Streetcar

[HOT ROD]

No Fairgates?

[Spartan]

I lean toward thinking those are draconian... ironic because that certainly describes that old rendering lol.

[Urban Pioneer]

IT.... IS...... HAPPENING........

OKC metro forms regional transit authority | Oklahoma Gazette

[AP]

Now we just have to wait 10 years to see anything materialize.

[Urban Pioneer]

It won't take 10 years to quadruple bus service, expand operating hours, and build shelters. Commuter Rail, yes. Streetcar... 6 years.

[Spartan]

The MAPS3 streetcar had better be operational a lot sooner than 6 years, so I hope you're referring to extensions like Classen or Capitol Hill!

The bus system needs to take advantage of OKC's uniquely in-tact township grid. Working with geography is the best way to realize efficiencies in transit. A lot of the city even has major half-mile section roads (Walker, NW16th, NW30th, SW25th, Grand Blvd, Agnew, Villa, Blackwelder, Ann Arbor, and so on. There's an easier way to provide attractive high-frequency bus service within walkable distance.

[Urban Pioneer]

I was referring to when there is an RTA funding vote. Santa Fe Station will be completed by 2017 and streetcar during 2018. Bus improvements phased in throughout.

My generalization refers to the billion dollar program beyond these current programs.

[Spartan]

Could we start building infrastructure with bonds, TIF, grants, ODOT funding... before the RTA tax actually commences?

[Urban Pioneer]

Yes. We could. The next GO Bond election is potentially slated for 2016. TIF I think is tough unless the developer comes to the table asking that monies be spent on transit infrastructure. I kinda kick myself for not knowing about the new apartments at Shartel and 10th ahead of time. That would have been a great opportunity to leverage that development to expand streetcar past Dewey and to Classen instead.

I also suspect that The Alliance is not putting these ideas forward. They seem to be obsessed with financing parking garages.

[Urbanized]

The next GO bond is 2017.

Edit: I think the election might indeed be 2016, probably December.

[Urban Pioneer]

That's right. Estimates from several advisors are Dec 2016.

[catch22]

UP (or anyone else who may have the answer):

I've been taking the Portland MAX more and more, and with the heatwave we have had, trains are delayed due to heat and having to run slower.

Apparently the heat (specifically over 90F) causes the tracks to kink and buckle as they expand with the rise in temperature.

With as many 90+F days as Oklahoma generally sees, how will this affect the Streetcar in OKC? Use of a stronger rail?

How does Phoenix handle it?

[shawnw]

Phoenix has light rail. Tucson (just as hot) has streetcar. I've only ridden either one in the November to January time frame though, not in the peak of summer.

[catch22]

Phoenix has light rail. Tucson (just as hot) has streetcar. I've only ridden either one in the November to January time frame though, not in the peak of summer.

I got them confused.

[Urban Pioneer]

It depends on whether the trains are suspended on rails that are on ballasts or are immersed in concrete. The streetcar tracks are imbedded and immersed in a concrete slab. There really isn't a whole lot of opportunity for expansion or contraction with our streetcar system.

The MAX in Portland is probably just designed for parameters that are different.

[catch22]

It depends on whether the trains are suspended on rails that are on ballasts or are immersed in concrete. The streetcar tracks are imbedded and immersed in a concrete slab. There really isn't a whole lot of opportunity for expansion or contraction with our streetcar system.

The MAX in Portland is probably just designed for parameters that are different.

That makes sense. Thanks.

[LakeEffect]

The MAX in Portland is probably just designed for parameters that are different.

That's the key - Portland's weren't likely designed for this heat, but ours should be. The spacing of rail splits vs welds, I imagine, will be more frequent here than in Portland.

[Hutch]

How Car-Centric Cities Like Phoenix Learned to Love Light Rail

[Urban Pioneer]

Thrilled to let you guys and gals know that the chosen Santa Fe Station Phase 1 bid came in $600,000 under budget. Construction is to begin eminently. A great deal is going to happen there over the next 18 months.

"Like" https://www.facebook.com/okcstreetcar for regular pics and updates or follow us on twitter at @okcstreetcar

Ironically, there are gong to be efficiencies gained by merging the Phase 2 pedestrian tunnel "secret tunnel expansion" at Santa Fe Station with the OKC Boulevard BNSF underpass construction that is underway. We will be building the "shoofly" or siding that BNSF requires to shift freight trains to one side while excavation occurs. The sidings and switches will be intentionally left in place to allow for commuter trains in the future. Such infrastructure would normally be taken back up and sold for scrap.

[Anonymous.]

Any idea on how P180 on EKG going to effect this? Is the general plan to lay rails while the street is being redone? Surely they won't redo the street, only to tear up part of it for rails later on.

[Urban Pioneer]

No. Fortunately, the city has finally timed the two projects in which Santa Fe Station, P180 EK Gaylord, and the streetcar rails out front will be completed within the same time frame and completely coordinated.

P180 EK Gaylord section bids out in the next few months and construction will occur in tandem with Santa Fe Station restoration/renovation. Not only do you have rails going in, but presumably new sewer, water, and other utility service to the Station itself.

EK Gaylord is proposed to be closed and constructed in two "halves" as is the parking lot sections that exist flanking either side of the station. In that way AMTRAK and Pinkitizel accessibility can be retained.

[Urban Pioneer]

We are also in the process of letting bid out on the both the main alignment rail and the trackage out front of Sante Fe Station. The main alignment steel tracks will presumably coming from the only steel mill in the world that does streetcar tracks with the profile that we need located in Austria.

[Hutch]

Oklahoman: Oklahoma City Traffic Congestion Takes Toll on Commuters, Study Says

[catch22]

Oklahoman: Oklahoma City Traffic Congestion Takes Toll on Commuters, Study Says

Of course, Inhofe's solution is to fund wider highways and roads.

[Just the facts]

Of course, Inhofe's solution is to fund wider highways and roads.

...and why not? That tactict has worked so well in the past that is should be repeated ad naus.... wait.....what? Oh, really!.... never mind.