Nothing very controversial here from what I can see. The extension of the canal segment from the Oklahoma River would allow it to go under the new I-40 bridge and stop just south of the Bricktown Canal. It appears that the project also adds a pedestrian bridge over the river segment, and creates a series of water features, plazas and landscaping at the northern tip of the river segment to provide a better linkage and view for visitors. This items is up at Board of Adjustment Thursday for a variance on lighting heights.

The Oklahoma River at Regatta Park - photo from www.dougdawg.blogspot.com

Apparently I’m being taken to task for writing last week that the Oklahoma River (then known as the North Canadian River) was an embarrassment to city residents before improvements were made as part of the original MAPS program.

An early day photo of a North Canadian River crossing south of downtown.

Except the river south of downtown was anything but a broad flood plain with seasonal water flow, nor was it in its native state in the years following World War II through the 1990s. A Corps of Engineers flood-control project in the 1950s ensured against that. The Corps straightened the river, lined it with rocks, and designed it to drain as quickly as possible.

Mark Klett (American, b. 1952) Canadian River near Wiley Post Park, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, July 1991 Gelatin silver print, image/sheet: 16 x 20 in. (40.64 x 50.8 cm) Oklahoma City Museum of Art. Purchase, 1991.065 © Mark Klett

The river, prior to MAPS, was frequently referred to as an embarrassment and a ditch. I’m sticking to my story.

The cruises are entering their third season, and it looks like the city is considering continuing its $700,000 annual subsidy of the operation.

In comparison, the city as of last year had a net PROFIT of  $484,329.81 from a decade of operations of the canal water taxis. The water taxi’s exceed 100,000 passengers a year. The river cruisers carried a little over 19,000 passengers the first year – a number that plummeted last year – its second season. When you divide the $700,000 by 12 months, and divide that figure by the 397 passengers carried for April, the last available report for the river boats, you end up with the city spending $155 per passenger for a ride that was originally billed as public transit, but is now acknowledged to be a excursion cruise ride.

This $155 per passenger does not include capital costs paid for through federal taxpayer dollars. At yesterday’s city council meeting a budget for 2010/2011 was proposed that maintains current subsidies for the river boats but would cut bus service on routes that have seen increases in ridership.

Season 1:

What was the Operating budget?

FY 09   Budget – $2,019,264

Actual     $1,033,090

How much of that came from private funding sources?

$100,000 for marketing efforts from Devon

What was the City’s subsidy?

$700,000

What was the Federal contribution? Were there any requirements for how this money had to be used?

None. Ferry Boat Discretionary Funds are for capital projects only.

What was the first season’s ending ridership for regular schedule?

19,397 plus charters

Season 2:

What was the Operating budget?

FY 10  Budget – $1,244,003

Since this fiscal year has not closed, we’re not able to calculate budget actuals at this time.

How much of that came from private funding sources?

None.

What was the City’s subsidy?

$700,000

What was the Federal contribution? Were there any requirements for how this money had to be used?

$200,000. Capital Cost of Contracting from Stimulus allows for a 40% recovery from the contracted operator expenditures.

Was there a service reduction? If so, how much and was there any savings due to the reduction?

Yes. 35% fewer trips. Savings were realized in crew costs and fuel.

What was the second season’s ending ridership?

11,979 plus charters

Season 3:

What was the Operating budget?

Proposed FY 2011 – $1,153,310

How much of that came from private funding sources?

None.

What was the City’s subsidy?

$700,000

What was the Federal contribution? Were there any requirements for how this money had to be used?

$280,000 budgeted. Capital Cost of Contracting from Stimulus allows for a 40% recovery from the contracted operators expenditures.

Was there a service reduction? If so, how much and was there any savings due to the reduction?

Yes. 21% fewer trips. Savings will be realized in crew costs and fuel.

What was the ridership up through May 31 of this season?

372 riders in April. Ridership from the operator for May has not yet been reported.

I’m still a bit bewildered as to why I’m hearing no discussions of a canal extension in connection to the planned Devon tower TIF or expansion of Ford Center. A canal extension ranked high with residents responding to a MAPS 3 survey – higher than improvements along the Oklahoma River, which do seem to be very much a priority for folks at City Hall.

So, here’s the first of a series of polls. The first poll asks if you want to see a canal extension that would take the waterway past Ford Center and to the Myriad Gardens.

My next poll will weigh interest in further improvements to the canal versus improvements to the river. My final poll will ask how many of you have visited the canal or taken a cruise on a canal taxi versus visiting the river or riding the river boats.

