Lines formed downtown on Friday morning to catch the first rides on the Oklahoma City Streetcar after the grand opening ceremony on the east plaza at Leadership Square. Hundreds of people filled the plaza for a children's choir and brass band, speeches, elders' stories about riding the original trolley system, and blasts of confetti. [The Oklahoman]
Decades after being edged out by the automobile, trolleys are back.
Oklahoma City began service Friday morning on downtown's MAPS 3 streetcar system, reviving a long-dormant transportation option.
Financed by a voter-approved 1-cent sales tax, the system opened debt-free after a ribbon-cutting attended by hundreds on the east plaza at the Leadership Square office complex.
On the anniversary of the first Metropolitan Area Projects vote, Holt said return of the streetcar was "a dream 25 years in the making."
"It makes a huge difference to our economic development opportunities, our visitor opportunities, and it's a fundamental aspect of a comprehensive transit system," he said.
"More than that, it's an inspiration as we think ahead about the future," said Holt, who was 14 when the first MAPS passed. "This is a reminder that the things you dream of can happen."
"The dreams we make, the plans we make, the commitments we make through processes like MAPS have never been about building the city we expect to have today," he said. "It's about building the city we hope to have tomorrow."
The city inaugurated service with holiday carols by a children's choir and brass band, speeches, a ribbon-cutting and confetti.
The first two trips were on the Brookville Equipment Corp.'s Liberty models 201802 (red) and 201806 (green), which fit the season.
Confetti floated above the crowd gathered Friday morning at Leadership Square for the grand opening of Oklahoma City's MAPS 3 streetcar system. Speakers related the stories of residents who remember riding the city's original trolley system in the 1940s. [Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman]
<figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-73c0d09953e0559f4991ff2f573793e8.jpg" alt="Photo - Confetti floated Friday morning over the crowd gathered at Leadership Square for the inauguration of Oklahoma City Streetcar service. Speakers related stories of residents who remembered riding the city's original trolley system in the 1940s. [Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman]" title="Confetti floated Friday morning over the crowd gathered at Leadership Square for the inauguration of Oklahoma City Streetcar service. Speakers related stories of residents who remembered riding the city's original trolley system in the 1940s. [Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman]"><figcaption>Confetti floated Friday morning over the crowd gathered at Leadership Square for the inauguration of Oklahoma City Streetcar service. Speakers related stories of residents who remembered riding the city's original trolley system in the 1940s. [Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman]</figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-fbd50b12fa7c7d41795c02f15e916f36.jpg" alt="Photo - Lines formed downtown on Friday morning to catch the first rides on the Oklahoma City Streetcar after the grand opening ceremony on the east plaza at Leadership Square. Hundreds of people filled the plaza for a children's choir and brass band, speeches, elders' stories about riding the original trolley system, and blasts of confetti. [The Oklahoman]" title="Lines formed downtown on Friday morning to catch the first rides on the Oklahoma City Streetcar after the grand opening ceremony on the east plaza at Leadership Square. Hundreds of people filled the plaza for a children's choir and brass band, speeches, elders' stories about riding the original trolley system, and blasts of confetti. [The Oklahoman]"><figcaption>Lines formed downtown on Friday morning to catch the first rides on the Oklahoma City Streetcar after the grand opening ceremony on the east plaza at Leadership Square. Hundreds of people filled the plaza for a children's choir and brass band, speeches, elders' stories about riding the original trolley system, and blasts of confetti. [The Oklahoman]</figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-73c0d09953e0559f4991ff2f573793e8.jpg" alt="Photo - Confetti floated above the crowd gathered Friday morning at Leadership Square for the grand opening of Oklahoma City's MAPS 3 streetcar system. Speakers related the stories of residents who remember riding the city's original trolley system in the 1940s. [Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman]" title="Confetti floated above the crowd gathered Friday morning at Leadership Square for the grand opening of Oklahoma City's MAPS 3 streetcar system. Speakers related the stories of residents who remember riding the city's original trolley system in the 1940s. [Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman]"><figcaption>Confetti floated above the crowd gathered Friday morning at Leadership Square for the grand opening of Oklahoma City's