NORMAN — The Oklahoma City Council approval of a study to determine the best location for an Intermodal Transit Hub is a good first step for future public transportation in central Oklahoma. A hub could potentially lead to light rail connections for Norman and be the starting point for a system of modern streetcars and commuter buses.
The $300,000 study will be administered by the Association of Central Oklahoma Governments and the Oklahoma City transportation and parking authority. Part of the public money comes from the MAPS3 transit funding. ONTRAC President Marion Hutchison said the study should be completed by May and will be done by an internationally recognized consultant firm.
“After much debate these last few years about the need for a regional rail transit hub, we are excited to see this important study being undertaken,” Mr. Hutchison said. “For the Central Oklahoma Area to remain competitive with other peer cities in the region, it’s imperative we develop an effective rail transit system. A well-designed and properly located hub is the cornerstone of that system.”
Oklahoma City’s MAPS3 initiative contains $10 million for development of the hub or other commuter rail infrastructure. It also includes an additional $120 million to provide a modern streetcar system that will connect with the hub and provide several miles of rail transit service for downtown Oklahoma City.
Public transportation advocates have wrestled for years with how to plan and finance a system that commuters will actually use. Other major cities and their suburban neighbors are making a go of it and provide good examples for central Oklahoma.
