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Oklahoma public transit entered a new era this evening.
With approval of Oklahoma City voters for the MAPs 3 initiative, the
largest, single public transit project in state history will be a
reality. MAPs 3 received 54 percent yes votes to 46 percent no; a
slightly larger margin of victory than the first MAPs proposal. This
was the largest turnout for any MAPs election.
The Modern Transit Solution, a streetcar rolling over several miles of
downtown track, will in all likelihood evolve into the state’s iconic
transit image upon completion. The streetcar will link major employers,
businesses, attractions, residences, and communities from the downtown
area.
Click here for animated video of the proposed MAPs street car project.
The $130 million transit component was part of an overall $777 million package.
The campaign was one of the most contested and contentious in capital
city history as both the firefighters and police unions spearheaded
intense opposition through a ‘Not This MAPS’ effort.
While the turnout was significant for a special election of this type,
the numbers are far below those of a primary or general election.
Still, over the course of the campaign the media reports, discussion
and debate about the streetcar and public transit issue exceeded any
previous coverage for public transit. Roughly 60 percent of the state’s
registered voters were exposed to the public transit message.
The streetcar, commuter rail and a hub were called for in the Fixed
Guideway Study which provides the blueprint for central Oklahoma
transit needs in the coming decades.
Click here to view the Central Oklahoma Fixed Guideway Study.
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