OK City Gives Car-Free Mobility a Chance

After decades of false starts, Downtown Oklahoma City is making room for alternative transportation with streetcars, electric vehicle charging stations, and a new bike sharing program, reports Steve Lackmeyer.

1 minute read

April 21, 2012, 1:00 PM PDT

By Ryan Lue


Downtown Oklahoma City was not always made for cars. But in the six and a half decades since its once-prominent streetcar system was shut down, it has come to depend on the automobile as much as any other red-blooded American city – in fact, a local produce market opening later this year "will remain the closest thing to a full-scale grocery," Lackmeyer writes.

And so the near-simultaneous introduction of three alternative transportation programs, for Lackmeyer, constitutes a "small revolution... [that] might just change the rules for decades to follow."

First, Oklahoma City is set to see the revival of the streetcar. Part of a 10-year public works program called MAPS 3, the system is backed by $129 million in funding and will connect at least five separate neighborhoods.

"Downtown also is set to get its start at 'green parking,'" Lackmeyer explains - "a system that will allow owners of electric vehicles to plug in along a curb. Two recharging stations are set to be built later this year as part of [downtown revitalization project] Project 180."

In addition, the city has approved the installation of new bicycle racks throughout the downtown. "Those racks just might get more use as 'Spokies,' a new bike-share program...is set to be inaugurated next month."

Tuesday, April 17, 2012 in The Oklahoman

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

June 11, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Metrorail train pulling into newly opened subterranean station in Washington, D.C. with crowd on platform taking photos.

Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”

The Make Autorail Great Again Act would withhold federal funding to the system until the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), rebrands as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA).

June 2, 2025 - The Hill

Large crowd on street in San Francisco, California during Oktoberfest festival.

The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns

In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.

June 2, 2025 - Robbie Silver

Color-coded map of labor & delivery departments and losses in United States.

The States Losing Rural Delivery Rooms at an Alarming Pace

In some states, as few as 9% of rural hospitals still deliver babies. As a result, rising pre-term births, no adequate pre-term care and "harrowing" close calls are a growing reality.

June 15 - Maine Morning Star

Street scene in Kathmandu, Nepal with yellow minibuses and other traffic.

The Small South Asian Republic Going all in on EVs

Thanks to one simple policy change less than five years ago, 65% of new cars in this Himalayan country are now electric.

June 15 - Fast Company

Bike lane in Washington D.C. protected by low concrete barriers.

DC Backpedals on Bike Lane Protection, Swaps Barriers for Paint

Citing aesthetic concerns, the city is removing the concrete barriers and flexposts that once separated Arizona Avenue cyclists from motor vehicles.

June 15 - The Washington Post