Search found 623 matches

by Zephyr
Fri Mar 15, 2024 11:53 am
Forum: Transportation
Topic: METRO (Formerly Metro Area Transit - MAT)
Replies: 818
Views: 188277

Re: METRO (Formerly Metro Area Transit - MAT)

Thought I would bring this up as no one has discussed this yet - the current 5-member Mayor-appointed Metro board is set to be replaced by a 7-member elected board that will be sworn in next year, in January 2025. The districts closely follow the current Omaha City Council district boundaries. This ...
by Zephyr
Fri Mar 15, 2024 11:42 am
Forum: Transportation
Topic: Omaha Streetcar Discussion
Replies: 3469
Views: 438666

Re: Omaha Streetcar Discussion

My understanding is that the 60% design cost estimate for construction has been targeted for the April board meeting. The March meeting has been canceled because there are evidently no board agenda items.
by Zephyr
Tue Jan 23, 2024 11:02 am
Forum: Transportation
Topic: Omaha Streetcar Discussion
Replies: 3469
Views: 438666

Re: Omaha Streetcar Discussion

Thanks, all! It has been a long ride, but glad we are here. I have been keeping tabs on the project over the years and am thankful to be back and directly involved in it again.
by Zephyr
Wed Aug 16, 2023 8:05 pm
Forum: Transportation
Topic: Omaha Streetcar Discussion
Replies: 3469
Views: 438666

Re: Omaha Streetcar Discussion

From what I understand, the latest proposed operating hours would be:

Mondays-Thursdays: 6 AM-midnight
Fridays: 6 AM-2 AM
Saturdays: 7 AM-2 AM
Sundays/Holidays: 7 AM-midnight

The service would operate at 10-minute frequencies most of day, but start and end at 15/20-minute frequencies.
by Zephyr
Mon Aug 14, 2023 10:18 pm
Forum: News and Events
Topic: Grow Omaha Show discussion
Replies: 922
Views: 183962

Re: Grow Omaha Show discussion

Thanks, it is good to be back! Super excited at getting the world-class streetcar up and running!
by Zephyr
Sun May 05, 2013 10:58 pm
Forum: Transportation
Topic: Kennedy Freeway/Highway 75 Construction Timeline?
Replies: 4
Views: 2239

Ah yes, Google Earth; should have thought of that!  I am surprised that there wasn't a photo earlier than March 1990, but that definitely helps.  I figure that the real congestion wouldn't be a problem until the construction progresses more with the connection at Railroad Ave, so I will plan for a...
by Zephyr
Sun May 05, 2013 1:20 pm
Forum: Transportation
Topic: Kennedy Freeway/Highway 75 Construction Timeline?
Replies: 4
Views: 2239

Kennedy Freeway/Highway 75 Construction Timeline?

Does anyone know what year the Kennedy Freeway had its groundbreaking? I found out that it was completed in September of 1994 and I remember that it took a few years to finish (it seems to me that it took longer than expected), so I am thinking 1990 at the latest.  I wasn't driving yet at that time...
by Zephyr
Wed May 26, 2010 9:08 am
Forum: Photography and Videos
Topic: Request: 90s-era Photo of Downtown Omaha Skyline
Replies: 2
Views: 1315

Thanks for the tip, that just might work.  I'm also thinking about taking one of my photos from about 5 years ago and editing some of the newer structures out.
by Zephyr
Fri May 21, 2010 4:17 pm
Forum: Photography and Videos
Topic: Request: 90s-era Photo of Downtown Omaha Skyline
Replies: 2
Views: 1315

Request: 90s-era Photo of Downtown Omaha Skyline

Greetings, I am looking for a color photo of downtown Omaha from the 90s to use as a backdrop on part of my HO scale model railroad layout. In particular, I would like something viewed from South Omaha, such as the stockyards or maybe even around 24th and Martha. I basically need the skyline without...
by Zephyr
Wed Oct 28, 2009 2:04 pm
Forum: Transportation
Topic: Omaha Streetcar Discussion
Replies: 3469
Views: 438666

Well Governor Rockefeller did unseat Robert Moses by creating a new regional transportation authority in New York, so it possible to move mountains. For something like this to work, I think you would need to have a political champion like the Governor or Mayor of Omaha, Bellevue, or CB.  Then you w...
by Zephyr
Fri Aug 28, 2009 9:05 am
Forum: Transportation
Topic: METRO (Formerly Metro Area Transit - MAT)
Replies: 818
Views: 188277

Wow, a transit website where you can click on specific routes!  AND look up schedules!  What a great concept!  :roll:

I agree with Mayor Suttle that we need to start with a blank sheet of paper in regards to MAT.
by Zephyr
Fri May 29, 2009 9:55 am
Forum: Transportation
Topic: MAPA Longterm Transportation Survey ***Please Take***
Replies: 11
Views: 1702

Thanks for the heads up!  I just took it.  I am almost surprised they mention rail transit in there...
by Zephyr
Fri May 22, 2009 12:55 pm
Forum: Transportation
Topic: Omaha Streetcar Discussion
Replies: 3469
Views: 438666

By the way, you have probably read it already, but I forgot to post it here... the latest Omaha Street Car Topics newsletter is available here:
http://www.omahastreetcar.com/education ... Apr_09.pdf
by Zephyr
Fri May 22, 2009 10:20 am
Forum: Transportation
Topic: METRO (Formerly Metro Area Transit - MAT)
Replies: 818
Views: 188277

So how was the board meeting yesterday?