(Yes, I’m very well aware these questions might be unpopular with some folks. But I lost the Mr. Popularity vote a long time ago, so I’m OK with that).

Former MetroTransit director Randy Hume, back when trolleys were shinny and new, and could be counted on to hit pretty much every corner of downtown every 10 minutes (and five minutes during the lunch hour). Sure, the map wasn’t easy to follow, but compare it to what’s out there today (if you can find it on COTPA’s web site). 

Steve Newlon, a board member with Urban Neighbors, suggested we go a bit more in-depth on the blog with the group’s report on public transit. I couldn’t agree more. So let’s take a look at their actual report: 

TASK- The UN Transportation Subcommittee has reviewed the Public Transportation options in the Downtown area.  This review of current transportation ability was stimulated by concerns regarding the success and programming of the existing system.  

ASSESMENT- Urban Neighbors has solicited input from its membership of downtown residents and workers as well as tourists and the general public.  We have engaged in a fruitful dialogue with Metro Transit and we have reviewed available information and opinions to analyze the current situation.

FINDINGS- The subcommittee realizes that the current available transit service is faced with many challenges.  The downtown areas use has changed dramatically over the past decade with new potential transit users and trip needs.   The existing transit system is- 

      1.      Poorly understood by the General Public (my comment: Urban Neighbors is being kind. How much time and money has been invested into educating the public about the Oklahoma Spirit trolleys compared to what has been spent on the new river cruisers?)

      2.      Faces low ridership on key routes (ah, but why? When the trolleys started, they had much better ridership. Numbers dropped as MetroTransit lengthened wait times, trimmed service and lengthened routes? Coincidence?)

      3.      Timings and actual arrivals at stops are inconsistent (Um, yeah)

      4.      Stops are poorly identified (Um, yeah)

      5.      Stops feature limited information (Route maps, schedule times and

actual arrivals) (Um, yeah)

6.      Hours of service are limited and poorly advertised (um, yeah)

7.      Onboard stop information is inconsistent or not available (um, yeah)

      8.      Existing system is not configured for 2008 and future ridership demographics in 2008 and the future (um, yeah)

(Come on folks, is all you’ve got? Other complaints I’ve heard include the “friendliness” of the drivers and the upkeep of the trolleys).

The primary existing downtown service is provided by the “trolley-like” bus vehicles funded through the MAPS I initiative.  Some parts of this service have been discontinued due to low ridership or funding pressures since its inception.  Some operational funding has been redirected from downtown to other areas at various times over the 10 years of operation.  The existing system is poorly understood by the general public.

This confusion has caused poor ridership on routes that should exhibit higher ridership.  Existing and new riders are often challenged by the inconsistent service delivery.  In our assessment period, we received many complaints regarding late or no arrivals. While several stops are clearly identified at the Ford
Center, OKC National Memorial, and Bricktown, most stops are not clearly obvious. 

Many stops appear undistinguishable from standard bus stops unless directly read by pedestrian traffic.  These “regular” stops feature only limited signage and do not display running time, actual arrival time, and projected arrival time.  Actual riders of the system have responded that the information regarding upcoming stops and or points of interest are not consistently conveyed by onboard signage or audible announcement. 

(Interesting note here: way, way back when, back when the trolleys were launched a decade ago, I asked then MetroTransit director Randy Hume if they had thought about using exterior trolley signs like those used by similar shuttles in San Antonio that clearly identified major attractions along the route. Randy told me then they’d “think about it.” Here’s another question: how much would a half dozen or so signs cost compared to what’s being spent on advertising for the river cruisers? Yes, I’ll keep bringing up this comparison because the river cruisers were launched as a form of public transit. Should a city be ensuring existing transit is being well run and funded before launching into an entirely new and untested form of public transit?) 

The most challenging aspect of the current system is that it does not efficiently serve the needs of the growing and diversified downtown community. Existing routes and stops are primarily configured for tourism.  (Here’s another question: was the west route, the Orange route, based on need or political interests? Before the River Cruisers started up, the Orange Route was averaging 11 passengers a day).

New citizen demographics and needs have evolved with new residential, office, health care and medical research development. Diversified business growth, new neighborhood corridors, and continued entertainment development lead to increased demand for Public Transportation, especially as fuel costs rise.

SOLUTIONS

1.      Conduct detailed analysis to establish new routes

2.      Determine reprogramming operational costs

3.      Reprogram system routes

4.      Rehabilitate existing vehicles

5.      Design and install distinctive stop locations

6.      Improve and expand hours of service

7.      Use current technology to improve user information of scheduled and actual arrivals

8.      Embark on comprehensive marketing and information campaign

9.      Improve onboard experience with automated and consistent stop announcements

10. New infrastructure should be designed for easy migration to a modern, ecological, customer friendly transit system The Transportation Subcommittee recommends that a detailed analysis should be conducted of potential new routes.

