Regional Rail Transit Systems – Ensuring Our Economic and Transportation Future

Forward-thinking cities across the country are accelerating efforts to develop and expand intermodal rail transit systems to ensure their region’s transportation and economic futures.  Peer cities, such as Salt Lake City, Charlotte, Kansas City and Austin, are well on their way to developing rail-based regional transit systems that will propel those cities forward for decades to come.  They join other progressive-minded cities, such as Denver, Dallas, Atlanta and Phoenix that continue to enhance and expand their successful intermodal rail transit systems.  As the Oklahoma City metropolitan area makes plans to embark on its own path toward development of a rail-based, regional transit system, we can benefit from the experiences of those cities as we seek to join them in the 21st Century of transportation.

Learn more about intermodal rail transit systems and Oklahoma City’s planning and development efforts:

OKC Rail Transit History: OKC wasn’t always married to the car

OnTrac Rail Transit News: OKC – Ready for Regional Transit

Oklahoma Rail Transit News:

• 12/14/2018: NewsOK: Streetcar fits into wider transit goals
• 12/11/2018: NewsOK: OKC transportation to expand with bus route
• 12/8/2018: NewsOK: Oklahoma City wins federal grant for bus rapid transit line
• 12/5/2018: NewsOK: Options for getting around OKC set to grow
• 12/4/2018: KGOU: Oklahoma City Metro Takes Big Step Toward Regional Public Transit
• 11/29/2018: NPR: “Talent Wants Transit”: Companies Near Transportation Gaining the Upper Hand
• 11/19/2018: Journal Record: Transit plan on the rails: OKC Council expected to approve regional covenant
• 11/17/2018: NewsOK: Region is closer to commuter rail
• 11/26/2018: Journal Record: Is Middle America ready for commuter rail?
• 10/17/2018: Norman Transcript: Norman, surrounding communities at regional transit crossroads
• 10/1/2018: NewsOK: Weekend-long celebration to mark Oklahoma City Streetcar debut
• 9/25/2018: Journal Record: On the right track: Regional transit group outlines governance
• 8/10/2018: NewsOK: OKC Streetcars hit the streets
• 6/5/2018: NewsOK: State agency awards contract for Santa Fe Station improvements
• 5/21/2018: NewsOK: Oklahoma City streetcar testing begins on downtown streets
• 3/29/2018: OK Gazette: Fast track: Oklahoma City prepares for its first streetcar service in decades.
• 2/12/2018: NewsOK: Oklahoma City’s first streetcar is rolled – slowly – off a flatbed truck
• 1/21/2018: Norman Transcript: Coming down the tracks: Regional Transit Authority could be up and running by 2025
• 12/13/2017: OK Gazette: With Santa Fe Station renovations complete, the focus is on connecting more modes of transit to the hub 
• 12/8/2017: NewsOK: Railroad station renovation celebrated
• 5/16/2017: NewsOK: Regional Transit Authority would tie together transportation in central Oklahoma 
• 4/26/2017: OK Gazette: Local leaders make moves to establish a Regional Transit Authority 
• 2/16/2017: Transit options ride on MAPS 3 Modern Streetcar project as crews begin installing tracks
• 2/8/2017: NewsOK: Streetcar Work Begins in Bricktown
• 1/22/2017: Norman Transcript: Interurban Line Served Norman from 1913-1947
• 1/12/2017: Tulsa World: Tulsa should lead charge for mass transit, rail link to OKC
• 9/21/2016: Norman Transcript: Cars to rail is culture shift
• 8/26/2016: NewsOK: Streetcar track construction nears in downtown Oklahoma City
• 7/28/2016: NewsOK: Construction set to begin on OKC streetcar maintenance shop
• 7/27/2016: NewsOK: Oklahoma City’s downtown streetcar logo and design unveiled
• 6/12/2016: NewsOK: Oklahoma’s passenger rail line in jeopardy
• 5/5/2016: NewsOK: Kansas City streetcars making comeback after 6-decade hiatus
