I wonder if this will be synced with google maps.

I wonder if this will be synced with google maps.

Considering that Embark currently supplies data to Google Maps, I would not be surprised if the streetcar info is too.

Considering that Embark currently supplies data to Google Maps, I would not be surprised if the streetcar info is too.

Well, that would be amazing. The GoPass app I use for the DART/A-Train/TRE system in DFW doesn't have any actual information on the cars, delays, or arrivals much less use GPS. I got up at 6am to take the metro to Love Field airport one morning and after the train not showing up for an hour I had to run home, jump in my car, and speed to the airport. The only update was that the A-Train was 20 minutes late and after 40 minutes past that deadline without another update I gave up.

https://twitter.com/WILLIAMCRUM/status/1062415329891151873


Seventh Oklahoma City streetcar being delivered this afternoon, completing the $31.5 million order for “Liberty” model modern streetcars from Brookville Equipment Corp. of western Pennsylvania. #OKC #OKCStreetcar

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Dr51Gw7VAAAss95.jpg

Dan, I know you’re a very intelligent and fact based guy, however, I promise you that “shipping” the homeless to other cities is a real thing.

This is a pretty awful attitude. You might have to share a car with someone who doesn't have the luxury of a regular place to bathe and wash clothes? These look like big enough cars. Most of the regular downtown OKC homeless folks pretty much stay to themselves and don't bother anyone.

Lol yeah, if the streetcar is not a pleasant environment, i.e. if there are foul-smelling people on it, I won't be riding it.

Congratulations on being so progressive that you'll subject yourself to that though.

"The Chariot of the People" is what they call mass transit.

In general, a big part of the divide in this country is because we don't interact with each other, especially those different than us. And it's exactly why I've always loved public transportation.

Have you ever ridden public transit in a major metro? I would hardly say that people on the Chicago L 'interact with each other'. More like aggressively ignore each other (and I wouldn't have it any other way), or occasionally be harassed by a drunken slob. All I can say is that riding public transportation in Chicago has lowered my opinion of the people here significantly.

This is a pretty awful attitude. You might have to share a car with someone who doesn't have the luxury of a regular place to bathe and wash clothes? These look like big enough cars. Most of the regular downtown OKC homeless folks pretty much stay to themselves and don't bother anyone.It is not an awful attitude at all. That is entirely your opinion. What isn’t an opinion is the fact that we have senses for a reason and isn’t unreasonable to think that someone who smells bad is not practicing good hygiene and therefore being a potential health hazard. Why do you think we have a sense of smell? Just to feel good?

Have you ever ridden public transit in a major metro? I would hardly say that people on the Chicago L 'interact with each other'. More like aggressively ignore each other (and I wouldn't have it any other way), or occasionally be harassed by a drunken slob. All I can say is that riding public transportation in Chicago has lowered my opinion of the people here significantly.
Same thing in LA. Rarely do you see people interacting with each other unless they’re already in a group or know each other.

Dan, I know you’re a very intelligent and fact based guy, however, I promise you that “shipping” the homeless to other cities is a real thing.

I’ve never said whether it is or isn’t. I’ve asked for evidence of a city that has a policy of “shipping” homeless people to specific other cities. It’s been weeks and no one has provided any evidence. Feel free to support your claim with evidence...

I’ve never said whether it is or isn’t. I’ve asked for evidence of a city that has a policy of “shipping” homeless people to specific other cities. It’s been weeks and no one has provided any evidence. Feel free to support your claim with evidence...

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/ng-interactive/2017/dec/20/bussed-out-america-moves-homeless-people-country-study

There's a difference between the idea that cities are rounding up homeless and just busing them off to other cities (which doesn't seem to happen), and programs in cities where they arrange for bus tickets for homeless residents on a case by case basis to get into situations where they have shelter and help (and possibly a job) waiting for them. Obviously, as is mentioned in the article, the solution isn't perfect. But it's more often than not about getting people home.

There's a difference between the idea that cities are rounding up homeless and just busing them off to other cities (which doesn't seem to happen), and programs in cities where they arrange for bus tickets for homeless residents on a case by case basis to get into situations where they have shelter and help (and possibly a job) waiting for them. Obviously, as is mentioned in the article, the solution isn't perfect. But it's more often than not about getting people home.

Right, but it was interesting that in some examples the shelters made them sign a contract stating they were banned from returning to that specific shelter for life.