MAPS 3 streetcar system. Speakers related the stories of residents who remember riding the city's original trolley system in the 1940s. [Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman]</figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-8779b4454374d497013ab6b5068a0ee5.jpg" alt="Photo - A streetcar sits on its tracks during grand open ceremonies for the Oklahoma City Streetcar system at Leadership Square, Friday, Dec. 14, 2018. Photo by Sarah Phipps, The Oklahoman" title="A streetcar sits on its tracks during grand open ceremonies for the Oklahoma City Streetcar system at Leadership Square, Friday, Dec. 14, 2018. Photo by Sarah Phipps, The Oklahoman"><figcaption>A streetcar sits on its tracks during grand open ceremonies for the Oklahoma City Streetcar system at Leadership Square, Friday, Dec. 14, 2018. Photo by Sarah Phipps, The Oklahoman</figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-dfdbc98c327544f331ae3c3da85c8b16.jpg" alt="Photo - A streetcar sits on its tracks during grand open ceremonies for the Oklahoma City Streetcar system at Leadership Square, Friday, Dec. 14, 2018. Photo by Sarah Phipps, The Oklahoman" title="A streetcar sits on its tracks during grand open ceremonies for the Oklahoma City Streetcar system at Leadership Square, Friday, Dec. 14, 2018. Photo by Sarah Phipps, The Oklahoman"><figcaption>A streetcar sits on its tracks during grand open ceremonies for the Oklahoma City Streetcar system at Leadership Square, Friday, Dec. 14, 2018. Photo by Sarah Phipps, The Oklahoman</figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-e29b3c9d49a7aea19c9060bbb7883459.jpg" alt="Photo - People wave from a street car as it makes its way to automobile alley following open ceremonies for the Oklahoma City Streetcar at Leadership Square, Friday, Dec. 14, 2018. Photo by Sarah Phipps, The Oklahoman" title="People wave from a street car as it makes its way to automobile alley following open ceremonies for the Oklahoma City Streetcar at Leadership Square, Friday, Dec. 14, 2018. Photo by Sarah Phipps, The Oklahoman"><figcaption>People wave from a street car as it makes its way to automobile alley following open ceremonies for the Oklahoma City Streetcar at Leadership Square, Friday, Dec. 14, 2018. Photo by Sarah Phipps, The Oklahoman</figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-0d5e2e57081bf1746cde7579885a9803.jpg" alt="Photo - A street car makes its way to automobile alley following open ceremonies for the Oklahoma City Streetcar at Leadership Square, Friday, Dec. 14, 2018. Photo by Sarah Phipps, The Oklahoman" title="A street car makes its way to automobile alley following open ceremonies for the Oklahoma City Streetcar at Leadership Square, Friday, Dec. 14, 2018. Photo by Sarah Phipps, The Oklahoman"><figcaption>A street car makes its way to automobile alley following open ceremonies for the Oklahoma City Streetcar at Leadership Square, Friday, Dec. 14, 2018. Photo by Sarah Phipps, The Oklahoman</figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-e09fc4b2655952d762e48027a5fe7a62.jpg" alt="Photo - John Rex Elementary fourth grader Patrick Markes waves to people getting off the streetcar as he rides with his fellow students on the new streetcar during the grand opening celebration day of the Oklahoma City streetcar system in downtown Oklahoma City, Okla. on Friday, Dec. 14, 2018. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman
" title="John Rex Elementary fourth grader Patrick Markes waves to people getting off the streetcar as he rides with his fellow students on the new streetcar during the grand opening celebration day of the Oklahoma City streetcar system in downtown Oklahoma City, Okla. on Friday, Dec. 14, 2018. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman
"><figcaption>John Rex Elementary fourth grader Patrick Markes waves to people getting off the streetcar as he rides with his fellow students on the new streetcar during the grand opening celebration day of the Oklahoma City streetcar system in downtown Oklahoma City, Okla. on Friday, Dec. 14, 2018. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman
</figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-9da5d4c0c9b35e43373086e2f50e1b0a.jpg" alt="Photo - during grand open ceremonies for the Oklahoma City Streetcar system at Leadership Square, Friday, Dec. 14, 2018. Photo by Sarah Phipps, The Oklahoman" title="during grand open ceremonies for the Oklahoma City Streetcar system at Leadership Square, Friday, Dec. 14, 2018. Photo by Sarah Phipps, The Oklahoman"><figcaption>during grand open ceremonies for the Oklahoma City Streetcar system at Leadership Square, Friday, Dec. 14, 2018. Photo by Sarah Phipps, The Oklahoman</figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-b2bd5721770009e1b4f80216b9128d2a.jpg" alt="Photo - Tom McDaniel speaks during grand open ceremonies for the Oklahoma City Streetcar system at Leadership Square, Friday, Dec. 14, 2018. Photo by Sarah Phipps, The Oklahoman" title="Tom McDaniel speaks during grand open ceremonies for the Oklahoma City Streetcar system at Leadership