Public and private input must be solicited from business, residential, development, entertainment, and tourism stakeholders.  The input gathered should identify routes that service these various demographics, in order to maintain good ridership levels during all operational hours.

Certain specific demographics may entice more direct routes, but stability and consistent ridership will help maintain the health of the system.  Also, a diverse and eclectic ridership would justify a broadened daily operational period.  Upon considering the data collected from stakeholders and available statistics, an optimal transit routing solution must be priced out.  The system should be reprogrammed to the level of funds available and desired for further economic development.

The existing operational “trolley-like” vehicles should be rehabilitated cosmetically and functionally for their remaining three years before they are life-expired.  They should be reprogrammed with new onboard features for their prospective new uses.  Bins, shelving, cargo nets, and other storage amenities should be incorporated to assist with groceries and other physical goods.

Current technology should be incorporated for automated GPS activated audible and visual indicators regarding upcoming stops and tourist interest.  The vehicle routes should be more clearly identified via vehicle colors or the reinstatement of the colored flag bumper indicators.  Such enhancements will distinguish vehicles for pedestrian interaction.  Distinctive, downtown-specific stop designators should be designed to incorporate operational information. 

These designators should also include current technology with GPS displays or audible signal to indicate the actual arrival time of a vehicle. Such designators could also incorporate kiosk features with additional relevant information.  They should also be designed for authorized removal and transfer to new locations for future system upgrades or re-alignment.  A comprehensive public information and marketing campaign must be implemented to increase awareness and ridership of the reprogrammed system.  Such marketing will reinforce the accessibility and utility of the system to all potential user demographics.  In addition, the ridership experience should be improved with vehicle operators that are trained in enhanced customer service.

The personal interface between “trolley” operators and riders should follow the “Downtown Ambassador” model.  Vehicle operators should be helpful in assisting customers with diverse knowledge of downtown, vehicle stops, points of interest, and available amenities.  They should also assist downtown residents who have special needs including the proper stowage of physical items. 

OTHER FINDINGS-  The Urban Neighbors Transportation Subcommittee noted in its initial surveys and interaction with potential users that increased fares to cover enhanced services would be acceptable.  The subcommittee emphasizes that the existing “trolley-like” bus vehicles have a limited life expectancy and encourages the benefits and experience of a re-programmed system to be migrated over to permanent future solutions.  There is great desire for a modern transportation solution that can permanently service the downtown and central city where density levels increasingly significantly.

The success of improvements to the existing system should assist in the future development of transportation in all areas of the Oklahoma City metroplex.

(Final note: Don’t expect Urban Neighbors to be the only group to weigh in on the trolleys. Bricktown is next).

Red Earth Festival Kicks off with Friday Parade

When the 22nd annual Red Earth Native American Cultural Festival opens at the Cox Convention Center Friday June 6, 2008 in downtown Oklahoma City, OK, more than 1200 American Indian artists and dancers from throughout North America will gather to celebrate the richness and diversity of their heritage with the world. For three exciting days Oklahoma City will be at the center of Native American art and culture in America.

Through the years Red Earth has matured into one of the most respected visual and performing arts event of its type – setting the standard for many of today’s Indian art shows held throughout the nation. At Red Earth, guests can sample the work of some of the nation’s most celebrated artists, with opportunities to purchase contemporary and traditional examples of beadwork, basketry, jewelry, pottery, sculpture, paintings, graphics and cultural attire during the juried art show and market.

The dance competition at Red Earth is one of the rare occasions when dancers from America’s Northern and Southern tribes can be seen together in one venue. Red Earth dancers represent the elite of Native American dance, some of the most gifted and accomplished in the world. The masters, each in their own distinctive tribal dress, exhibit their originality and skills in one of the most prestigious of all native dance competitions.

A grand parade, unlike any other parade in the world, opens the 2008 Red Earth Festival on Friday morning beginning at the Cox Center at 10:30 and winding through Downtown. The streets of downtown Oklahoma City will vibrate in Native American tribal spirit as representatives of more than 100 tribes, in full tribal regalia, make the Red Earth Parade one of America’s most unique.

The Red Earth Art Market opens Friday, June 6 at 11 am and the first Grand Entry of dance competitors begins at noon inside the Cox Convention Center Arena. Grand Entries are scheduled at noon and 7 pm Friday and Saturday, and at noon on Sunday.

