit system is a case study for this - the first week it was open it was free to ride. People were standing in line and waiting for multiple trains to pass before they could get on. Then they charge two dollars and there is plenty of room and no waiting. If the OKC trolley wants free ridership would be through the roof, which will increase advertising rates.

Riding the trolley should be free. If they want to have a plastic card that you apply for to track ridership then fine - but getting on and off should be free. Sell advertising inside and outside of the vehicle to cover expenses or even sell naming rights.

Most cities have 'free zones' in the central parts of the city. i can see OKC having a free zone in the downtown/bricktown/ouhsc/midtown core... but if we ever decide to expand outside that are free wouldn't make much sense to me.

Naming right... no thanks.

I figure if that can't put together a pdf in last 4 years of the system map.... they ain't gonna have one 'in a few months.'

Does ANYONE have a saved copy of the old system map?


We'll I'll be... gometro.com actually posted a new system map on their website!

Just a reminder the MTP meeting at the Skirvin is this Thursday! You won't want to miss it if you care about mass transit in this city!

What I see missing here...as with every other plan...is what we really need to make public transportation a viable option. There needs to be a system in place that services the outlaying areas, such as Choctaw, Harrah, Yukon, Norman, etc. I drive in from SW Lincoln County to work through Harrah and Choctaw. If there was any type of public transportation option available...even those silly bus/trolley jobs...I would take it instead of driving. And believe me, there are a ton of other people that would do so as well. The biggest part of congestion in the Metro is all of the people who commute in, and then you have to find parking (another problem that needs to be addressed desperately...Republic Parking has a death grip on OKC and runs the parking garage/lot system as they see fit). And currently with the number of buses, routes, and schedules available...especially with lack of weekend and night service...it's not a viable option at all to even consider using the bus system for commuting, even if you live in the service area.

So now we have a plan for a trolley system in the downtown OKC area...doesn't really help the commuter out that much at all, does it? Please, do not think I am against the idea...but the system needs to be practical from a commuting standpoint, not just another toy for the downtown club. Now, Light Rail for the entire metro area, with local bus/trolley/people mover systems to get you to the hubs and your final destination? That is a system that makes sense. Oklahoma city is spread out over a larger area than most cities, but is serviced by the worst public transportation system imaginable.

People don't use the current system because it is not practical. Make it so, and people will take advantage of it. But to be used, it has to be useful...and safe. It's bad when you get attacked while waiting for a bus over a bologna and cheese sandwich.

here we go again................

kd5ili, can you please show us a system anywhere in the world that was started system wide or started in the suburbs?

Again, most systems start in the downtown core, and expand once the general public actually gets how transit systems function in reality. The downtown area is the CORE and HEART of any city and then spurs develop out to the suburbs. Bedroom communities like Choctaw will have to see it successful first before they latch on to the idea, and probably wouldn't have the several million extra in funding laying around anyways at first.

kd5ili,

This is not all or nothing. The point is to develop a system that can be expanded upon. There is not either the will nor the means to put a system in place that would service the suburbs. Not yet.

We need to pass this and prove that it will work, then expand upon it.

Please support this modest inititiative and remember to view it as a "first step."

If this initiative fails, I assure you that you will never, ever see a commuter system. We must pass this initiative and help it succeed. Once it succeeds, it will be possible to expand it.

What I see missing here...as with every other plan...is what we really need to make public transportation a viable option. There needs to be a system in place that services the outlaying areas, such as Choctaw, Harrah, Yukon, Norman, etc. I drive in from SW Lincoln County to work through Harrah and Choctaw. If there was any type of public transportation option available...even those silly bus/trolley jobs...I would take it instead of driving. And believe me, there are a ton of other people that would do so as well. The biggest part of congestion in the Metro is all of the people who commute in, and then you have to find parking (another problem that needs to be addressed desperately...Republic Parking has a death grip on OKC and runs the parking garage/lot system as they see fit). And currently with the number of buses, routes, and schedules available...especially with lack of weekend and night service...it's not a viable option at all to even consider using the bus system for commuting, even if you live in the service area.