Right, but it was interesting that in some examples the shelters made them sign a contract stating they were banned from returning to that specific shelter for life.

Yes, as jerrywall said, this optional bus ticket policy had already been discussed. But, making homeless person agree not to return to a certain place is highly unethical.

People will be afraid to ride the street car because a homeless person might be on?

Good.

I'd rather sit next to a homeless person than the person afraid of the homeless person.

I think your choice of words is wrong. I don’t know of anyone afraid, rather its the worry of health hazards. People do not want to be around smelly people its a simple fact. The smell sends a signal to the brain to get away from it. Its a natural reaction and is directed at the offense not the person. The person just happens to be the one carrying it.

On one hand a lot of taxpayer money was spent and by all accounts we need this streetcar to work. To do so requires riders. Anything that keeps riders away is a bad thing for this high cost outlay.

I think you are making this about pity rather than reality. Most people would love to see the homeless get help. And there are so many ways for them to do so yet most do not. They have places to get showers. So imo the city does need to screen for this. To be honest good samaritons have enabled homeless problem by giving them handouts at corners and that causes them to come back. Otherwise they would go to agencies designed to help them in a shorter and onger term way. When we keep handing them money they never get to see professional help to help fix addictions and other problems.

Back on topic to be successful we will need no distractions by riders to make this work. Just one time a person goes on the SC and deals with a foul smelling person asking for money or loitering they will never go back again. And all the out of town visiters will have their lasting impression of OKC in a very negative way.

So as you can read its not about being “afraid” its much much deeper than that if you look at the bigger picture.

^^^ +1

First, can we quit stereotyping all homeless people as one type of person? ALL PEOPLE WHO ARE HOMELESS DO NOT SMELL. People are homeless are incredibly diverse in experiences, status, etc. I know plenty of non-homeless people who smell. I don't have a car and travel on public transportation regularly: I'VE NEVER HAD A PROBLEM WITH ANY HOMELESS PERSON FOR ANY REASON... EVER. I am not saying no one has ever had a problem. But, if someone really does smell (whoever they are), you are allowed to move seats. Accusing homeless people for killing streetcar ridership before it opens really takes some creativity.

Second, these stereotypes about homeless people just not getting the help they need is some B.S. People who are homeless are homeless for a wide array of reasons. Many take advantage of services provided. Many find stability over time. Some do not, partially because the United States has completly failed as a country in providing support for people with mental health disorders. FOR MANY HOMELESS PEOPLE, THERE IS NO SUPPORT SYSTEM. A lot of people who are homeless suffer from schizophrenia and some shuttle in and out of jail because our country is failing when compared to peer countries. It's a disgrace on our country, not on people who are homeless.

In the end, I refuse to see my fellow human beings as a "problem" in my life, especially when I live with so much privilege. Yet, posters in this thread are imagining problems that don't even exist yet as a way to theoretically start discussions of where to exclude them from in our society. We can do better than this conversation.

I’ve never said whether it is or isn’t. I’ve asked for evidence of a city that has a policy of “shipping” homeless people to specific other cities. It’s been weeks and no one has provided any evidence. Feel free to support your claim with evidence...

This is what I've posted on other threads. No offense meant Dan but , especially if the person tells you where the info is found. Find it yourself if you don't believe someone. It takes 2 seconds to open another browser, activate your choice of search engine, and type in Bussing the Homeless to Other Cities. You`'ll find all the articles you could want that outline city sponsored programs to bus homeless - not just to where they say they have family, but where they will agree to go to just leave.
Please be aware that some of us use our phones on here and can't provide links so we may tell you where to find info.

Have you ever ridden public transit in a major metro? I would hardly say that people on the Chicago L 'interact with each other'. More like aggressively ignore each other (and I wouldn't have it any other way), or occasionally be harassed by a drunken slob. All I can say is that riding public transportation in Chicago has lowered my opinion of the people here significantly.