• 4/3/2016: NewsOK: OKC Council advances streetcar, park, convention center projects
• 3/23/2016: NewsOK: Oklahoma City gives go-ahead on streetcar deal
• 3/11/2016: NewsOK: Kansas City travelblog: Touring the grand Union Station
• 2/26/2016: OK Gazette: Streetcar plans expand to include southern route 
• 2/26/2016: NewsOK: OKC streetcars’ arrival runs ahead of schedule
• 2/21/2016: NewsOK: Oklahoma City’s streetcar story is all about development
• 2/19/2016: NewsOK: OKC deal with streetcar manufacturer puts tram plans into motion — for a cost
• 2/17/2016: NewsOK: Oklahoma City Council OKs MAPS 3 streetcar route to serve convention center
• 12/10/2015: OK Gazette: Area mayors go all-in for a regional transit system; voters are next to get on board
• 12/1/2015: Oklahoma Watch: Q&A: Oklahoma City Area Mayors Launch Effort to Form Regional Transit System
• 12/1/2015: NewsOK: Oklahoma City metro-area mayors vow cooperation for regional transit services
• 11/17/2015: NewsOK: Does Oklahoma City’s streetcar route need to be remapped?
• 11/10/2015: NewsOK: Oklahoma City Council chooses new MAPS 3 streetcar builder
• 11/5/2015: NewsOK: Streetcar builder switch gets MAPS 3 advisory panels’ OK
• 11/3/2015: NewsOK: Oklahoma City is ready to switch streetcar manufacturers
• 11/2/2015: NewsOK: Oklahoma City streetcar contract falls into jeopardy
• 9/23/2015: NewsOK: Oklahoma City panel recommends approval of $23M streetcar contract
• 9/17/2015: NewsOK: First OKC streetcar is expected to arrive in fall 2017
• 10/8/2015: OK Gazette: Streetcar project is well underway
• 6/26/2015: OK Gazette: OKC metro to form regional transit authority
• 4/20/2015: NewsOK: Opinions differ over rail depot mural in Oklahoma City
• 4/7/2015: Journal Record: On-time Arrival: City says Santa Fe Station will be ready by end of 2016
• 3/14/2015: NewsOK: Oklahoma City streetcar discussion covers motor mounts, possible route changes
• 2/4/2015: NewsOK: Oklahoma City’s renovated Santa Fe Station to open in two years
• 2/3/2015: NewsOK: New drawings show renovation plans for Oklahoma City’s historic Santa Fe Station
• 1/20/2015: NewsOK: Potential dispute arises over who will build Oklahoma City’s streetcars
• 1/9/2015: Tulsa World: Passenger train service may be rolling out of Tulsa by March, officials say
• 12/19/2014: NewsOK: Oklahoma City streetcar advisory board has concerns on lead bidder’s late delivery to Seattle
• 12/16/2014: NewsOK: Czech company is leading contender to build MAPS 3 streetcars
• 12/4/2014: NewsOK: Oklahoma City considers MAPS 3 streetcar proposals
• 12/4/2014: NewsOK: Santa Fe Station plans feature tunnel linking downtown Oklahoma City, Bricktown
• 12/1/2014: Tulsa World: Trains, buses and automobiles: Passenger rail coming next year
• 8/14/2014: OK Gazette: Oklahoma City well down the road to creating a truly regional public transportation system 
• 8/8/2014: NewsOK: Oklahoma completes $75M sale of railroad track
• 5/6/2014: NewsOK: Oklahoma Transportation Commission votes to sell rail line for $75 million
• 2/26/2014: NewsOK: Future of Oklahoma train line remains uncertain
• 2/22/2014: NewsOK: The Eastern Flyer – Photo Gallery
• 2/19/2014: NewsOK: Oklahoma City celebrates ownership of Santa Fe Depot
• 2/5/2014: NewsOK: Oklahoma City chugs ahead with plans to revamp Santa Fe Depot
• 1/15/2014: NewsOK: Oklahoma City to acquire Santa Fe Depot after objections dropped
• 1/12/2014: NewsOK: Sapulpa-to-Oklahoma City train trips sold out
• 9/25/2013: NewsOK: Oklahoma City Council gives streetcar route the go-ahead
• 9/6/2013: NewsOK: Grant, legal decision clear way for downtown depot conversion
• 9/5/2013: Mass Transit: Oklahoma City Awarded $13.6 Million Grant for Downtown Transit Hub
• 8/23/2013: NewsOK: Streetcars in 2017?
