News

Current Oklahoma Rail Transit News:

• 5/29/2024: KGOU: How could commuter rail fit in with new downtown Oklahoma City arena?
• 5/21/2024: CityNewsOKC: OKC Council to Vote on New Arena Plan for Thunder, Including Transit Hub
• 5/20/2024: NewsOK: City council set to vote on development agreement for new OKC Thunder arena. What’s in the plan?
• 1/15/2024: NewsOK: As OKC continues to expand, it will encounter massive traffic problems similar cities have
• 12/13/2023: NewsOK: Federal officials award $500K to support Oklahoma-Kansas passenger rail expansion project
• 8/18/2023: NewsOK: Passenger rail service return to Union Station unlikely as part of regional transit plan
• 5/22/2023: NewsOK: Regional transit election likely by early 2025, will fund commuter rail network
• 2/15/2023: NewsOK: What is BRT and why is OKC spending $61 million on it? Here’s what to know
• 6/21/2022: NewsOK: Edmond to Norman commuter rail in running for $100 million grant
• 6/15/2022: NewsOK: Two cities drop from Regional Transportation Authority as routes and costs emerge
• 5/29/2022: NewsOK: A fast ride between downtown OKC and Tinker eyed as part of Regional Transit Authority
• 2/27/2022: NewsOK: Midwest City seeks out, Yukon shows interest in joining as Regional Transit costs emerge
• 8/9/2021: NewsOK: Plans advancing for a proposed passenger rail to link OKC with surrounding towns and cities
• 6/28/2021: NewsOK: Development, rather than ridership, a measure of success for Oklahoma City streetcar
• 6/11/2021: NewsOK: Heartland Flyer expansion to Houston and Chicago could be a lifeline for places like Ponca City
• 1/5/2021: NewsOK: OKC could finally get a commuter rail line connecting downtown to Will Rogers World Airport
• 1/28/2020: NewsOK: RTA management shifts to Oklahoma City
• 11/12/2019: NewsOK: MAPS 4 envisions more transit options, downtown Rotary hears details
• 12/15/2018: NewsOK: OKC Streetcar draws a crowd
• 12/14/2018: NewsOK: Streetcar fits into wider transit goals
• 12/14/2018: NewsOK: Climb aboard! OKC streetcars open for business
• 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, focus is on connecting 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 

Past Oklahoma Rail Transit Headlines:

• 2/16/2017: OK Gazette: 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: NewsOK: Transportation secretary hails Utah’s rail system
• 8/16/2013:  NewsOK: Oklahoma officials discuss passenger rail service between OKC, Tulsa
• 8/15/2013: NewsOK: 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 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
• 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: OnTrac: 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
• 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 OKC 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
• 11/5/09: 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
• 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