I've ridden the light rail and busses in Denver and Dallas for years and have never had or seen a problem with a homeless person on one. They generally get on, keep to themselves, and get off. What l have seen many times are little bandana wearing snot nosed gangsta wanna-bees jiving around to music and loudly cussing up a storm to their friends. I've heard them verbally abusing their girlfriends and nearly fight people who confront them. I even saw a very large guy throw one of these little loud mouths physically off the light rail, at a stop, because he was so foul. You'll see a lot more trouble from this type than homeless.
The one complaint l have in Denver is insufficient police and security making sure people have paid their fares and behave. Otherwise, the light rail is wonderful

This is what I've posted on other threads. No offense meant Dan but , especially if the person tells you where the info is found. Find it yourself if you don't believe someone. It takes 2 seconds to open another browser, activate your choice of search engine, and type in Bussing the Homeless to Other Cities. You`'ll find all the articles you could want that outline city sponsored programs to bus homeless - not just to where they say they have family, but where they will agree to go to just leave.
Please be aware that some of us use our phones on here and can't provide links so we may tell you where to find info.

Telling someone it is easy to find evidence without actually providing that evidence is tiresome to watch. If it's so easy to do so, then do so and share your work with the class.

And there are so many ways for them to do so yet most do not. They have places to get showers... ...To be honest good samaritons have enabled homeless problem by giving them handouts at corners and that causes them to come back. Otherwise they would go to agencies designed to help them in a shorter and onger term way. When we keep handing them money they never get to see professional help to help fix addictions and other problems.
.

I'd like to chime in on this and say that most homeless actually don't have a place they can go to get quality long term help as most homeless have mental problems. We simply don't have facilities or resources for these folks and so they don't get help. Many other homeless folks have drug and alcohol problems which preclude them from entering shelters or using services. On top of all that we have shelters that are religiously affiliated and require folks to practice that same faith (from what I understand, could be wrong about this last point).

That being said, I also don't want the streetcars to be rolling shelters. But hope that folks of all walks of life can enjoy and feel comfortable riding them.

So good news, painting crosswalks with better paint commenced on Robinson yesterday around the Law School. We are aggressively painting crosswalks and bike lanes. One of the most notable locations is the 4th and Robinson stop next to Bank of Oklahoma motorbank. Bike lanes are isolated there as part of our stop design.

Also, after some negotiating, EMBARK is aggressively pursuing resolving the lighting issues in attempt to have them resolved ahead of the opening.

Feel free to reach out to me if you see other things that need to be addressed within reason.- Jeff

I am also pursuing organizing a public forum after we open sometime next year to receive feedback and discuss system expansion from the public.

I'd like to chime in on this and say that most homeless actually don't have a place they can go to get quality long term help as most homeless have mental problems. We simply don't have facilities or resources for these folks and so they don't get help. Many other homeless folks have drug and alcohol problems which preclude them from entering shelters or using services. On top of all that we have shelters that are religiously affiliated and require folks to practice that same faith (from what I understand, could be wrong about this last point).

That being said, I also don't want the streetcars to be rolling shelters. But hope that folks of all walks of life can enjoy and feel comfortable riding them.

From my experience in representing a lot of these homeless people, the shelters won't let you stay there if you're actively using alcohol or drugs. You can stay at the shelter or you can use meth, your choice. And once somebody is kicked out for use, there's a period of time that has to pass before the shelter will let them back in (I don't recall how long, I think it's a few weeks). This can really catch somebody in a bad place if the weather suddenly turns bad. The religious shelters usually requires people to attend some kind of service, but as far as I know you don't have to be a church member or anything.

I'd like to chime in on this and say that most homeless actually don't have a place they can go to get quality long term help as most homeless have mental problems. We simply don't have facilities or resources for these folks and so they don't get help. Many other homeless folks have drug and alcohol problems which preclude them from entering shelters or using services.

Until a few decades ago we DID have facilities to care for the mentally ill and those addicted to drugs & alcohol. A handful were bad, but instead of fixing those few, "institutionalization" became a bad word, and virtually all of them were shut down without creating a better solution. Now these people are living under bridges or in jails, and receive NO care.

This is what I've posted on other threads. No offense meant Dan but , especially if the person tells you where the info is found. Find it yourself if you don't believe someone. It takes 2 seconds to open another browser, activate your choice of search engine, and type in Bussing the Homeless to Other Cities. You`'ll find all the articles you could want that outline city sponsored programs to bus homeless - not just to where they say they have family, but where they will agree to go to just leave.
Please be aware that some of us use our phones on here and can't provide links so we may tell you where to find info.