So now we have a plan for a trolley system in the downtown OKC area...doesn't really help the commuter out that much at all, does it? Please, do not think I am against the idea...but the system needs to be practical from a commuting standpoint, not just another toy for the downtown club. Now, Light Rail for the entire metro area, with local bus/trolley/people mover systems to get you to the hubs and your final destination? That is a system that makes sense. Oklahoma city is spread out over a larger area than most cities, but is serviced by the worst public transportation system imaginable.

People don't use the current system because it is not practical. Make it so, and people will take advantage of it. But to be used, it has to be useful...and safe. It's bad when you get attacked while waiting for a bus over a bologna and cheese sandwich.

When gasoline goes to $5 a gallon, everyone in this city will be screaming for more mass transit. Mass transit takes a very long time to build. Dallas has been building DART since the early 90's. Denver has been building its RTD rail since the mid-90s. Both were started in the downtown area and both are still being built and expanded because they are both wildly successful.

OKC isn't Dallas and it isn't Denver and ours may not have the initial success as those systems but when gas skyrockets again, we will all be begging for alternatives.

What I see missing here...as with every other plan...is what we really need to make public transportation a viable option. There needs to be a system in place that services the outlaying areas, such as Choctaw, Harrah, Yukon, Norman, etc. I drive in from SW Lincoln County to work through Harrah and Choctaw. If there was any type of public transportation option available...even those silly bus/trolley jobs...I would take it instead of driving. And believe me, there are a ton of other people that would do so as well. The biggest part of congestion in the Metro is all of the people who commute in, and then you have to find parking (another problem that needs to be addressed desperately...Republic Parking has a death grip on OKC and runs the parking garage/lot system as they see fit). And currently with the number of buses, routes, and schedules available...especially with lack of weekend and night service...it's not a viable option at all to even consider using the bus system for commuting, even if you live in the service area.

So now we have a plan for a trolley system in the downtown OKC area...doesn't really help the commuter out that much at all, does it? Please, do not think I am against the idea...but the system needs to be practical from a commuting standpoint, not just another toy for the downtown club.

The most flexible and cheapest system for metro wide commutation is still bus service. Buses can run on natural gas and be a fairly clean source of transportation. They're significantly cheaper than light rail, routes can be added or changed very easily, and buses could link with a streetcar just as easily as light rail could. We could have express buses that run from Edmond or Norman without stops, which would greatly speed up commute time. It just takes a plan, and I think that citizens are going to have to let their representatives know that they want mass transit and will use it. But, people in Oklahoma City also have to lose that sense that riding a bus is a comedown, that you only do it if you don't have a car.

kd5ili,

This is not all or nothing. The point is to develop a system that can be expanded upon. There is not either the will nor the means to put a system in place that would service the suburbs. Not yet.

We need to pass this and prove that it will work, then expand upon it.

Please support this modest inititiative and remember to view it as a "first step."

If this initiative fails, I assure you that you will never, ever see a commuter system. We must pass this initiative and help it succeed. Once it succeeds, it will be possible to expand it.

Not to mention that if it is worked on and built upon in an outward fashion, then the riders won't be coming in to downtown, getting off commuter trains and then walking because the trolley system will be in place already.

The most flexible and cheapest system for metro wide commutation is still bus service. Buses can run on natural gas and be a fairly clean source of transportation. They're significantly cheaper than light rail, routes can be added or changed very easily, and buses could link with a streetcar just as easily as light rail could. We could have express buses that run from Edmond or Norman without stops, which would greatly speed up commute time. It just takes a plan, and I think that citizens are going to have to let their representatives know that they want mass transit and will use it. But, people in Oklahoma City also have to lose that sense that riding a bus is a comedown, that you only do it if you don't have a car.

MTP is actively promoting the streetcar initiative and commuter rail because the bus concept has proven to be fundamentally flawed. Visitors coming to our city will find a great deal of comfort in knowing where the downtown routes are simply by observing the fixed rail in the ground. the "fixed route" also gives developers comfort in knowing that a route won't "change" overnight, thus stimulating economic development.

Commuter express bus is a great idea but is also hampered just same as cars during rush hour because no design or room for HOV (High Occupancy Vehicle) lanes. Plus all traffic is affected by our perpetual expansion projects on the major North/South corridor, I-35/235.

