New boats cruise down Oklahoma River

By Alex Cameron, NEWS 9

Oklahoma City is offering a boat cruise on the Oklahoma River, starting Friday.

"Finally, people are going to be able to see what their city looks like from the Oklahoma River," Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett said.

With Captain Charlie Case at the helm, the city launched a new era in public transportation.

"I think this will be the thing to do this summer," Cornett said. "I think when family and friends come to visit from other parts of the country, this will be on the must-do list."

Currently, there are two stops on the river cruise, including one at the Regatta Park on the east side of town and a second stop at the Meridian Avenue Landing on the west. A one-way trip will take passengers about an hour and 15 minutes.

"Eventually, I think it's gonna really tie into a transportation link with the hotel and convention business," Former Oklahoma City Mayor Ron Norick said.

The river cruises are the result of a public-private partnership between Metro Transit and Devon Energy.

Metro Transit responsibilities include operating the boats, while Devon's responsibilities will be paying for the boats.

"We need to attract employees to come here and work," CEO of Devon Energy Larry Nichols said."We want our employees to be happy here, along with all the rest of the community."

A one-way trip will cost adults $9, or $12 for a round-trip.