I get your point, but I disagree that it is my responsibility to find evidence for other people's claims. I did not make the claim that cities had "shipping" programs to other specific cities. I will provide evidence for my own claims though. Here are the Google page results for the search, "city programs to ship homeless away": https://www.google.com/search?source=hp&ei=9SfvW9CILZ7GjgSYqJLgBQ&q=city+programs+to+ship+homeless+away&btnK=Google+Search&oq=city+programs+to+ship+homeless+away&gs_l=psy-ab.3...18.13640..14091...10.0..1.697.6623.6j29j2j0 j1j2......0....1..gws-wiz.....0..0j0i10j0i131j0i22i30j33i22i29i30j33i10j 33i160j33i299.YTTMYQZF5y0 I'm pretty busy so I just had time to do a cursory scan of these articles. Two seconds was not enough time and just this quick scan required over 10 minutes. While there are clearly many "homeward bound" or "free ticket" programs, I have not yet found a program where, for example, Dallas has a policy of "shipping" homeless people to Oklahoma City. That's the claim that was made. I think that's fair.

Probably not novel to most here, but I finally got to see the streetcars out in action being tested today. Super cool.

https://scontent-dfw5-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/46515980_10156150628494200_5218099567710437376_o.j pg?_nc_cat=101&_nc_ht=scontent-dfw5-2.xx&oh=ed451b0d21cda44460ce672df9a12788&oe=5C6C5D81

https://scontent-dfw5-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/46201578_10156150628569200_9092697493665218560_o.j pg?_nc_cat=110&_nc_ht=scontent-dfw5-2.xx&oh=6010d28d9e4bfb96bf0978fb23f7a364&oe=5C69784E

https://scontent-dfw5-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/46451676_10156150628794200_429072932292001792_o.jp g?_nc_cat=101&_nc_ht=scontent-dfw5-2.xx&oh=38300894283c6c38a55a5a3b95035e49&oe=5C76881B

https://scontent-dfw5-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/46451744_10156150628889200_7818784715925618688_o.j pg?_nc_cat=103&_nc_ht=scontent-dfw5-2.xx&oh=45495eeb79376b2890b458749b14b0c6&oe=5C6368EE

I keep forgetting to mention it, but I'm super glad we're doubling up the OCS poles as light poles in some areas, like AA.

I keep forgetting to mention it, but I'm super glad we're doubling up the OCS poles as light poles in some areas, like AA.
^^ Agree, it helps out. 4th St is now dark, especially in front of the new stop. Hopefully they replace what was removed, like UP mentioned above.

EMBARK officials prepare for beginning of streetcar system in downtown OKC


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DrmMHb88cAA

I keep forgetting to mention it, but I'm super glad we're doubling up the OCS poles as light poles in some areas, like AA.
What are OCS poles and AA?

Shawn is referring to the poles holding the street car wires in Auto Alley. I know there is an actual meaning for OCS, escapes me right now

AA is automobile alley, and OCS is overhead contact system.

AA is automobile alley, and OCS is overhead contact system.

Thank you! I never would have guessed that, and I don't have any idea how far up the thread I would have to go to find it.

I read this morning that the city did not allow recycled concrete to be mixed with the rocks used under the track bed. Anyone know the spec difference and reason for the requirement?

15025

15026

If you'd like the chance to ride the streetcar BEFORE it's open to the public, shop small on Saturday and pick up a chocolate bar at participating businesses. You may find a GOLDEN TICKET, which is your ticket to ride before the public.

Very cool.

During grand opening weekend there will be a number of pass giveaways. Also, all the stores on the route that were adversely impacted by construction will be getting stacks of passes to give out, including some annual passes.

15026

If you'd like the chance to ride the streetcar BEFORE it's open to the public, shop small on Saturday and pick up a chocolate bar at participating businesses. You may find a GOLDEN TICKET, which is your ticket to ride before the public.

It just brings out the 1970's Willy Wonka kid in me all over again. LOL

That’s the Maps 4 addition we need — a creepy tunnel for the streetcar.

It just brings out the 1970's Willy Wonka kid in me all over again. LOL

That's funny...my daughter said the same thing just now! Except she's a kid who saw WW a few years ago.

I think the streetcars are essentially operating for the past week or so. I see people using them. I assume these are people who maybe opened one of the early pass chocolate bars or whatever. But I saw a large group straight up entering at one of the stops and the streetcar did not have "test vehicle" on it.