But you make the best point when you state the obvious about the cultural disconnect. People who ride the bus system currently have to because they have no car. Either that, or somehow the existing bus system has a route that is convenient to them.

We need to improve the bus system, definitely. But a sexy rail system is a great portal to re-introducing the merits of public transit back to our citizenry.

We need to improve the bus system, definitely. But a sexy rail system is a great portal to re-introducing the merits of public transit back to our citizenry.

If it is affordable, rail is truly sexier and doesn't have the stigma that a bus does. The downtown streetcar system makes a lot of sense as well. But.....fixed rail is completely inflexible, and you cannot run rail lines everywhere. So, even were we to have a rail system, it can only be usable by everyone if there are links. In Chicago, for instance, my kids never use the El, even though it goes where they need to go. The reason: They would have to walk over a mile to pick it up, and the bus stops a block from their apartment and also goes directly where they need to go. So, if we can truly afford light rail, that's great. But, we will still need buses, and we definitely need to destigmatize them. Riding the bus in most cities is considered perfectly acceptable by everyone, and I'd like to see that happen here.

I totally agree with you.

Did anyone else attend this event tonight? It was standing room only and very fired up and ready to go.

I went for a little bit. Got to talk to one of the MTP guys. No where to sit, except a few reserved tables up front.

I would like to attend one of their events that is not a fundraiser, where there's more technical discussion.

yes, I was working the front

Did anyone else attend this event tonight? It was standing room only and very fired up and ready to go.

I was there. Everyone there was very positive, but that's not surprising. I wonder what kind of opposition MAPS 3 will have. I'm guessing the no more taxes people will be the predominant opposing group, but I really don't know.

betts, those and suburbanites who don't see the benefit of improving downtown instead of their neck of the woods. It's going to be hard for them to argue about new street/sidewalk/bike lanes, senior health and wellness centers, and state fair park improvements, thus the genius of MAPS that its a political grab bag for all parts of the City.

I went for a little bit. Got to talk to one of the MTP guys. No where to sit, except a few reserved tables up front.

I would like to attend one of their events that is not a fundraiser, where there's more technical discussion.

Don't expect anything to get too technical before the MAPS 3 vote. Now I can't speak on behalf of MTP or Urban Pioneer, but as with all MAPS, the details were not laid out ahead of time, and frankly that would be stupid to do so. Keep in mind the vote is to approve the funding to do these projects. If funding is approved, the City does its due diligence and hires consultants to do studies along with creating citizen panels on where projects should go, design, finishes, and all the final details. If Mayor C or MTP came out and specifically said the route is going down this street to this street and this street. They would be lying as there is a lot of legal and professional consulting and studying that has to go on that requires MONEY. Utility lines come into play as well. The list of variables is too long to post on this message board for any of the 8 projects.

Keep in mind that this will be the cleanest and largest modern streetcar system in the U.S. once it's built! The U.S. Conference of Mayors is coming to town next year, and possibly President Obama. Think of the message that will send the rest of our nation and the world to say, "Welcome to OKC, we are going to be a major player the US in this new economy through green energy and modern mass transit systems."

Now with that said, that's not to say cities with existing streetcar systems can't pass funding and expand their streetcar systems by the time ours is built or shortly after, but either way, it's a HUGE step forward for this City, and will directly benefit our LOCAL energy companies.

metro's right... it would be pretty deflating if this gets voted down before the US Conference of Mayors. I wonder if the general public realize importance and prestige of this conference, and if so i wonder if that will swing any undecided voters?

metro's right... it would be pretty deflating if this gets voted down before the US Conference of Mayors. I wonder if the general public realize importance and prestige of this conference, and if so i wonder if that will swing any undecided voters?

Platemaker,

For people voting against this measure, I'm guessing the national mayor's conference -- or for that matter, outsiders' perceptions in general -- would have little import.

I often hear: "Who cares what other people think about OKC? I like it here just fine."

While I don't think we should do backflips to appeal to outsiders, their perceptions are important to the city's ability to grow and attract new business, but you all know that anyway....

