City officials began designing the Oklahoma River Water Transport Mobility Program in 2006, with the goal of providing a unique transportation link between downtown corridors and outlying hotel area while also drawing attention to riverfront development.

The original MAPS and Corps of Engineers-funded improvements to the newly renamed Oklahoma River (formally North Canadian River) have transformed the area into a seven-mile stretch of navigable river bordered by landscaped areas. Recreational facilities include nearly 14 miles of trails, public boating and fishing facilities, five wetlands, 18 pedestrian bridges, three dams and more than 6,000 trees. Locks integrated into the Western Avenue (Paul H. Brum, Jr.) and May Avenue dams allow the Devon Discovery, Devon Explorer and Devon Pioneer to navigate the entire seven-mile corridor.

The seven-mile passage will better link downtown Oklahoma City with the Meridian Avenue hotel corridor, the Oklahoma River Cruises will transport up to 35 passengers on a scheduled basis between the Meridian Landing (SW 15th St., just east of Meridian) and the Regatta Park Landing (adjacent to the Chesapeake Boathouse), with charter service also available for private cruises.

The Oklahoma River Cruises are METRO Transit's newest service line. METRO Transit, a division of the Central Oklahoma Transportation and Parking Authority (COTPA), manages the operation, financing, improvement and maintenance of parking and the urban transportation program. COTPA, a public trust administered by the City of Oklahoma City, is responsible for providing downtown parking alternatives and safe, efficient and convenient public transportation to the citizens of the greater Oklahoma City metropolitan area.

Hornblower Marine Services (HMS) was contracted in October 2007 to develop and operate the Oklahoma River Cruisers. HMS is an internationally acclaimed cruise, ferry and tour boat marine management firm.