METRO (Formerly Metro Area Transit - MAT)

[Gopher]

Nice list! Metro has information cards hanging in the bus promoting these changes as well.

I'm most excited for the real-time GPS tracking. There's a lot less stress to be had when you know where your bus is.

[Busguy2010]

I'm most excited for the real-time GPS tracking. There's a lot less stress to be had when you know where your bus is.

That is an exciting addition. For whatever reason, Metro has been one of the last systems to implement that technology, which could be good because we'll have the latest technology.

38 new buses are great, though I'm a little sad the buses I rode as a kid are finally going away after all their refurbishments. Onward we go.

[daveoma]

Awesome additions!! Free WiFi is always good. I also like that the stations will be solar powered :-)

[labguy]

Any word on where the Bergan Mercy transit center might move to? I heard from multiple drivers, a couple months ago, that CHI and Creighton want Metro gone from their property, so Metro is looking for a new location for that transfer point. It would be nice if they built an actual transit center with more cover from the rain/sun, WiFi, and a restroom for the drivers. Bergan Mercy has always been a very neglected "transit center" with just one beat-up shelter.

The best place I can think of would be that open land on Mercy at 68th where UNO was going to build an early childhood education building. It looks like the University sold the land to different developer, though. It would be convenient for bike access to the trail as well as people working at BCBS, HDR, PacLife, etc. The downside is that people going to the hospital on the 11, 13, or 18 would have to walk up Mercy and cross 72nd, or transfer to the 15/55 to go that last little bit.

[Busguy2010]

The best place I can think of would be that open land on Mercy at 68th where UNO was going to build an early childhood education building. It looks like the University sold the land to different developer, though. It would be convenient for bike access to the trail as well as people working at BCBS, HDR, PacLife, etc. The downside is that people going to the hospital on the 11, 13, or 18 would have to walk up Mercy and cross 72nd, or transfer to the 15/55 to go that last little bit.

That's an interesting thought, I hadn't heard about the TC being axed, but it wouldn't be surprising. That's kind of a hard decision as I'm sure a lot of people at Bergan use Metro. However, I do like your idea of putting the TC closer to Aksarben, it makes sense to put it closer to that transportation begging area.

I was going to say they'll probably scrap it like they did Crossroads and move all the transfers to the street, except there are a few routes that use it as an endpoint. If this turns out, they'll have to get creative.

I never liked Bergan Mercy TC anyway. It's just an on-street stopping point and only recently did they start referring to it as a "transit center", after they did nothing to physically improve it to TC status.

[BRoss]

Omaha is one step closer to having its first bus rapid transit line, ORBT. Metro revealed some of the final aspects of ORBT on May 10, as the project has reached 60 percent of design completion. This means station locations have been finalized, station elements have been chosen and he final route is set.

ORBT will travel from Downtown Omaha to Westroads Mall on Dodge and Douglas Streets. The system will have 12 station pairs along the corridor to connect with the majority of Metro’s other routes. Having fewer stops helps passengers reach their destination faster by cutting down on bus dwell time. Each of the stops along ORBT’s route will have a new station, designed for riders’ comfort and experience. Some of ORBT’s station features are:
• Ticket kiosks for prepaid boarding
• Real-time updates for riders
• Bicycle racks and Heartland B-cycle stations
• Conductive concrete to melt snow and ice
• Raised platforms for level boarding
• Free Wi-Fi

Construction for ORBT is scheduled to begin in the fall of 2018 and the system is set to begin in the fall of 2019. For updates about the project, visit rideORBT.com.

http://mapacog.org/wp-content/uploads/2 ... er-Web.pdf

[iamjacobm]

The best place I can think of would be that open land on Mercy at 68th where UNO was going to build an early childhood education building. It looks like the University sold the land to different developer, though. It would be convenient for bike access to the trail as well as people working at BCBS, HDR, PacLife, etc. The downside is that people going to the hospital on the 11, 13, or 18 would have to walk up Mercy and cross 72nd, or transfer to the 15/55 to go that last little bit.

That's an interesting thought, I hadn't heard about the TC being axed, but it wouldn't be surprising. That's kind of a hard decision as I'm sure a lot of people at Bergan use Metro. However, I do like your idea of putting the TC closer to Aksarben, it makes sense to put it closer to that transportation begging area.

I was going to say they'll probably scrap it like they did Crossroads and move all the transfers to the street, except there are a few routes that use it as an endpoint. If this turns out, they'll have to get creative.

I never liked Bergan Mercy TC anyway. It's just an on-street stopping point and only recently did they start referring to it as a "transit center", after they did nothing to physically improve it to TC status.

http://www.ometro.com/index.php/metro-a ... it-center/

This fall, Metro will relocate the CUMC – Bergan Mercy Transit Center to the Askarben area. Construction began Thursday on the Aksarben Transit Center at 68th & Mercy Road, which will feature new bus shelters, benches, and bike racks.