That being said, MAPS is not about appealing to outsiders, it's about making a city those of us who live here enjoy. Of course, that makes visitors more impressed as well.

I went for a little bit. Got to talk to one of the MTP guys. No where to sit, except a few reserved tables up front.

I would like to attend one of their events that is not a fundraiser, where there's more technical discussion.

I don't know how long you stayed but we started rolling out chairs when people desired seating. Tons of people.

Regarding the technical, I aggree. I think that multiple technical meetings at various locations around the city would be a very good idea.

OKC talk bloggers, if you have ideas as to where and better days for small neighborhood meetings, that may be a good move in the coming months to explain the proposal.

http://www.yesformaps.com/images/skylinestreetcar.jpg

Home | Central Oklahoma Transportation & Parking Authority (http://www.gometro.org)

METRO Transit Unveils New Web site
Visitors Should Find What They Need In Just 3 Clicks


Visitors to METRO Transit’s web site – gometro.org – will find a comprehensively redesigned site that gives riders, residents and visitors effortless access to online information about METRO Transit’s family of services. It includes several added features, such as a Service Guide with a transit savings calculator and an Action Center where visitors can make a request, report a concern or make a suggestion.

The new design meets several goals, including making the web site more functional and interactive. “We wanted to enable our customers to access information 24 hours a day and to forward a request or question to us at their convenience. This site was designed with our customers in mind,” said METRO Transit Director, Rick Cain.

The site now features streamlined content and a more accessible format for all customers. Quick links and Route Quick Links were incorporated directly on the site’s homepage, making it easy for customers to quickly access the most frequently sought information, including schedules, maps, alerts and special service programs. Many of the new features enhance usability for persons with disabilities.

"The launch of gometro.org is part of METRO Transit’s goal to maximize communication and interaction with the Greater Oklahoma City area," explained Public Information Officer, Michael Scroggins. “Riders can now sign up for Myride - a new electronic messaging service that will automatically send an email or text message notifying registered users of any service changes directly to their mobile phone. This service is one example of how METRO Transit has incorporated customers’ comments and suggestions into this endeavor.”

"It’s our hope that gometro.org will better serve Central Oklahomans and visitors by showing them how to use public transportation to connect to the Greater Oklahoma City area’s many districts and the green spaces in our back yard,” said Cain. Utilizing public transportation to get to those destinations reduces that individual's carbon footprint and improves the community's air quality.

Over the course of the next year, an online trip planner and real-time bus tracking will be integrated into the new site. METRO Transit is asking website visitors to help further enhance the new gometro.org by providing their feedback on design, features and content through a survey on the homepage. Survey participants who include their contact information will be entered into a drawing for free 30-day passes. One pass will be given away monthly through December 2009.

About METRO Transit
METRO Transit is a division of the Central Oklahoma Transportation & Parking Authority (COTPA). COTPA, a public trust administered by the City of Oklahoma City, is responsible for providing safe, efficient and convenient public transportation to the citizens of the greater Oklahoma City area.

Over the course of the next year, an online trip planner and real-time bus tracking will be integrated into the new site. METRO Transit is asking website visitors to help further enhance the new gometro.org by providing their feedback on design, features and content through a survey on the homepage.

Nice! Definitely something long overdue, I hope this will integrate well with the MTP as things evolve. Jeff, can you elaborate any more?

In 30 seconds I can tell this is soooo much better. The old site was frustrating at best.

Wow... the system map is SOOOOOOOO much better.

Home | Central Oklahoma Transportation & Parking Authority (http://www.gometro.org)Over the course of the next year, an online trip planner and real-time bus tracking will be integrated into the new site.

Cool. My daughters, who live in Chicago, use real-time bus tracking all the time. Especially with inclement weather (which Chicago obviously has a lot of), this can be a real life and time saver.

The MTP is in the planning stages for a large public meeting and forum for discussion of the MAPS 3 transit initiative. We are also planning a series of smaller public meetings sponsored through Alliance for Public Transit.

I have heard from many people that they would enjoy further discussion and an opportunity to ask questions about the MAPS initiatives. The MTP has been a citizens movement and we commit to continuing serious dialogue about the possibilities of improved transit through the MAPS initiative.

