OKC's new Streetcar now officially open and rolling !

OKLAHOMA CITY — A grand opening was held this morning to initiate OKC Streetcar service after a 70-year absence in the state’s capital city. The OKC Streetcar will be free for the first three weeks of service launch, running from Dec. 14, 2018, through Jan. 5, 2019.

The three-week opening celebration began at Leadership Square with a formal ceremony featuring elected and appointed officials, and riders who used the original streetcar more than 70 years ago. The ceremonial group then boarded streetcars for the system’s first official loop.

Jason Ferbrache, director of EMBARK, the state capitol’s public transit agency, said the events are meant to introduce OKC Streetcar and build excitement among potential riders as well as encourage visitors to explore the businesses, restaurants, and shops along the city’s urban core.

“As we continue to introduce new transit options, I’m confident the entire city will find new momentum as the OKC Streetcar unites the heart of our community,” shares Ferbrache.

“The OKC Streetcar truly is the ‘new neighbor on the block’ to hundreds of business owners and more than 30,000 people who live, work and explore these business, residential, and entertainment districts,” he added.

“We want to be a good neighbor and introduce ourselves to shop and business owners, residents, and visitors in a big way to help people gain an understanding that OKC Streetcar, and EMBARK, is here to serve them.”

Demonstrating that good neighbor theme, EMBARK and the city partnered with Curbside Chronicle to produce an official streetcar information pack for riders. Curbside is a street-based magazine created to provide both voice and support to men and women transitioning out of homelessness in the city.

This weekend copies of Curbside’s special December edition, which includes the official streetcar program, are available free from vendors located at streetcar platforms.

Ferbrache said the opening celebration events are meant to continue the excitement that has built for years leading up to today’s initiation of service.

“From basketball games to holiday events to family entertainment options, OKC Streetcar provides a way for everyone to move throughout the heart of our city and enjoy all our downtown districts have to offer.

“Our hope is these events encourage people to learn more about parking once and then riding the streetcar or CIRC bus and incorporating it into their urban core travel plans, whether routinely or casually.”

The special three-week Grand Opening Celebration features events and promotions at participating Love the Loops Partners, including businesses, restaurants, and shops along the two streetcar loops.

Further information on routes and schedules can be found at: http://okcstreetcar.com

Further information on the work of Curbside Chronicle can be found at: https://thecurbsidechronicle.org

The streetcar remains free-to-ride through January 5th.

(Images courtesy OKC Streetcar and Curbside Chronicle)