OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma City has begun the procurement process to acquire five dual powered streetcars for a new downtown streetcar route. The cars would use both battery power and overhead lines. Oklahoma City’s streetcar plan is part of a $777 million funding package approved by voters in 2011.

The $128.8 million system will run in a loop bounded by NW 11th Street, N. Broadway Avenue, Sheridan Avenue to Joe Carter Drive, Reno Avenue, and N. Hudson Avenue. The design allows for several expansion options and is expected to serve as a transition between corridors stretching across the metro area. Estimates call for the line to begin revenue service in 2017.

City engineers expect up to 10 responses from manufacturers. Likely parties include Alstom, Bombardier, Brookville Equipment Co., CAF USA, Kinkisharyo International, Siemens, and United Streetcar LLC.

The contract will be awarded in February 2015.