Right now the tentative date is planned for Tuesday, November 17th at 7:00 PM. It is our hope to provide a good time for the greatest number of our fellow citizens to attend.

Great! I have been hoping we would hear something from MTP. I consider this one of the most important of the MAPS 3 proposals, so will definitely plan on attending.

It looks like we will be having the meeting at the Art Museum Theater. I am putting the panelists together now.

Officials: Downtown rail initiative in MAPS 3 can serve as future framework | OKG Scene.com (http://www.okgazette.com/p/12776/a/4949/Default.aspx?ReturnUrl=LwBkAGUAZgBhAHUAbAB0AC4AYQB zAHAAeAAslashAHAAPQAxADIANwAyADkA)

Very interesting and informative article. Thanks for posting the link! This remains my favorite part of MAPS, and a concept I think is long overdue in this city.

THE CITIZENS FORUM ON PUBLIC TRANSIT
WHAT IS IN THE MAPS 3 TRANSIT PROPOSAL AND WHY WE NEED TO DO IT NOW

A Visual Presentation of the Proposal with Your Questions Answered by 12 Transit Panelists

OKC Museum of Art
Theatre Auditorium
Tuesday, November 17th
Starts Promptly at 7 PM

Panelists from:

Modern Transit Project
OnTrac
Alliance for Public Transit
City of OKC
Northern Flyer Alliance
Regional Transit Dialogue
Amtrak

Transit Films, Power Points, and an Hour of Questions/Discussion

More details on next week's forum at the Art Musuem on Tuesday, November 17th:


CITIZENS FORUM ON PUBLIC TRANSIT

THE MAPS 3 TRANSIT PROPOSAL AND WHY WE NEED TO DO IT NOW

Next Tuesday (November 17th)
Starts Promptly at 7PM
Free to Attend

OKC Museum of Art Museum (Noble Theatre)

The Modern Transit Project is pleased to invite the Public to attend this forum. A short video and powerpoint presentation will provide visual information on the MAPS 3 Transit Proposal. Twelve panelists have been assembled to answer your questions and discuss the future of the world class transit system proposed in the MAPS 3 Ballot Initiative.

Please feel free to invite others. No RSVP is required.

PANELISTS & POTENTIAL SUBJECTS

Marion Hutchison (Transit Hub)
Lauren White (Bus System)
Josiah Daniel (Federal Funding)
Rick Cain (COTPA & Metro Transit)
Turner Mann (Midwest City Connection)
Austin Hacker (Wind Power)
Bob Kemper (Commuter Rail and Amtrak)
Steve Nash (Commuter Rail and Amtrak)
Walter Jacques (Bus System)
James Ellison (Transit Oriented Development)
Robbie Kienzle (Urban Planning)
Debbie Blackburn (Historic Neighborhoods)
Jeff Bezdek (Modern Streetcar)

Wow, this is an impressive panel. Great job, MTP!

I like the idea of the streetcars from the beginning when they were suggested under the original MAPS and hope to be able to attend the forum (but my work schedule is going to make that difficult at best).

In the mean time, I have asked these questions before but haven't gotten a definitive answer (other than "I think it is going to do this or that"). If anyone has answers or can point me to where the answers are, it would be appreciated!

1) The 5 to 6 miles mentioned as part of MAPS 3, is it in reality only 2.5 to 3 miles (going both ways?)

2) Is this really going to be the largest/longest streetcar system in the country (in another thread, some said there a few cities that already exceed this claim)?

3) Are the lines "one way" or bi-directional? In other words, will a separate track be required for eastbound and westbound?

4) Do the proposed downtown streetcars require dedicated lanes or will they share with cars etc?

5) If the answer to #3 & #4 require two dedicated lanes of traffic on each street, which streets downtown are capable of accommodating them?

6) Would it mean shutting down existing streets entirely?

7) If #6 is the case, won't this make traffic problems Downtown worse instead of better?

8) While there were probably distinct differences between what was proposed under the original MAPS and MAPS 3, what explains the cost being over 8.125 times the original amount? Under MAPS it was going to cost $16M (which included a line connecting to the airport area), under MAPS 3, it is $130M (no connection to the airport).