• 8/22/2013: NewsOK: Advisory panel maps out route for Oklahoma City streetcar
• 8/17/2013: Transportation secretary hails Utah’s rail system
• 8/16/2013:  Oklahoma officials discuss passenger rail service between OKC, Tulsa
• 8/15/2013: ODOT explores possibility of Tulsa-OKC train
• 7/25/2013: NewsOK: Excursion train recommended for creation of Adventure Line
• 5/29/2013: NewsOK: Oklahoma City seeks to condemn, acquire Santa Fe train depot in $21 million dispute
• 5/15/2013: NewsOK: Plans for Bricktown garage clash with planning for rail transit
• 5/4/2013: NewsOK: COTPA trustee: Time to lay groundwork for better OKC public transit
• 4/21/2013: NewsOK: Time for a conversation to solve OKC’s transit shortcomings
• 3/26/2013: NewsOn6: Passenger Train Advocates Urge State To Keep Sand Springs To OKC Track
• 3/22/2013: Edmond Sun: Next steps on tap for Norman-Edmond rail
• 2/22/2013: Edmond Sun: Local commuter rail would depend on cooperation of railways
• 3/12/3013: NewsOn6: Group Says State’s Sale Of Rail Line Could Kill Passenger Service Between OKC, Tulsa
• 2/12/2013: Edmond Sun: Mass transit can bring a prosperous future
• 1/31/2013: Edmond Sun: Committee considers Regional Transit Authority
• 1/24/2013: Edmond Sun: Group looks at commuter rail for metro
• 6/1/2012: NewsOK: MAPS 3 streetcar preferred route presented to Oklahoma City Council
• 5/17/2012: NewsOK: Oklahoma City mayor’s roundtable draws lessons from Salt Lake City
• 4/27/2012: News9: Plans unveiled for downtown OKC streetcar system
• 4/17/2012: NewsOK: Transit alternatives begin to emerge downtown in Oklahoma City
• 1/27/2012: NewsOK: Board says Oklahoma City should buy Santa Fe Train Depot for transit hub
• 11/2/2011: OK Gazette: Plans for commuter rail could be complicated by a transfer in ownership
• 9/28/2011: Journal Record: Neighboring communities pledge support for OKC mass transit
• 9/22/2011: NewsOK: Loss of Amtrak would be blow to state
• 9/21/2011: Oklahoma Gazette: Art Deco train depot will serve as ‘Grand Central Station’ for metro’s intermodal transit system
• 9/9/2011: NewsOK: Oklahoma City Council to consider transit hub study
• 6/17/2011: Journal Record: OKC Metro-area leaders unite for mass transit
• 6/6/2011: NBC: Ridership up on Amtrak Heartland Flyer route
• 6/1/2011: Oklahoma Gazette: Mass transit ABCs
• 5/12/2011: NewsOK: Oklahoma City public transit ranks low in new national study
• 4/21/2011: NewsOK: Santa Fe depot called a potential site for downtown OKC transit hub
• 4/5/2011: NewsOK: Oklahoma City Council accepts recommendation for downtown streetcar route
• 2/6/2011: NewsOK: Consultants suggest Bricktown top spot for $10M transit hub
• 1/26/2011: Oklahoma Gazette: Hub Hookup… A public transit centerpiece creeps toward reality as planners select three possible sites
• 1/18/2011: Tulsa World: Action urged on mass transit
• 1/14/2011: Fox 23: Tulsa to OKC passenger rail service proposed
• 12/27/2010: Tulsa World: Group plans for Tulsa’s public transportation needs
• 10/17/2010: Federal Rail Transit Funding – Will Oklahoma City Finally See Its Share?
