Next Steps
Metro Transit and the City of Omaha conclude the Central Omaha Transit Alternatives Analysis study with the announcement of the Preferred Transit Alternative, a combination of a bus rapid transit (BRT) and urban circulator (modern streetcar) to serve the central Omaha area. The Preferred Transit Alternative will move forward to Phase 2, where route alignments will be further evaluated for environmental impacts, completion of the conceptual engineering and development of a full finance plan. For more information on the Preferred Transit Alternative and Phase 2, see the Questions & Answers section located below.
To view the Final Summary Report, click here.
The Preferred Transit Alternative is one component of Metro’s Regional Transit Vision (RTV) study, to improve ridership and connectivity in all areas of Omaha. For more information on the RTV, visit www.ometro.com.
These transit improvements will be included in the Metropolitan Area Planning Agency’s Long Range Transportation Plan 2035 (LRTP). This comprehensive plan projects the transportation needs for the Omaha–Council Bluffs metro area for the next 25 years to help increase the quality of life for all residents. For more information on the LRTP, visit www.mapacog.org/long-range-transportation-planning.
To view information on all of these Omaha-area transportation projects and more, visit www.MovingOmaha.org.
Preferred Transit Alternatives Map
(Click for enlarged view)
Preferred Transit Alternative FAQs
What are the results of the Central Omaha Transit Alternatives Analysis study?
A preferred transit alternative, including route and transit types, was identified at the conclusion of the Central Omaha Transit Alternatives Analysis study. This alternative will be advanced into the next phase of the project, which is environmental documentation and conceptual engineering.
What is the purpose of improving transit in Central Omaha?
To enhance, connect and activate the Central Omaha core, several studies were adopted by the City which identified development, transportation and land use goals that could be reached through improved public transit. The Central Omaha Transit Alternatives Analysis evaluated priority corridors and transit alternatives to identify the alternative best suited to meet the goals of these plans.
What is the Preferred Transit Alternative?
The Preferred Transit Alternative includes a 7.98-mile bus rapid transit (BRT) line between Downtown, Midtown, the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC), University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO), Crossroads, and Westroads, as well as a 3.22-mile urban circulator (modern streetcar) line between North Downtown, Downtown, Midtown, and UNMC. This “Combined Alternative,” utilizing both BRT and urban circulator (modern streetcar) transit types, was identified at the conclusion of the Central Omaha Transit Alternatives Analysis.
Why was a Combined Alternative chosen?
A Combined Alternative maximizes the transit investment by capturing the ridership and travel markets of both the BRT and urban circulator transit types, and by utilizing the same infrastructure improvements. This recommendation follows a two-year study to develop and evaluate transit alternatives in Central Omaha and included extensive public engagement, stakeholder involvement and one-on-one meetings.
What will implementation of the system cost?
The total capital cost for the preferred transit alternative is approximately $170 million (2013$). The total operating cost is approximately $10 million per year. These costs may change as detailed engineering and operating plans are developed.
How will implementation of the system be paid for?
The project will include both capital and operating costs. Capital costs may include both local and federal funding. Operating costs will include local funding. Specific funding will be determined as the transit alternatives are developed in more detail in the implementation phase of the project.
Metro is currently in the process of applying for a $33 million TIGER Grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation to help fund the BRT.
How will these improvements connect to the rest of the Metro transit network?
Metro is currently evaluating their transit network to improve ridership and connectivity in all areas of the city, as part of the Regional Transit Vision. The preferred transit alternative is one component of the overall regional transit network.
How do these improvements benefit North Omaha, South Omaha and West Omaha/Elkhorn?
This project strengthens the core of the city-wide transportation system; later projects will build off this core to provide upgraded services to other parts of the city and region.
What are the steps for implementation?
Route alignments will be further evaluated for environmental impacts, conceptual engineering will be completed and a finance/funding plan will be developed that includes resources for construction, operations and maintenance.
What is the timeline for Phase 2?
Phase 2 includes environmental documentation, conceptual engineering and a finance/funding plan. It is anticipated that Phase 2 will be completed in phases over the next 12-24 months.
Update: April 18, 2014