Thanks in advance!

Today you can make the most important preparatory step towards ensuring that your vote is counted December 8th. Voter registration ends today. If you live within the Oklahoma City limits, you are eligible to vote in the election that will decide the vibrancy, momentum, and competitiveness of our city.

If you have changed address, are a new resident, or simply have not registered, please click the link below.

Oklahoma County - Voter Information (http://www.oklahomacounty.org/vote/vote.asp)

I will answer Larry's questions when I have a minute to sit down.

I'm just a bit concern as to potential ridership, will it lessen traffic jam in the area to be serviced and can it be done cheaper then the present plan,in favor of one which will lessen traffic in the area.

I think, especially as downtown grows, a streetcar will make getting around downtown easier for visitors. It will allow people to park in an outlying area and not have to worry about figuring out how to drive in downtown and locate parking. It will allow easy transit between downtown and (hopefully) Midtown and the Health Sciences Center, and most importantly, I think, it will generate a positive attitude towards mass transit in the minds of residents here. One of the problems with mass transit in OKC is that people view it as how those who can't afford a car get around. Let's face it, buses aren't very sexy. But, getting accustomed to the ease of traveling by streetcar will make other methods of mass transit more acceptable. We need to become a city that sees car travel as only one of multiple alternatives, but we need to have convenient flexible mass transit for that to be the case.

increase parking charges and hours they can be somewhere.

...I will answer Larry's questions when I have a minute to sit down.

Again, thanks in advance!

While you are getting situated, here's a couple more...

8) After looking at the list of panelists, are they disappointed that the comprehensive mass transit the Mayor often spoke of when talking about a potential MAPS 3, isn't fully in MAPS 3?

In a study (that took the City 18 months to complete) the Mayor mentioned numerous times, we were supposed to be getting a "better bus service, commuter rail, a modern streetcar for the downtown area and bus rapid transit, which is a hybrid between bus and rail." Under the announced proposal, we are only getting the downtown streetcars (and if there is money left over, the "hub").

9) How much longer is it going to be before full implementation? Understand it is expensive (the comprehensive plan was priced at $394M) but how much more expensive is it going to be if the rest doesn't happen until MAPS 4 (basically 8 years down the road...or rail)?

Again, thanks in advance!

While you are getting situated, here's a couple more...

8) After looking at the list of panelists, are they disappointed that the comprehensive mass transit the Mayor often spoke of when talking about a potential MAPS 3, isn't fully in MAPS 3?

In a study (that took the City 18 months to complete) the Mayor mentioned numerous times, we were supposed to be getting a "better bus service, commuter rail, a modern streetcar for the downtown area and bus rapid transit, which is a hybrid between bus and rail." Under the announced proposal, we are only getting the downtown streetcars (and if there is money left over, the "hub").

9) How much longer is it going to be before full implementation? Understand it is expensive (the comprehensive plan was priced at $394M) but how much more expensive is it going to be if the rest doesn't happen until MAPS 4 (basically 8 years down the road...or rail)?


Thanks for your patience. It has been pretty busy getting ready for this event.

8. In talking with each of the panelists, they understand that the proposal is the start of a truly well designed Regional Transit System.

It is important to understand that transit systems are normally funded through a great deal of federal funding. That funding is usually obtained through a local champion such as a US Senator or Congressman.

Unfortunately, at this time, we have had few requests for substantive funding to the federal level. It is my understanding though that Mary Fallin and Tom Coburn are interested in what is going on and watching MAPS very closely. In fact, both offices sent representatives to the MTP launch party.

So when you don't have federal lobbying going on for transit, your next course of action is to build it yourself. Very unusual. But when local municipalities put up their own money, their applications for federal funding become much more appealing for matching money without an intensive lobbying efforts.

In our case, a $130 million dollar investment can easily bring a minimum federal match of $.65 per dollar. "During a democratic period, dollar for dollar.

MTP advocates that the commuter rail system be powered by Oklahoma's own Compressed Natural Gas and the Modern Streetcar be powered by Wind Power.

