The Norman Transcript - Nov 18
OKLAHOMA CITY -- Is there a day in the near
future when a commuter rail system will link Norman to Oklahoma City
and to surrounding communities? MAPS 3 could lead the way.
The forum, attended by approximately 100
people, began with videos highlighting the successes of modern transit
systems in the cities of Portland, Ore., and Charlotte, N.C. Both of
these cities -- Portland more liberal, Charlotte more conservative --
invested in commuter rail infrastructure with results that led to
economic development, overall improvements and revitalization to their
respective cities.
And then there is the proposed MAPS 3
ballot initiative, which is to be voted on by Oklahoma City voters on
Dec. 8. The initiative includes a $130 million "rail-based transit
package" project that would potentially create a five- to six-mile,
rail-based streetcar linking businesses, attractions and residents in
downtown Oklahoma City. The streetcar, commuter rail and a transit hub
are part of the package which is called the Central Oklahoma Fixed
Guideway Transit Study.
Marion Hutchison, communications director
for OnTrac (Oklahomans for New Transportation Alternatives Coalition),
spoke about the goal of the organization, which is promoting rail
transit in Oklahoma.
Hutchison said rail transit is important
because it's safe, reliable, inexpensive and energy efficient. Rail
transit also helps reduce traffic congestion and unhealthy ozone levels
along with other environmental issues.
Hutchison noted polls that show there is
strong public support for rail infrastructure in Central Oklahoma. He
also showed a map of existing rail lines and noted that if commuter
rail lines were approved, they would potentially extend to Norman,
Edmond, Midwest City, Tinker Air Force Base and Yukon.
"We're set up for running commuter rail," Hutchison said. "We've got existing infrastructure."
One of the panelists, Midwest City
councilman Turner Mann, said that Tinker's sister base, Hill Air Force
Base in Utah, has connection to a light rail. That, he said, gives Hill
an edge when it comes to base realignment considerations.
Mann said sailors and airmen at Tinker,
many of whom may not have their own transportation, would definitely
use rail transit to go into Bricktown and so forth.
"We've got to remain competitive," Mann said. "And in our area there's support (for rail transit) and we want that pretty bad."