The Red Earth Run, a 5k run and 2 mile fun walk, scheduled at 8 am Saturday June 7 on Regatta Park River Trails along the Oklahoma River in downtown Oklahoma City, is open to runners and walkers of all ages and abilities.

Tickets can be purchased at online here For additional information click here or contact Red Earth, Inc at (405) 427-5228. Red Earth is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization.

The Oklahoma RiverFest, presented by Devon Energy and Chesapeake Energy, will take place June 7-8 at Regatta Park located on the Oklahoma River.

This year’s event will pay special tribute to the United States Navy and will celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the Commissioning of the USS Oklahoma City Submarine. Navy interactive exhibits, a Navy band and former crewmembers from the USS Oklahoma City Submarine will be on hand for the celebration. The third annual Oklahoma RiverFest serves as the official kickoff of Navy Week in Oklahoma City.

Besides launching Oklahoma City Navy Week, the two-day festival will feature the wimgo Dragon Boat Team Challenge, the RiverRide bicycling event, Devon Energy River Cruises, the Riverwind Casino RiverShow with jet ski and water ski performances, Red Earth RiverFest RiverRun, Lamar KidsPlay inflatable park, OGE Energy Corp Kayaks & Paddle Boats, Chesapeake Boathouse tours, rowing demonstrations and many other attractions.

The highlight of RiverFest is the increasingly popular Dragon Boat Team Challenge. Introduced two years ago at RiverFest, the friendly competition features 10 paddlers rowing colorful boats with hand-carved dragonheads to the beat of an on-board drum. Companies and individuals can sponsor a Dragon Boat Team for the Saturday, June 7 competition.

The Oklahoma River Ride is a 10-mile and 16-mile family friendly ride on the Oklahoma River trails as well as a 30-mile bicycle tour to northeast Oklahoma County. All cycling events will begin and end at Regatta Park. Participants can register for the cycling events at Wheeler Dealer Bicycles located at 2729 NW 50th St. or www.wheelerdealerbicycles.com.

The Oklahoma RiverFest at Regatta Park will be open Saturday, June 7 and on Sunday, June 8, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Regatta Park is located east of Bricktown on Lincoln Boulevard and the Oklahoma River.

The RiverFest Launch Party takes place on Friday, June 6 at Regatta Park. Reservations for “Rhythm and Ribs on the River” are $45 per person. Contact Oklahoma RiverFest at 405.602.1531 to make reservations.

For more information about the Third Annual Oklahoma RiverFest visit click here

JUNE 2008 EVENTS
OPEN LATE FRIDAYS, JUNE 20-OCTOBER 10
Beginning June 20, the OKCMOA will extend its Friday hours from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., giving local and out-of-town visitors a cultural outlet to begin their weekend.  These new hours are in response to visitor inquiries and the desire to be more assessable at popular times.  The Museum has considered the Friday night time slot for several years and performed extensive research, tracking visitation patterns and downtown’s residential growth.  The Museum will offer visitors the full service of its galleries, education and film programs, store, and cafe on both Thursday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

June Films: French, Opera, Italian, Hebrew and then there’s deadCENTER Film FestivalPriceless: A French Breakfast at Tiffany’s?
Thursday, June 5, 7:30p;
Friday and Saturday, June 6 – 7, 5:30p & 8p
Jean, a shy young bartender, is mistaken for a millionaire by a beautiful seductress named Irene (Audrey Tautou). When Irene discovers his true identity, she abandons him, only to find that a love-struck Jean has no intention of letting her get away. Jean’s comical attempts to gain her affections gradually evolve into setting himself up as a gigolo at a luxury hotel, until Irene finally starts to warm to her persistent suitor. Against the atmospheric backdrop of the south of France, this romantic comedy is a fresh re-imagining of the classic Breakfast at Tiffany’s. In French with English subtitles. Director: Pierre Salvadori 2006 France 104min. PG-13 HDdigital
Opera in HD from Teatro La Fenice, Venice:
La Rondine
Sun, 8 Jun 2008 2:00 PM
La Rodine is an opera in three acts by Giacomo Puccini set in France during the Second Napoleonic Empire (1852-70). The courtesan Magda de Civry, provided for by the banker Rambaldo, meets the young Ruggero Lastouc at a party at her home. She later meets him in disguise in a Parisian café where she falls in love with him. Just like a swallow flying away towards the sun, Magda abandons the banker and goes to live with Ruggero on the French Riviera. This performance was the 2008 season premiere of the Teatro La Fenice di Venezia. Director: Graham Vick. Conductor: Carlo Rizzi