By the way, I was able to take that survey and I live in Denver and haven't ridden MAT since last September.
by Zephyr
Tue May 12, 2009 4:25 pm
Forum: Elsewhere
Topic: Denver
Replies: 20
Views: 2955

I recommend taking the SkyRide from the airport because it would save you money from renting a car and it sounds like everything else you have planned you could easily do on transit.  Here is the SkyRide page on our website: http://www.rtd-denver.com/skyRide_SubHome.shtml They have a sales counter ...
by Zephyr
Wed Dec 24, 2008 2:35 pm
Forum: Transportation
Topic: Omaha Streetcar Discussion
Replies: 3469
Views: 438666

Street Car Topics December 2008

The latest Street Car Topics newsletter is hot off the press! http://www.omahastreetcar.com/education/pub/Streetcar_Topics_Dec08.pdf This is the last issue for this year.  The next one will hopefully be published around March or so.  Remember the next big event is the Streetcar Social on January 1...
by Zephyr
Tue Sep 23, 2008 9:48 am
Forum: Transportation
Topic: Omaha Streetcar Discussion
Replies: 3469
Views: 438666

Be sure to take the Street Car Topics Reader Survey if you haven't yet! http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=kl8t4ksccxJ2Wcypf1iu_2bw_3d_3d As editor, I am polling the readers to see how this publication can be improved.  If you have a specific suggestion, please email me at editor @ omahastreetca...
by Zephyr
Tue Sep 23, 2008 9:40 am
Forum: Transportation
Topic: METRO (Formerly Metro Area Transit - MAT)
Replies: 818
Views: 188277

Good reppin' Aaron!  Could I use some of your photos for the Omaha Streetcar newsletter?  I'll give you full credit of course.
by Zephyr
Sun Apr 27, 2008 12:42 pm
Forum: Transportation
Topic: Name Your Commuter Rail System
Replies: 26
Views: 3077

Thanks everyone for your suggestions.  However, I think I will go with my own idea, Nebraska Rail Express: http://img107.imageshack.us/img107/6779/concept1flatwi3.jpg I want a name that would be systemwide, not describing one corridor, because there would be future extensions to Fremont, Sioux City...
by Zephyr
Thu Apr 24, 2008 10:09 pm
Forum: Transportation
Topic: Name Your Commuter Rail System
Replies: 26
Views: 3077

It would be nice to avoid the OMALiNK name and come up with something more inspiring. Brad, are you thinking of something like the Burlington's Nebraska Zephyr or the Rock Island's Corn Belt Rocket ? Another direction is to go with something more geographic like Platte Valley Flyer . Any other ideas?
by Zephyr
Mon Nov 19, 2007 7:44 am
Forum: Dining/Culture/Entertainment
Topic: Durham Museum
Replies: 82
Views: 14301

That sounds pretty cool.  But it only cost $2.40 to renovate?  I could have funded that and had it named after me...
by Zephyr
Fri Nov 09, 2007 8:04 am
Forum: Transportation
Topic: Omaha Streetcar Discussion
Replies: 3469
Views: 438666

The newest edition of Street Car Topics is on the Omaha Streetcar website!

http://www.omahastreetcar.com/education ... _Nov07.pdf

This edition covers how the group began, the Denver Streetcar Workshop, Toronto Streetcar, and several other items of interest.
by Zephyr
Mon Nov 05, 2007 9:47 am
Forum: Transportation
Topic: Amtrak improves "on-time" record in Omaha
Replies: 5
Views: 1096

It would be a great article, save for the jabs at commuter rail service: A proposed commuter line between Omaha and Lincoln has not moved ahead because of the daunting cost. And this one: Also doubtful in the short term is a commuter rail line connecting Omaha and Lincoln. Tompkins said "nothin...
by Zephyr
Mon Oct 29, 2007 12:28 pm
Forum: News and Events
Topic: World-Herald publisher John Gottschalk steps aside
Replies: 1
Views: 560

It's about time!
by Zephyr
Thu Oct 18, 2007 1:54 pm
Forum: Transportation
Topic: South Omaha Veterans Memorial Bridge
Replies: 174
Views: 37143

I got to see this bridge when I was passing through town on Amtrak last month.  Next time I am visiting, I will definitely check this bridge out to do some train spotting!
by Zephyr
Thu Oct 18, 2007 1:52 pm
Forum: Transportation
Topic: Omaha Streetcar Discussion
Replies: 3469
Views: 438666

