#OKCCIVICLIFE
Streetcar service nears opening
With opening day two weeks away, streetcars began running in simulated service Friday. Modeling the schedule is one of the final steps before putting the $136 million downtown streetcar system into service Dec. 14. Embark transit launched the official streetcar website, okcstreetcar.com, last week with how-to-ride videos and safety advice. Streetcars will run on the downtown loop starting at 6 a.m. Mondays through Fridays and 7 a.m. Saturdays. The Bricktown loop will run starting at 7 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays. There is no regular Sunday service.
Of note: Streetcar rides will be free for the first three weeks. After that, single ride fares will be $1, with a 24-hour pass for $3.
Safety is high priority
Safety regulators will give the final OK to begin service on the Oklahoma City Streetcar. Streetcars share the road with cars and trucks, cyclists and pedestrians, and a section of the okcstreetcar. com website is devoted to safety and security. One key piece of advice — don’t dart in front of a streetcar. A streetcar going 20 mph takes almost 60 feet to stop.
Of note: First responders are applying lessons learned in streetcar disaster drills to their plans in case of an emergency. Among the details — it is 14 inches from the streetcar floor to the ground, so passengers evacuating at spots other than a boarding platform will need assistance stepping down.
Promoting local businesses
Stopping by businesses along the downtown streetcar route could produce a chance to ride ahead of the official opening day on Dec. 14. Embark has distributed chocolate bars to businesses, and nearly 500 of the treats include a ticket for a streetcar ride. It is a way to promote local businesses that have endured nearly two years of construction that closed streets and limited access.
Union Station renovation advances
• The city council approved a $327,202 contract with GSB architects to prepare plans and supervise renovation of the historic Union Station; $10 million is expected to be diverted from MAPS 3 for the project.
• Hotel/motel tax collections were up $299,700, or 7.7 percent, through the first quarter of fiscal 2019. Shares of the 5.5 percent tax go to promote conventions and tourism and to State Fair Park improvements.
• Oklahoma City’s Historic Preservation Commission is planning events to mark its 50th anniversary next year. The official date is Feb. 11.
• The city council amended a downtown development plan to authorize up to $128 million in public financing to assist private development near the American Indian Cultural Center and Museum.
By the numbers: Sewers
Oklahoma City maintains an extensive sewer system carrying wastewater to four treatment plants.
• 2,862: Miles of sanitary sewer lines ranging from 4 to 96 inches in diameter.
• 68,730: Manholes and associated structures.
Present/absent
Mayor David Holt and seven of the eight city council members attended the Nov. 20 meeting. Ward 6 Councilwoman Meg Salyer was away.
Calendar
• The Oklahoma City Council meets at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday at City Hall, 200 N Walker Ave.
• Filing for the Feb. 12 city council primary is Monday through Wednesday. Wards 2, 5, 6 and 8 are on the ballot.