The goal of the move is to provide an updated facility with connections to major activity centers such as Aksarben Village, College of Saint Mary, the University of Nebraska at Omaha, Stinson Park, and the Keystone Trial.

The transit center will also provide better access for residents and visitors in the area, as well as new options for commuters at major employers such as Pacific Life, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska, and the new HDR headquarters currently under construction.

The move will shift connection points for Routes 11, 13, 15, 18, and 55, which should improve timing and reliability for riders. CHI Health Creighton University Medical Center – Bergan Mercy will continue to be served by Routes 15 and 55.

The transit center is set to open in four to six weeks. Until then, service will run as scheduled to the Bergan Mercy Transit Center at 75th & Mercy Road. Metro will provide more information as opening day approaches, along with updated schedules online and in print.

[Gopher]

It doesn't look like this will be a pull-in station, so I wonder how the terminating buses (18, 11, and 13) will turn around. Hopefully, they'll loop around in Aksarben with a couple of new bus stops.

[Busguy2010]

It doesn't look like this will be a pull-in station, so I wonder how the terminating buses (18, 11, and 13) will turn around. Hopefully, they'll loop around in Aksarben with a couple of new bus stops.

Yeah it's strange, even though there'll be the amenities of a TC, it still feels makeshift with it being on street. I hope the 13 and 18 will turn around using Frances and 67th.

This gives the 11 the opportunity to really become the aksarben route if they decide to run it up 67th. Im sure they'll have to still run it over to Wal-Mart but they could loop over to 67th on the return trip.

Add: I really hope they give Mercy a road diet, then add pull offs for the buses, at the very least. Also add pedestrian bumpouts to close the distance to cross because obviously some people will be transferring to a bus across the street. There are so many things they can do to optimize this grand opportunity to have an awesome transit center in the area that begs for it. I can hardly wait for it to be finished.

Looking back its a bit of a lost opportunity Noddle didn't plan for a transit center somewhere more centralized, but I understand why that didn't happen.

[PotatoeEatsFish]

If I go to UNO in 2019 the BRT will be so helpful, especially if UNO students get bus passes like at UNL.

[Padre]

If I go to UNO in 2019 the BRT will be so helpful, especially if UNO students get bus passes like at UNL.

They do, through MavRIDE.

[nebugeater]

If I go to UNO in 2019 the BRT will be so helpful, especially if UNO students get bus passes like at UNL.

You "get" the passes at UNL but you "pay" for them through your student fees. Granted it appears to be at some discount but you are not just getting them.

[Busguy2010]

I drove by the work at 68th & Mercy and it does appear this will be a very minimal transit center. They paved small sections (probably 10×20) next to the street on both sides and I imagine the extent of this TC will be a shelter or bench on each side.

[Rusker]

When is the construction for ORBT supposed to start?

[jessep28]

When is the construction for ORBT supposed to start?

There is a timeline on ORBT's webiste:

http://www.rideorbt.com/about-orbt/

[Padre]

When is the construction for ORBT supposed to start?

There is a timeline on ORBT's webiste:

http://www.rideorbt.com/about-orbt/

For those who don’t want to bother to click, early 2019.

[MTO]

Figures cause the original timeline had construction starting late 2018.

[jessep28]

Figures cause the original timeline had construction starting late 2018.

That's why I just posted the link. Knowing government projects, they tend to push back timelines.

[iamjacobm]

https://cityclerk.cityofomaha.org/image ... /41670.pdf

20 year lease agreement for the stations on city property before city council.

[ita]

https://cityclerk.cityofomaha.org/image ... /41670.pdf

20 year lease agreement for the stations on city property before city council.

It's really too bad that the stations are not fully enclosed. But I do like the concept and efforts to make Metro more relevant for potential public transportation users.

[Busguy2010]

It's really too bad that the stations are not fully enclosed.

I don't fully understand your point of disappointment here. The platforms are 60' where the canopys are 36' of that. That's a pretty generous shelter. Were you hoping for climate control in these?

[ScrattyB]

It's really too bad that the stations are not fully enclosed. But I do like the concept and efforts to make Metro more relevant for potential public transportation users.

Were you expecting a world-class BRT system?

[ita]

It's really too bad that the stations are not fully enclosed.

I don't fully understand your point of disappointment here. The platforms are 60' where the canopys are 36' of that. That's a pretty generous shelter. Were you hoping for climate control in these?

Not climate control. Just a fourth wall, clear plexiglass or something to block the wind. That's what would kill me if I caught the bus, which I don't. I am thinking something similar to the outdoor smoking enclosures some offices have. Nothing fancy.