I think the streetcars are essentially operating for the past week or so. I see people using them. I assume these are people who maybe opened one of the early pass chocolate bars or whatever. But I saw a large group straight up entering at one of the stops and the streetcar did not have "test vehicle" on it.

It is not from the golden tickets in the chocolate bars. I won one and those rides are on 12/8/18.

probably embark employees doing more realistic tests

We are doing a simulated revenue service nearly every day until opening. There will be all sorts of people riding the streetcars up until the opening. We are also giving first rides to small business owners and people along the route who had to deal with the construction opening week.

I’m slated for Jury Duty at the federal courthouse early next year, and I’m looking forward to riding this thing and parking somewhere more convinient.

I'm sure someone pointed this out already, but its sad how the Myriad Gardens shop along Hudson is also has OGE signage on it even though there are no immediate plans to build a OGE tower there.

I'm sure someone pointed this out already, but its sad how the Myriad Gardens shop along Hudson is also has OGE signage on it even though there are no immediate plans to build a OGE tower there.
With everything going on in the world, this is truly the saddest thing. :rolleyes:

https://www.velocityokc.com/blog/lifestyle/streetcar-celebration/?utm_source=ChamberT&utm_medium=Social&utm_term=IntVeloCity&utm_content=streetcar-12-4-18

With everything going on in the world, this is truly the saddest thing. :rolleyes:

I'm glad considering they wanted to build a huge chunk of that project with public money.

http://journalrecord.com/2018/12/04/tracking-the-next-stop-edmond-company-donates-program-to-temper-impatient-streetcar-passengers/

Will have up to the second tracking on streetcars.

http://journalrecord.com/2018/12/04/tracking-the-next-stop-edmond-company-donates-program-to-temper-impatient-streetcar-passengers/

Will have up to the second tracking on streetcars.

So will this be through a specific app? I didn't see anything mentioned in the article.

I’m curious about that as well or if it will show at the stations.

the picture on the article shows the screen at the stop and mentions that is where the tracking will show.

Our intention is to have real-time locations displayed via a live system map on the pylons as well as through an app. There is a bot of a scramble to calibrate the real-time system as the computer simulations have varied from the real tests that are underway right now. The simulated revenue service tests are giving us much better information than the gentlemen had to work with before we entered that phase. As we continue simulated revenue service through the next week and half the system is getting calibrated even further.

Our intention is to have real-time locations displayed via a live system map on the pylons as well as through an app. There is a bot of a scramble to calibrate the real-time system as the computer simulations have varied from the real tests that are underway right now. The simulated revenue service tests are giving us much better information than the gentlemen had to work with before we entered that phase. As we continue simulated revenue service through the next week and half the system is getting calibrated even further.

Thanks to Fleet Tracking, super gesture

Our intention is to have real-time locations displayed via a live system map on the pylons as well as through an app. There is a bot of a scramble to calibrate the real-time system as the computer simulations have varied from the real tests that are underway right now. The simulated revenue service tests are giving us much better information than the gentlemen had to work with before we entered that phase. As we continue simulated revenue service through the next week and half the system is getting calibrated even further.

What a fantastic use of the available technology.

That is fantastic news. I remember requesting this years back when the system was being developed. I hope it is successful and we can have even better displays and interactive screens at every stop. This could be huge for displaying GPS of streetcars, weather, events, advertisements to places along the route such as restaurants etc. You could even go as far as making the display double sided and have ways people could play simple games such as tic-tac-toe or pong. Anything to activate people and keep the streetcar stops from just being a place where people are sitting/standing in silence.

That is fantastic news. I remember requesting this years back when the system was being developed. I hope it is successful and we can have even better displays and interactive screens at every stop. This could be huge for displaying GPS of streetcars, weather, events, advertisements to places along the route such as restaurants etc. You could even go as far as making the display double sided and have ways people could play simple games such as tic-tac-toe or pong. Anything to activate people and keep the streetcar stops from just being a place where people are sitting/standing in silence.

those are great ideas! never even thought about that! hopefully someone is listening out there!!!

I enjoyed reading back to through the original 2009 thread that helped launch public awareness about the original 2009 initiative. Many of you who are still posting were posting back then. Consider this a broad invitation to anyone who volunteered or supported the streetcar campaign to attend a private function Friday night the 14th. Just private message or contact me via Facebook if you would like to come by and say hi and have a drink, and celebrate the launch of OKC Streetcar and forthcoming initiatives.- Jeff