Omaha's Transit Agency Plans to Expand, Enhance Service

Omaha's Metro Transit agency has launched an initiative designed to "fuse modern connectivity with the growing demand for public transit" and shift "Omaha toward a city that’s virtually car-less," reports Lauren Melendez. "Although Metro Transit operates hundreds of general bus routes including OBRT and MOBY Paratransit, their ADA accessible service, its connectivity goals aren’t limited to buses." According to Jason Rose, Metro Transit’s Communications Manager, "[w]e want people to have options, whether that’s being able to choose to ride the bus or ride a bike or access a bike lane or access a scooter or use their wheelchair on a sidewalk or walk."

Rose said the agency's goals include "[b]etter bus stops, more frequent buses, more buses in more places, potential ORBT expansion and potential service types that we don't serve right now." They are also partnering with the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce and their Connect-Go program, which aims to create a comprehensive network of transportation modes and "unify the transportation vision so that every mode is considered together."

"The North Omaha area is considered Metro Transit’s priority corridor, meaning the neighborhood would be the first to see ridership changes and enhancements in the coming months or years because it is so massive." The agency is still working to secure funding and establish a timeline for the improvements, and asking the public to provide their input and suggestions.