Oklahoma City Streetcar (OKC Streetcar) Project Profile

The Oklahoma City Streetcar is an operational modern light rail system engineered to enhance urban mobility and catalyze economic development within the city’s core districts. Part of the comprehensive MAPS 3 capital improvements program, the system integrates advanced rolling stock with hybrid traction power to connect key business, entertainment, and residential zones. This profile details the project’s technical specifications and strategic impact on Oklahoma City’s transportation infrastructure.

Technical Specifications

The OKC Streetcar network was strategically designed to serve high-density areas, including the Central Business District, Bricktown, and Midtown. The infrastructure consists of 7.8 km of embedded rail track, constructed from 354ft welded sections integrated into existing city streets. Traction power is supplied via a standard overhead catenary system, supplemented by a cutting-edge On-board Energy Storage System (OESS). This dual-power configuration allows for “catenary-free” operation in designated zones, preserving historical sightlines and reducing visual clutter.

The system’s rolling stock comprises five Brookville Equipment “Liberty” model streetcars. Each 66-foot vehicle features a 70% low-floor design, enabling 100% curb-level boarding at all 22 ADA-compliant stops for maximum accessibility. The vehicles are equipped with an OESS utilizing lithium-ion batteries, which recharge dynamically through both the catenary and regenerative braking. This hybrid technology provides significant operational flexibility, ensuring service continuity and system resilience.

Key Takeaways

• Economic Development Catalyst: As a cornerstone of the MAPS 3 initiative, the streetcar was designed to connect key economic zones, stimulating investment and increasing property values along its two distinct routes.
• Advanced Hybrid Rolling Stock: The deployment of Brookville Liberty streetcars with a dual catenary/battery power system demonstrates a forward-thinking approach to urban transit, enabling operational flexibility and catenary-free corridors.
• Strategic Network Integration: The system is fundamentally designed for multi-modal connectivity, with strategic stops near the Downtown Transit Center and the Santa Fe Station intermodal hub, creating a cohesive public transportation network for the city.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When did the Oklahoma City Streetcar open?

The Oklahoma City Streetcar, also known as the OKC Streetcar, commenced full passenger service in December 2018. The construction phase began in February 2017 and was completed within approximately 22 months.

Who built the OKC Streetcar?

The primary construction of the OKC Streetcar’s track and infrastructure was managed by a joint venture between Herzog, Stacey, and Witbeck. The fleet of modern streetcar vehicles was manufactured and supplied by Brookville Equipment Corporation, while operations and maintenance are handled by Herzog Transit Services under contract with EMBARK.