• 10/15/2010: NewsOK: Passenger rail service from Oklahoma to Kansas discussed
• 10/13/2010: President Obama hosts infrastructure summit — Mayor Cornett urges investment in cities
• 10/1/2010: New Study Ranks OKC 2nd in Worst Peak Hour Travel Times
• 9/18/2010: Norman Transcript: Central Oklahoma gains from MAPS hub study
• 9/14/2010: Council Approval of MAPS 3 Transit Funding Moves Regional Hub Study Forward
• 9/01/2010: Rail proponents meet with Texas rail reps to talk about commuter rail’s next step in Oklahoma
• 8/06/2010: KTUL: Commuter rail service could be closer to reality
• 7/16/2010: Tulsa World: Commuter rail system part of downtown master plan
• 7/11/2010: Tulsa World: Oklahoma seeks high-speed rail funds
• 6/14/2010: New York Times: High-Speed Rail Will Spur Growth in Hub Cities, Says Mayors Report
• 3/30/2010: Oklahoma City mass transit plans take first step
• 2/26/2010: Houston Tomorrow: 9 in 10 Americans view high-speed rail as a good long-distance travel option
• 2/10/2010: New PBS documentary reveals America’s transportation past, present and future
• 2/4/2010: Oklahoma Gazette: Secret architecture makes Santa Fe Station possible as Oklahoma City’s downtown transportation hub
• 2/4/2010: Tulsa World: Tulsa hasn’t missed the train yet, state says
• 1/7/2010: The Transport Politic: The Year’s Top Transit News — State By State
• 1/5/2010: Joe Biden on why America needs trains
• 1/5/2010: Topeka Capital-Journal: Proposed Amtrak Northern Flyer would make money
• 12/9/2009: NewsOK: Oklahoma City voters say ‘yes’ to MAPS 3 proposal
• 12/4/2009: OKGazette: ‘A critical first step’
• 12/2/2009: OK Gazette: A down payment on transportation
• 11/29/2009: NewsOK: Oklahoma City MAPS 3 proposal includes streetcar system
• 11/25/2009: Edmond Sun: Downtown future may ride on transit
• 11/23/09: BBC: Full steam ahead for US railways
• 11/18/09: Norman Transcript: MAPS 3 could bring commuter rail to area
• 11/11/09: Citizens’ forum on public transit
• 11/5/09: OK Gazette: Downtown rail initiative in MAPS 3 can serve as future framework
• 10/16/09: Norman Transcript: City’s light rail hopes get boost
• 10/15/09: New Republic: The rise of rail in Phoenix
• 10/8/09: Tulsa, OKC would help finance high-speed rail system
• 10/7/09: NewsOK: OKC Council backs high-speed rail
• 9/30/09: OKC streetcar gets majority support in MAPS 3 poll
• 9/29/09: Essay contest being held for Norman Depot centennial
• 9/27/09: NewsOK: Oklahoma efforts could boost rail service
• 9/24/09 KOTV: Stimulus creates hope for high speed rail in Oklahoma
• 9/23/09 OKC takes major first steps toward regional rail transit
• 9/18/09 ACOG hosting transit plan open house meeting
• 9/16/09 NewsOK: OKC council asks for rail hub study
• 9/9/09 OnTrac: Our work goes on
• 7/21/09 Voices of OK: Oklahoma looks at public transit
• 6/13/09 NY Times: New rail lines spur urban revival
• 6/5/09 USA Today: More U.S. airports add rail service to downtown
• 5/27/09 Norman Transcript: STB allows Crosstown construction to continue