TAKING IT TO THE STREETS
Streetcars in OKC soon will move from concept to reality
Of the many photographs taken during construction of Oklahoma City’s streetcar system, one of the most telling is of two workers in hard hats, on their hands and knees, with a flashlight and measuring tape, checking the gap between a boarding platform and streetcar.
Precision to the 16th of an inch has been a necessity, as streets are torn up and rebuilt, rail is laid, overhead wire is strung and electric substations are powered up.
After 18 months, the end of construction is within sight. Attention is turning to how Oklahoma City will adapt to streetcars, generations after dismantling the former trolley system.
Safety is a prime concern as residents familiarize themselves with the streetcar. As it gets closer to the date to begin service, the Embark transit agency will be rolling out more reminders and safety videos.
Some key tips for:
Pedestrians
• Look both ways before crossing the tracks; modern streetcars are quiet. Listen for the bell; keep headphone volume moderate.
Cyclists
• Tracks are slippery when wet; cross at a 90-degree angle. Avoid getting bicycle tires stuck in the space between rails and the concrete trackbed.
Motorists
• Expect streetcars to travel at or below the speed limit and to make frequent stops. Stay within the white lines when parallel parking.
• Obey traffic signals; recognize streetcars have their own signals that are not intended for motorists, cyclists or pedestrians.
Bringing it all together
Oklahoma City is buying seven “Liberty” model modern streetcars from Brookville Equipment Corp., located in western Pennsylvania. Five have been delivered; the sixth is due in July.
Installation of 30,934 feet of track is to be complete in October. Boarding platforms, overhead poles and wire, and electrical substations are to be ready in November.
Comprehensive tests of streetcars, maintenance systems, electrical systems, track and switches, and boarding platforms will continue right up until service begins in December.
Committees and teams meet regularly to review and prepare for safety and security certification, fire and life safety operations, and systems testing, rail activation and traffic.
Consultants who know about these things say the final go-ahead from oversight agencies to begin operations likely will come within days or even hours of when service starts.
Riders can expect a grand opening to be followed by a brief introductory period, likely over the Christmas and New Year’s holiday and into early 2019, when streetcars will be free.
After that, single rides will be $1, with passes at $3 for a day and $32 for a month.
The main line through the central business district, from Midtown to Bricktown, is to operate 6 a.m. to midnight Monday through Thursday and 6 a.m. to 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday.
The shorter Bricktown loop is scheduled to operate 6 a.m. to 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday.
Sunday service will be irregular, although interest in adding regular Sunday service has been building, especially since the city council voted to begin Sunday bus service.