Square, Friday, Dec. 14, 2018. Photo by Sarah Phipps, The Oklahoman"><figcaption>Tom McDaniel speaks during grand open ceremonies for the Oklahoma City Streetcar system at Leadership Square, Friday, Dec. 14, 2018. Photo by Sarah Phipps, The Oklahoman</figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-920e01998d6b1d726b81bfa89eef8c4c.jpg" alt="Photo - Oklahoma City dignitaries cut a ribbon during grand open ceremonies for the Oklahoma City Streetcar system at Leadership Square, Friday, Dec. 14, 2018. Photo by Sarah Phipps, The Oklahoman" title="Oklahoma City dignitaries cut a ribbon during grand open ceremonies for the Oklahoma City Streetcar system at Leadership Square, Friday, Dec. 14, 2018. Photo by Sarah Phipps, The Oklahoman"><figcaption>Oklahoma City dignitaries cut a ribbon during grand open ceremonies for the Oklahoma City Streetcar system at Leadership Square, Friday, Dec. 14, 2018. Photo by Sarah Phipps, The Oklahoman</figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-5ee39543c9698ff17f1e6897fc352af3.jpg" alt="Photo - Former city manager for Oklahoma City Jim Couch takes a ride on the new streetcar during the grand opening celebration day of the Oklahoma City streetcar system in downtown Oklahoma City, Okla. on Friday, Dec. 14, 2018. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman
" title="Former city manager for Oklahoma City Jim Couch takes a ride on the new streetcar during the grand opening celebration day of the Oklahoma City streetcar system in downtown Oklahoma City, Okla. on Friday, Dec. 14, 2018. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman
"><figcaption>Former city manager for Oklahoma City Jim Couch takes a ride on the new streetcar during the grand opening celebration day of the Oklahoma City streetcar system in downtown Oklahoma City, Okla. on Friday, Dec. 14, 2018. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman
</figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-9cab0d27a6bd94107cb1124dc965b4bc.jpg" alt="Photo - Passenger Mark Lester looks out the window as he gets a free ride on the new streetcar during the grand opening celebration day of the Oklahoma City streetcar system in downtown Oklahoma City, Okla. on Friday, Dec. 14, 2018. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman
" title="Passenger Mark Lester looks out the window as he gets a free ride on the new streetcar during the grand opening celebration day of the Oklahoma City streetcar system in downtown Oklahoma City, Okla. on Friday, Dec. 14, 2018. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman
"><figcaption>Passenger Mark Lester looks out the window as he gets a free ride on the new streetcar during the grand opening celebration day of the Oklahoma City streetcar system in downtown Oklahoma City, Okla. on Friday, Dec. 14, 2018. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman
</figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-303aa282570034efac41fad4d97133a2.jpg" alt="Photo - Jill Adler uses her phone as she rides on the new streetcar during the grand opening celebration day of the Oklahoma City streetcar system in downtown Oklahoma City, Okla. on Friday, Dec. 14, 2018. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman
" title="Jill Adler uses her phone as she rides on the new streetcar during the grand opening celebration day of the Oklahoma City streetcar system in downtown Oklahoma City, Okla. on Friday, Dec. 14, 2018. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman
"><figcaption>Jill Adler uses her phone as she rides on the new streetcar during the grand opening celebration day of the Oklahoma City streetcar system in downtown Oklahoma City, Okla. on Friday, Dec. 14, 2018. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman
</figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-2e39d702663468bcfede322f122a1d6c.jpg" alt="Photo - People get a free ride on the new streetcar during the grand opening celebration day of the Oklahoma City streetcar system in downtown Oklahoma City, Okla. on Friday, Dec. 14, 2018. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman
" title="People get a free ride on the new streetcar during the grand opening celebration day of the Oklahoma City streetcar system in downtown Oklahoma City, Okla. on Friday, Dec. 14, 2018. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman
"><figcaption>People get a free ride on the new streetcar during the grand opening celebration day of the Oklahoma City streetcar system in downtown Oklahoma City, Okla. on Friday, Dec. 14, 2018. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman
</figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-3b5d84f3dd1a95577b3adfbaa097b620.jpg" alt="Photo - People board the streetcar at the Century Center stop for a free ride during the grand opening celebration day of the Oklahoma City streetcar system in downtown Oklahoma City, Okla. on Friday, Dec. 14, 2018. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman
" title="People board the streetcar at the Century Center stop for a free ride during the grand opening celebration day of the Oklahoma City streetcar system in downtown Oklahoma City, Okla. on Friday, Dec. 14, 2018. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman
"><figcaption>People board the streetcar at the Century Center stop for a free ride during the grand opening celebration day of the Oklahoma City streetcar system in downtown Oklahoma City, Okla. on Friday, Dec. 14, 2018. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman
</figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-4e5fd463cab6de90c90c68d51efa3890.jpg" alt="Photo - People gather outside of Leadership Square to celebrate the grand opening ceremony of the Oklahoma City streetcar system in downtown Oklahoma City, Okla. on Friday, Dec. 14, 2018. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman
" title="People gather outside of Leadership Square to celebrate the grand opening ceremony of the Oklahoma City streetcar system in downtown Oklahoma City, Okla. on Friday, Dec. 14, 2018. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman
"><figcaption>People gather outside of Leadership Square to celebrate the grand opening ceremony of the Oklahoma City streetcar system in downtown Oklahoma City, Okla. on Friday, Dec. 14, 2018. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman
</figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-f932af1e5d5bde00d40bd86992203ced.jpg" alt="Photo - People gather outside of Leadership Square to celebrate the grand opening ceremony of the Oklahoma City streetcar system in downtown Oklahoma City, Okla. on Friday, Dec. 14, 2018. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman
" title="People gather outside of Leadership Square to celebrate the grand opening ceremony of the Oklahoma City streetcar system in downtown Oklahoma City, Okla. on Friday, Dec. 14, 2018. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman
"><figcaption>People gather outside of Leadership Square to celebrate the grand opening ceremony of the Oklahoma City streetcar system in downtown Oklahoma City, Okla. on Friday, Dec. 14, 2018. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman
</figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-cbebd7555dfacee3e8234b33d96ef0ec.jpg" alt="Photo - People gather outside of Leadership Square to celebrate the grand opening ceremony of the Oklahoma City streetcar system in downtown Oklahoma City, Okla. on Friday, Dec. 14, 2018. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman
" title="People gather outside of Leadership Square to celebrate the grand opening ceremony of the Oklahoma City streetcar system in downtown Oklahoma City, Okla. on Friday, Dec. 14, 2018. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman
"><figcaption>People gather outside of Leadership Square to celebrate the grand opening ceremony of the Oklahoma City streetcar system in downtown Oklahoma City, Okla. on Friday, Dec. 14, 2018. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman
</figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-73c0d09953e0559f4991ff2f573793e8.jpg" alt="Photo - People gather outside of Leadership Square to celebrate the grand opening ceremony of the Oklahoma City streetcar system in downtown Oklahoma City, Okla. on Friday, Dec. 14, 2018. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman
" title="People gather outside of Leadership Square to celebrate the grand opening ceremony of the Oklahoma City streetcar system in downtown Oklahoma City, Okla. on Friday, Dec. 14, 2018. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman
"><figcaption>People gather outside of Leadership Square to celebrate the grand opening ceremony of the Oklahoma City streetcar system in downtown Oklahoma City, Okla. on Friday, Dec. 14, 2018. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman
</figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-5c8d65ace9d4dc6f6c498885e3e3def8.jpg" alt="Photo - Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt walks off a streetcar before grand open ceremonies for the Oklahoma City Streetcar system at Leadership Square, Friday, Dec. 14, 2018. Photo by Sarah Phipps, The Oklahoman" title="Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt walks off a streetcar before grand open ceremonies for the Oklahoma City Streetcar system at Leadership Square, Friday, Dec. 14, 2018. Photo by Sarah Phipps, The Oklahoman"><figcaption>Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt walks off a streetcar before grand open ceremonies for the Oklahoma City Streetcar system at Leadership Square, Friday, Dec. 14, 2018. Photo by Sarah Phipps, The Oklahoman</figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-bedad969465e4937fe3157ff4183e6d9.jpg" alt="Photo - Drone image of OKC Streetcar ribbon cutting ceremony." title="Drone image of OKC Streetcar ribbon cutting ceremony."><figcaption>Drone image of OKC Streetcar ribbon cutting ceremony.</figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-ccd1aa1098b108d36247b05451372b72.jpg" alt="Photo - Mayor David Holt claps his hands as he arrives outside of Leadership Square to celebrate the grand opening ceremony of the Oklahoma City streetcar system in downtown Oklahoma City, Okla. on Friday, Dec. 14, 2018. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman
" title="Mayor David Holt claps his hands as he arrives outside of Leadership Square to celebrate the grand opening ceremony of the Oklahoma City streetcar system in downtown Oklahoma City, Okla. on Friday, Dec. 14, 2018. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman
"><figcaption>Mayor David Holt claps his hands as he arrives outside of Leadership Square to celebrate the grand opening ceremony of the Oklahoma City streetcar system in downtown Oklahoma City, Okla. on Friday, Dec. 14, 2018. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman
</figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-c84b0e2c9d80664ba539c6f505739048.jpg" alt="Photo - Oklahoma City Police escort the streetcar to Leadership Square to celebrate the grand opening ceremony of the Oklahoma City streetcar system in downtown Oklahoma City, Okla. on Friday, Dec. 14, 2018. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman
" title="Oklahoma City Police escort the streetcar to Leadership Square to celebrate the grand opening ceremony of the Oklahoma City streetcar system in downtown Oklahoma City, Okla. on Friday, Dec. 14, 2018. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman
"><figcaption>Oklahoma City Police escort the streetcar to Leadership Square to celebrate the grand opening ceremony of the Oklahoma City streetcar system in downtown Oklahoma City, Okla. on Friday, Dec. 14, 2018. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman
</figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-fc15e3e67f0a1dbd83040e863b48a5a8.jpg" alt="Photo - People gather outside of Leadership Square to celebrate the grand opening ceremony of the Oklahoma City streetcar system in downtown Oklahoma City, Okla. on Friday, Dec. 14, 2018. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman
" title="People gather outside of Leadership Square to celebrate the grand opening ceremony of the Oklahoma City streetcar system in downtown Oklahoma City, Okla. on Friday, Dec. 14, 2018. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman
"><figcaption>People gather outside of Leadership Square to celebrate the grand opening ceremony of the Oklahoma City streetcar system in downtown Oklahoma City, Okla. on Friday, Dec. 14, 2018. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman
</figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-7a50b6a466d225f51b16cf092aba7365.jpg" alt="Photo - Former Oklahoma City mayor Ron Norick waves to the crowd as he is acknowledged for his work for the city as people gather outside of Leadership Square to celebrate the grand opening ceremony of the Oklahoma City streetcar system in downtown Oklahoma City, Okla. on Friday, Dec. 14, 2018. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman
" title="Former Oklahoma City mayor Ron Norick waves to the crowd as he is acknowledged for his work for the city as people gather outside of Leadership Square to celebrate the grand opening ceremony of the Oklahoma City streetcar system in downtown Oklahoma City, Okla. on Friday, Dec. 14, 2018. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman
"><figcaption>Former Oklahoma City mayor Ron Norick waves to the crowd as he is acknowledged for his work for the city as people gather outside of Leadership Square to celebrate the grand opening ceremony of the Oklahoma City streetcar system in downtown Oklahoma City, Okla. on Friday, Dec. 14, 2018. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman
</figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-79e9c2e6655d557edec94185c12c0e9d.jpg" alt="Photo - Kenny and Cynde Holloway gather outside of Leadership Square to celebrate the grand opening ceremony of the Oklahoma City streetcar system in downtown Oklahoma City, Okla. on Friday, Dec. 14, 2018. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman
" title="Kenny and Cynde Holloway gather outside of Leadership Square to celebrate the grand opening ceremony of the Oklahoma City streetcar system in downtown Oklahoma City, Okla. on Friday, Dec. 14, 2018. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman
"><figcaption>Kenny and Cynde Holloway gather outside of Leadership Square to celebrate the grand opening ceremony of the Oklahoma City streetcar system in downtown Oklahoma City, Okla. on Friday, Dec. 14, 2018. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman
</figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-ed9b1745540c9507e5a8a812e8178b60.jpg" alt="Photo - Mayor David Holt and Tom McDaniel, from left, shake hands as they arrive outside of Leadership Square to celebrate the grand opening ceremony of the Oklahoma City streetcar system in downtown Oklahoma City, Okla. on Friday, Dec. 14, 2018. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman
" title="Mayor David Holt and Tom McDaniel, from left, shake hands as they arrive outside of Leadership Square to celebrate the grand opening ceremony of the Oklahoma City streetcar system in downtown Oklahoma City, Okla. on Friday, Dec. 14, 2018. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman
"><figcaption>Mayor David Holt and Tom McDaniel, from left, shake hands as they arrive outside of Leadership Square to celebrate the grand opening ceremony of the Oklahoma City streetcar system in downtown Oklahoma City, Okla. on Friday, Dec. 14, 2018. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman
</figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-cfcfc772a3601ead4c12fa21844b4794.jpg" alt="Photo - People celebrate during grand open ceremonies for the Oklahoma City Streetcar system at Leadership Square, Friday, Dec. 14, 2018. Photo by Sarah Phipps, The Oklahoman" title="People celebrate during grand open ceremonies for the Oklahoma City Streetcar system at Leadership Square, Friday, Dec. 14, 2018. Photo by Sarah Phipps, The Oklahoman"><figcaption>People celebrate during grand open ceremonies for the Oklahoma City Streetcar system at Leadership Square, Friday, Dec. 14, 2018. Photo by Sarah Phipps, The Oklahoman</figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-03e6e6770d36c6e2fe8f05d2afd3051a.jpg" alt="Photo - Katrina Crumbacher shoots video of the grand opening ceremony for the Oklahoma City streetcar system as people gather outside of Leadership Square in downtown Oklahoma City, Okla. on Friday, Dec. 14, 2018. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman
" title="Katrina Crumbacher shoots video of the grand opening ceremony for the Oklahoma City streetcar system as people gather outside of Leadership Square in downtown Oklahoma City, Okla. on Friday, Dec. 14, 2018. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman
"><figcaption>Katrina Crumbacher shoots video of the grand opening ceremony for the Oklahoma City streetcar system as people gather outside of Leadership Square in downtown Oklahoma City, Okla. on Friday, Dec. 14, 2018. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman
</figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-4691e149f16527a219ac3701fc8a629d.jpg" alt="Photo - Passenger Joe Pierce gets a free ride on the new streetcar during the grand opening celebration day of the Oklahoma City streetcar system in downtown Oklahoma City, Okla. on Friday, Dec. 14, 2018. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman
" title="Passenger Joe Pierce gets a free ride on the new streetcar during the grand opening celebration day of the Oklahoma City streetcar system in downtown Oklahoma City, Okla. on Friday, Dec. 14, 2018. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman
"><figcaption>Passenger Joe Pierce gets a free ride on the new streetcar during the grand opening celebration day of the Oklahoma City streetcar system in downtown Oklahoma City, Okla. on Friday, Dec. 14, 2018. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman
</figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-2fc3699811209c25a44c099dddf9ec29.jpg" alt="Photo - John Rex Elementary fourth grader Vivien Arguello, center, prepares to board the new streetcar with her fellow classmates during the grand opening celebration day of the Oklahoma City streetcar system in downtown Oklahoma City, Okla. on Friday, Dec. 14, 2018. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman
" title="John Rex Elementary fourth grader Vivien Arguello, center, prepares to board the new streetcar with her fellow classmates during the grand opening celebration day of the Oklahoma City streetcar system in downtown Oklahoma City, Okla. on Friday, Dec. 14, 2018. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman
"><figcaption>John Rex Elementary fourth grader Vivien Arguello, center, prepares to board the new streetcar with her fellow classmates during the grand opening celebration day of the Oklahoma City streetcar system in downtown Oklahoma City, Okla. on Friday, Dec. 14, 2018. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman
</figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-da07496b5ccce234f6bad4e13b74127f.jpg" alt="Photo - John Rex Elementary fourth grader Lolufe Adedeji, center, rides with his fellow students on the new streetcar during the grand opening celebration day of the Oklahoma City streetcar system in downtown Oklahoma City, Okla. on Friday, Dec. 14, 2018. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman
" title="John Rex Elementary fourth grader Lolufe Adedeji, center, rides with his fellow students on the new streetcar during the grand opening celebration day of the Oklahoma City streetcar system in downtown Oklahoma City, Okla. on Friday, Dec. 14, 2018. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman
"><figcaption>John Rex Elementary fourth grader Lolufe Adedeji, center, rides with his fellow students on the new streetcar during the grand opening celebration day of the Oklahoma City streetcar system in downtown Oklahoma City, Okla. on Friday, Dec. 14, 2018. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman
</figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-d03d4929bca3ee934461f7938d2aafa8.jpg" alt="Photo - John Rex Elementary fourth graders Parker Ray, center, and Lolufe Adedeji ride with his fellow students on the new streetcar during the grand opening celebration day of the Oklahoma City streetcar system in downtown Oklahoma City, Okla. on Friday, Dec. 14, 2018. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman
" title="John Rex Elementary fourth graders Parker Ray, center, and Lolufe Adedeji ride with his fellow students on the new streetcar during the grand opening celebration day of the Oklahoma City streetcar system in downtown Oklahoma City, Okla. on Friday, Dec. 14, 2018. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman
"><figcaption>John Rex Elementary fourth graders Parker Ray, center, and Lolufe Adedeji ride with his fellow students on the new streetcar during the grand opening celebration day of the Oklahoma City streetcar system in downtown Oklahoma City, Okla. on Friday, Dec. 14, 2018. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman
</figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-ce7ab65bcbeb8565a7d767a51664d2ec.jpg" alt="Photo - Tom McDaniel speaks as people gather outside of Leadership Square to celebrate the grand opening ceremony of the Oklahoma City streetcar system in downtown Oklahoma City, Okla. on Friday, Dec. 14, 2018. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman
" title="Tom McDaniel speaks as people gather outside of Leadership Square to celebrate the grand opening ceremony of the Oklahoma City streetcar system in downtown Oklahoma City, Okla. on Friday, Dec. 14, 2018. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman
"><figcaption>Tom McDaniel speaks as people gather outside of Leadership Square to celebrate the grand opening ceremony of the Oklahoma City streetcar system in downtown Oklahoma City, Okla. on Friday, Dec. 14, 2018. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman
</figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-cb93b700a0ef6a5b727174acccfba165.jpg" alt="Photo - Tom McDaniel speaks as people gather outside of Leadership Square to celebrate the grand opening ceremony of the Oklahoma City streetcar system in downtown Oklahoma City, Okla. on Friday, Dec. 14, 2018. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman
" title="Tom McDaniel speaks as people gather outside of Leadership Square to celebrate the grand opening ceremony of the Oklahoma City streetcar system in downtown Oklahoma City, Okla. on Friday, Dec. 14, 2018. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman
"><figcaption>Tom McDaniel speaks as people gather outside of Leadership Square to celebrate the grand opening ceremony of the Oklahoma City streetcar system in downtown Oklahoma City, Okla. on Friday, Dec. 14, 2018. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman
</figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-3efcefc4375c1a088f5116e679317384.jpg" alt="Photo - The streetcar parked outside of Leadership Square to celebrate the grand opening ceremony of the Oklahoma City streetcar system in downtown Oklahoma City, Okla. on Friday, Dec. 14, 2018. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman
" title="The streetcar parked outside of Leadership Square to celebrate the grand opening ceremony of the Oklahoma City streetcar system in downtown Oklahoma City, Okla. on Friday, Dec. 14, 2018. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman
"><figcaption>The streetcar parked outside of Leadership Square to celebrate the grand opening ceremony of the Oklahoma City streetcar system in downtown Oklahoma City, Okla. on Friday, Dec. 14, 2018. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman
</figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-fb8e802af327470a5ed5dae7dc7a85e3.jpg" alt="Photo - City councilwomen Nikki Nice watches a streetcar go by as people get free rides on the streetcar to celebrate the grand opening ceremony of the Oklahoma City streetcar system in downtown Oklahoma City, Okla. on Friday, Dec. 14, 2018. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman
" title="City councilwomen Nikki Nice watches a streetcar go by as people get free rides on the streetcar to celebrate the grand opening ceremony of the Oklahoma City streetcar system in downtown Oklahoma City, Okla. on Friday, Dec. 14, 2018. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman
"><figcaption>City councilwomen Nikki Nice watches a streetcar go by as people get free rides on the streetcar to celebrate the grand opening ceremony of the Oklahoma City streetcar system in downtown Oklahoma City, Okla. on Friday, Dec. 14, 2018. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman
</figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-21cf1d95043b81409709c965955e23af.jpg" alt="Photo - John Rex Elementary fourth grader Mason Redell rides with fellow students on the new streetcar during the grand opening celebration day of the Oklahoma City streetcar system in downtown Oklahoma City, Okla. on Friday, Dec. 14, 2018. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman
" title="John Rex Elementary fourth grader Mason Redell rides with fellow students on the new streetcar during the grand opening celebration day of the Oklahoma City streetcar system in downtown Oklahoma City, Okla. on Friday, Dec. 14, 2018. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman
"><figcaption>John Rex Elementary fourth grader Mason Redell rides with fellow students on the new streetcar during the grand opening celebration day of the Oklahoma City streetcar system in downtown Oklahoma City, Okla. on Friday, Dec. 14, 2018. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman
</figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-29008965e849e3c281e66e742a15402e.jpg" alt="Photo - People get a free ride on the new streetcar during the grand opening celebration day of the Oklahoma City streetcar system in downtown Oklahoma City, Okla. on Friday, Dec. 14, 2018. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman
" title="People get a free ride on the new streetcar during the grand opening celebration day of the Oklahoma City streetcar system in downtown Oklahoma City, Okla. on Friday, Dec. 14, 2018. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman
"><figcaption>People get a free ride on the new streetcar during the grand opening celebration day of the Oklahoma City streetcar system in downtown Oklahoma City, Okla. on Friday, Dec. 14, 2018. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman
</figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-19158c56cf3fc35cf000ae70f97d2131.jpg" alt="Photo - People wait to board the streetcar at the Century Center stop for a free ride during the grand opening celebration day of the Oklahoma City streetcar system in downtown Oklahoma City, Okla. on Friday, Dec. 14, 2018. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman
" title="People wait to board the streetcar at the Century Center stop for a free ride during the grand opening celebration day of the Oklahoma City streetcar system in downtown Oklahoma City, Okla. on Friday, Dec. 14, 2018. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman
"><figcaption>People wait to board the streetcar at the Century Center stop for a free ride during the grand opening celebration day of the Oklahoma City streetcar system in downtown Oklahoma City, Okla. on Friday, Dec. 14, 2018. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman
</figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-36a61ab616e9737882d910c7c7fd6297.jpg" alt="Photo - People wait to board the streetcar at the Century Center stop for a free ride during the grand opening celebration day of the Oklahoma City streetcar system in downtown Oklahoma City, Okla. on Friday, Dec. 14, 2018. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman
" title="People wait to board the streetcar at the Century Center stop for a free ride during the grand opening celebration day of the Oklahoma City streetcar system in downtown Oklahoma City, Okla. on Friday, Dec. 14, 2018. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman
"><figcaption>People wait to board the streetcar at the Century Center stop for a free ride during the grand opening celebration day of the Oklahoma City streetcar system in downtown Oklahoma City, Okla. on Friday, Dec. 14, 2018. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman
</figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-e74556194519365201042c8126008562.jpg" alt="Photo - The streetcar makes its way through an intersection on its way to the Century Center stop to pick up passengers during the grand opening celebration day of the Oklahoma City streetcar system in downtown Oklahoma City, Okla. on Friday, Dec. 14, 2018. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman
" title="The streetcar makes its way through an intersection on its way to the Century Center stop to pick up passengers during the grand opening celebration day of the Oklahoma City streetcar system in downtown Oklahoma City, Okla. on Friday, Dec. 14, 2018. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman
"><figcaption>The streetcar makes its way through an intersection on its way to the Century Center stop to pick up passengers during the grand opening celebration day of the Oklahoma City streetcar system in downtown Oklahoma City, Okla. on Friday, Dec. 14, 2018. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman
</figcaption></figure>
William Crum
OU and Norman High School graduate, formerly worked as a reporter and editor for the Associated Press, the Star Tribune in Minneapolis, and the Norman Transcript. Married, two children, lives in Norman.
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![Lines formed downtown on Friday morning to catch the first rides on the Oklahoma City Streetcar after the grand opening ceremony on the east plaza at Leadership Square. Hundreds of people filled the plaza for a children's choir and brass band, speeches, elders' stories about riding the original trolley system, and blasts of confetti. [The Oklahoman]](http://cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/w620-fbd50b12fa7c7d41795c02f15e916f36.jpg)
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