This reply is a little late, but thanks for writing a summary, Vince!  It will be featured in the next Street Car Topics newsletter.  The workshop was very informative and had some great material for beginning systems.[/i]
by Zephyr
Thu Sep 13, 2007 9:37 am
Forum: Transportation
Topic: South Omaha Veterans Memorial Bridge
Replies: 174
Views: 37143

Wow, I obviously haven't been following this thing too closely.  I didn't know there was going to be a Gibson viaduct - that will be nice to have to go to the BNSF yard and should be a good place to watch trains in addition to the new L Street bridge, that is if they have pedestrian access.
by Zephyr
Fri Aug 31, 2007 11:49 am
Forum: Transportation
Topic: METRO (Formerly Metro Area Transit - MAT)
Replies: 818
Views: 188277

Wow that is soooooooo exciting! :roll:
by Zephyr
Thu Aug 30, 2007 3:02 pm
Forum: Transportation
Topic: METRO (Formerly Metro Area Transit - MAT)
Replies: 818
Views: 188277

You bring up another good topic - how to pay for the district.  I believe a sales tax would be more beneficial than the existing property tax because it is indexed to the economy.  A sales tax would also be good because visitors would help pay for the system that they would essentially be using wh...
by Zephyr
Thu Aug 30, 2007 2:08 pm
Forum: Transportation
Topic: METRO (Formerly Metro Area Transit - MAT)
Replies: 818
Views: 188277

Definitely not original, but I think it's a good start:

Image
by Zephyr
Thu Aug 30, 2007 10:22 am
Forum: Transportation
Topic: Official: Omaha Light Rail Discussion
Replies: 203
Views: 32952

I've been thinking a lot about the downtown alignment for my basic system plan, and this is what I have come up with thus far: http://img409.imageshack.us/img409/511/omahalrtdowntowndetailmk9.png At first, I was thinking of just running the trains down 16th Street, but this would be difficult becaus...
by Zephyr
Thu Aug 23, 2007 2:55 pm
Forum: Transportation
Topic: Official:High Speed Rail Discussion(Omaha to Lincoln)
Replies: 177
Views: 39107

No where in the US outside of the Northeast Corridor is there a line with such speeds and capacity, so why all of the sudden are there that many people requiring lightning fast transport between Memorial Stadium and the Airport?  You really wouldn’t even have to add track to the BNSF line; just a f...
by Zephyr
Wed Aug 15, 2007 8:15 am
Forum: Transportation
Topic: Omaha Streetcar Discussion
Replies: 3469
Views: 438666

As for who runs it, I think MAT should be dissolved and a new transit authority (with a much better acronym) should be put in place.  Everything should be run by the same authority in order to make Omaha's transit truly integrated and multimodal. I concur - you need a regional transit authority cov...
by Zephyr
Tue Aug 14, 2007 8:26 am
Forum: Transportation
Topic: Omaha Streetcar Discussion
Replies: 3469
Views: 438666

Very nice work, omaja!  I really like how it looks like one complete system, regardless of the specific technology that may be selected for each line.  I also like how you can tell what part of the metro each line goes through without having an overlapping street map. Too bad there aren't leaders ...
by Zephyr
Thu Aug 02, 2007 8:06 am
Forum: Transportation
Topic: Official: Omaha Light Rail Discussion
Replies: 203
Views: 32952

One thing to keep in mind is that light rail built along interstates automatically jacks the price up about twice as much because of having to deal with interchanges, shoulders, etc.  For example, the Southeast Line in Denver was about $40 million/mile compared to the average cost of $20-25 million ...
by Zephyr
Mon Feb 19, 2007 8:15 am
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: Google Maps & Google Earth
Replies: 381
Views: 147656

A Google Earth module would be great because Omaha still doesn't have 3D buildings in Google Earth.  I can't believe that Ann Arbor, MI has 3D buildings but not Omaha!  Also, if you look at Denver, you'll notice practically all the 3D buildings are colored and look realistic, which I haven't notic...
by Zephyr
Mon Feb 19, 2007 7:45 am
Forum: Transportation
Topic: Omaha Streetcar Discussion
Replies: 3469
Views: 438666

Thanks Adam!  The next issue should be coming in April, so just email me if you have an idea for a contribution.
by Zephyr
Fri Feb 09, 2007 3:05 pm
Forum: Photography and Videos
Topic: Winter at the Illinois Central Swing Bridge
Replies: 16
Views: 2233

Agreed!
by Zephyr
Fri Feb 09, 2007 9:17 am
Forum: News and Events
Topic: Train show @ MAC (2/9 and 2/10 - 2008)
Replies: 9
Views: 1923

How was the show?
by Zephyr
Fri Feb 09, 2007 8:24 am
Forum: Photography and Videos
Topic: Winter at the Illinois Central Swing Bridge
Replies: 16
Views: 2233

Nice photos Brad! Forgot to post my photos. http://img95.imageshack.us/img95/4659/img6698sw9.jpg http://img95.imageshack.us/img95/3172/img6701tx3.jpg http://img156.imageshack.us/img156/9974/img6699zw3.jpg http://img156.imageshack.us/img156/8379/img6703gf0.jpg And a few other railroad photos from tha...