Using local and renewable fuels intensive the federal matching opportunities. So with MAPS, it is fair to say that $130 million investment can easily create returns of $130 million to $240 million creating a system $260 million to $370 million.

This numbers also do not include further investments by the city in the future and/or state funding opportunities.

Also, you have to keep in mind that a truly regional system requires "buy-in" from the adjacent municipalities such as Edmond, Moore, Norman, Midwest City, and Del City to be successful.

9. Full implementation of the MAPS proposal could be as little as 3.5 years. It will take about 8 months at the fastest to develop public input and fully engineer a system. MTP stands ready to continue the public dialogue and maintain a strong presence during the MAPS oversight period to make sure that the system is installed as quickly and efficiently as possible, but we want a well designed system.


MAYOR CORNETT

Mayor Cornett is a stalwart supporter of an improved transit system and the development of a true Regional Transit System. He has not made commitments in the past for specific transit technologies as you suggest. He says that we should move towards implementing those technologies.

He is the steering committee chairman for the RTD (Regional Transit Dialogue), and is working with other mayors and leaders in our region to partner and responsibly develop a self-sustaining system.

SYSTEM PLAN

The Fixed Guideway Study resulted in a system plan that outlines enhanced bus, modern streetcar, bus rapid transit, and commuter rails as the best technologies to develop a regional transit system. It is a guideline though and does not constitute an engineered system. Each part of that plan will have to be dissected as funding becomes available and designed as an individual component that connects to the other components.


WHY DOES MAPS PROVIDE ONLY FOR STREETCAR AND MULTI-MODAL HUB/COMMUTER INFRASTRUCTURE?

The basic reason is that we do not have the permanent tax mechanism to support the drivers, fuel, and maintenance costs of expanded service.

The Modern Streetcar plan replaces an incredibly inept transit system (rubber tired trolleys) with a 1st class solution that has minimally operating costs that we can absorb into the budget. The up front cost is expensive. The annual cost is minimal.

This city and this mayor is committed to responsibly developing a improved system overall. Providing $10 million for a transit hub and commuter infrastructure ensures that we have made a significant enough commitment to leverage federal dollars to partner with the other cities and obtain the significant amount of money that federal funds could provide.


FINALLY

MAPS is about building things. If transit had a permanent tax revenue such as the police and fire have, we would have a decent transit system. But because nearly all of the funding goes to police, fire, and potholes, there is not enough annual operational funding for other services such as transit to maintain, develop, or grow.

It is THE opportunity to put an end to the "chicken/egg" problem that all transit improvement in this city faces. The Modern Streetcar and Commuter Rail hub promises an opportunity to attract federal dollars, increase ridership, and legitimately connect several forms of existing transit resources together.

It is the start of a well developed transit system. Since we have very little to speak of now, it allows us to build a World Class system responsibly from scratch. And that is an unparalleled opportunity that MAPS 3 brings to the table.

I like the idea of the streetcars from the beginning when they were suggested under the original MAPS and hope to be able to attend the forum (but my work schedule is going to make that difficult at best).

In the mean time, I have asked these questions before but haven't gotten a definitive answer (other than "I think it is going to do this or that"). If anyone has answers or can point me to where the answers are, it would be appreciated!

1) The 5 to 6 miles mentioned as part of MAPS 3, is it in reality only 2.5 to 3 miles (going both ways?)

2) Is this really going to be the largest/longest streetcar system in the country (in another thread, some said there a few cities that already exceed this claim)?

3) Are the lines "one way" or bi-directional? In other words, will a separate track be required for eastbound and westbound?

4) Do the proposed downtown streetcars require dedicated lanes or will they share with cars etc?

5) If the answer to #3 & #4 require two dedicated lanes of traffic on each street, which streets downtown are capable of accommodating them?

6) Would it mean shutting down existing streets entirely?

7) If #6 is the case, won't this make traffic problems Downtown worse instead of better?

8) While there were probably distinct differences between what was proposed under the original MAPS and MAPS 3, what explains the cost being over 8.125 times the original amount? Under MAPS it was going to cost $16M (which included a line connecting to the airport area), under MAPS 3, it is $130M (no connection to the airport).

Thanks in advance!

1. Very good question. It is 4.8 miles to connect the major elements together. While the system hasn't been fully engineered, there will probably be some double tracking so that the streetcars can go both directions. Such system are somewhat more easy to do and maintain reliability and frequency through GPS coordination of car locations and arrival times.

2. This is slated to probably end up being the longest system (Modern Streetcar System) in the United States if completed in the next few years. We could be surpassed though as there are several cities in the works that are awaiting Federal Funding. The "largest/longest" claim is derived from comparing to the existing three modern streetcar systems in Portland, Seattle, Tacoma. Modern Streetcars are not the same as conventional light-rail or traditional streetcars. That claim is also based on MAPS passing and providing funds at an accelerated pace compared to the Federal Funds that the other cities are waiting on.

3. It is always preferable to have a "bi-directional" system and that is what we will be pursuing. How much and where will be determined during the engineering process.

4. Modern Streetcars "can" share lanes with traffic and would not impact traffic flow any more than a conventional bus would. However, the new TIF project in downtown provides opportunities for street narrowing as proposed by Jeff Speck and some of the rail could potentially be in its own right-of-way that could be beautiful grass or paved.

5. Really, there aren't many downtown streets that could not accommodate them. We currently have very large/wide streets. The determining factor is often underground utilities.

6. No street would have to be shut down for the transit system tracks/cars.

7. Having the modern streetcar will eliminate the need for people to make the short trips that they do now by car. Example- Couriers, lunch-time office trips, lawyers to jail, lawyers to capitol, medical patients and doctors between facilities, tourists to hotels. Thus more cars off the street.

More importantly, this system will enable people to move about downtown during peak congestion periods such as Thunder games/events as the streetcar car move more easily and transport more people to parking locations further away from the CBD.

9. What was origionally proposed was a very short "tourist trolley" such as the system in Little Rock that was to connect the CBD to the Bricktown area. Much shorter system.

I don't know about the airport but I assume that it must have been a proposal before my time that would have plopped a tram on an existing rail line that goes from downtown to the airport area.

Such a connection is proposed to be served by BRT in the FGS sometime in the future if we had the permanent financial base to support it.

I think it's important to note that the above answers are Jeff's opinions based on what MTP envisions, NOT the opinion of the City or COTPA. For example, the routes are not set, so noting what the mileage is going to be is premature. A definitive answer won't be provided until after Maps 3 passes and the City completes its alternatives analysis and actually decides on a route.

I think it's important to note that the above answers are Jeff's opinions based on what MTP envisions, NOT the opinion of the City or COTPA. For example, the routes are not set, so noting what the mileage is going to be is premature. A definitive answer won't be provided until after Maps 3 passes and the City completes its alternatives analysis and actually decides on a route.

I think it is fair to say that my "opinions" are educated and studied ones. Also, I have committed myself to having regular dialogue with Rick Cain to ensure that my streetcar messages and opinions are consistent with the direction that COTPA is headed

You are right about alternatives analysis. The city is in square blocks. So a route shifting one block to another doesn't affect the overall measured distance calculations measurably. That is why we can say some of these things with a degree of confidence.

We came up with the outline by trying to identify major destinations that were outlined in the FGS and new MAPS elements to be connected together.


AA will determine an exact route. That route will be derived from complexity of utility location, cost, public input, and points ofcdestination.

I was trying to answer the man's questions as thoughtfully as I could with my experience of sitting through thousands of hours of meeting for past few years.

Feel free to come to the meeting Tuesday at the art museum for a broader point of view.

I think it is fair to say that my "opinions" are educated and studied ones.

I didn't say you had no experience with the issue - but I think that you should be more careful to note that your thoughts are MTP's, not the City's.

You have great fervor, and I think it's working great for the cause, but it's far too early to offer claims of specificity. Larry would be well-served to know that your answers would true be if MTP's plan is moved forward.

Cafe, if I start telling people what street it is going on then reel me in. Otherwise, the answers above are oblique enough that I am quite sure that Larry won't be "misguided".

There are three Modern Streetcar systems working in the United States. Between regular conversations with Mr. Cain and studying those working systems, the answers are appropriate.

Thanks for the compliments though.