[Busguy2010]

Not climate control. Just a fourth wall, clear plexiglass or something to block the wind. That's what would kill me if I caught the bus, which I don't. I am thinking something similar to the outdoor smoking enclosures some offices have. Nothing fancy.

Some of the oldest and most rudimentary shelters around town employ a fourth wall. I know its not rocket science, but I think there are some reasons why the modern shelters have three walls. Security being the main one. A fourth wall makes it really easy to corner people. Secondarily, the fourth wall is only an advantage in the winter, and a disadvantage in the summer. Just considering some reasons why they don't do it.

[Busguy2010]

https://cityclerk.cityofomaha.org/image ... /41670.pdf

20 year lease agreement for the stations on city property before city council.

I just want to backtrack and say thanks for posting the info.

As far as I can tell, the whole system is going to be better when compared to KC's BRT. We may be following with this improvement, but we're definitely improving the concept regionally speaking. Omaha is flexing with ORBT for sure.

[Uffda]

https://cityclerk.cityofomaha.org/image ... /41670.pdf

20 year lease agreement for the stations on city property before city council.

A lease agreement for 25 station sites for the Omaha Rapid Bus Transit service is making its first appearance on the Omaha City Council agenda Tuesday. It’s likely to be approved Dec. 11. It’s a 20-year lease beginning in 2019.

That’s when Metro had hoped to launch the service, which promises faster travel on the Dodge Street corridor on sleek new buses that stop at high-tech stations every 10 minutes during rush hours.

Metro officials now hope that ORBT will be running by the end of 2020.

https://www.omaha.com/news/metro/rapid- ... 8a187.html

[Dundeemaha]

https://cityclerk.cityofomaha.org/image ... /41670.pdf

20 year lease agreement for the stations on city property before city council.

A lease agreement for 25 station sites for the Omaha Rapid Bus Transit service is making its first appearance on the Omaha City Council agenda Tuesday. It’s likely to be approved Dec. 11. It’s a 20-year lease beginning in 2019.

That’s when Metro had hoped to launch the service, which promises faster travel on the Dodge Street corridor on sleek new buses that stop at high-tech stations every 10 minutes during rush hours.

Metro officials now hope that ORBT will be running by the end of 2020.

https://www.omaha.com/news/metro/rapid- ... 8a187.html

They've since corrected the story:

Metro officials now hope that ORBT will be running by spring 2020.

[TitosBuritoBarn]

https://cityclerk.cityofomaha.org/image ... /41670.pdf

20 year lease agreement for the stations on city property before city council.

A lease agreement for 25 station sites for the Omaha Rapid Bus Transit service is making its first appearance on the Omaha City Council agenda Tuesday. It’s likely to be approved Dec. 11. It’s a 20-year lease beginning in 2019.

That’s when Metro had hoped to launch the service, which promises faster travel on the Dodge Street corridor on sleek new buses that stop at high-tech stations every 10 minutes during rush hours.

Metro officials now hope that ORBT will be running by the end of 2020.

https://www.omaha.com/news/metro/rapid- ... 8a187.html

They've since corrected the story:

Metro officials now hope that ORBT will be running by spring 2020.

Heard from a reliable source that there was some information left out of this article. Apparently a proposed station had to be moved because it was to be in front of the same institution that kept HDR from moving downtown. Speculation on my part, but apparently having buses too close to their wealthy patrons just wouldn't do. Because of the move, documents had to be refiled with the feds, which has delayed completion a bit.

[Busguy2010]

Heard from a reliable source that there was some information left out of this article. Apparently a proposed station had to be moved because it was to be in front of the same institution that kept HDR from moving downtown. Speculation on my part, but apparently having buses too close to their wealthy patrons just wouldn't do. Because of the move, documents had to be refiled with the feds, which has delayed completion a bit.

That's believable. They should just move that stop to the northeast corner of 10th and Dodge since it is fairly presumable that the route will be extended to CB at some point. Would want to have a stop at 10th if you can. I bet you it would be a little iffy right now to make the turn from 10th to Dodge while also lining up with the platform correctly, but once it is extended to CB we won't have that issue

[MTO]

Unsaid institution didn’t prevent anything, Coyote and his hippie friends did.

[TitosBuritoBarn]

Unsaid institution didn’t prevent anything, Coyote and his hippie friends did.

I’d like to think you know why that’s an incorrect statement.

[Coyote]

Unsaid institution didn’t prevent anything, Coyote and his hippie friends did.

I’d like to think you know why that’s an incorrect statement.

Really! You know that I don't have any real friends.

[labguy]

The best place I can think of would be that open land on Mercy at 68th where UNO was going to build an early childhood education building. It looks like the University sold the land to different developer, though. It would be convenient for bike access to the trail as well as people working at BCBS, HDR, PacLife, etc. The downside is that people going to the hospital on the 11, 13, or 18 would have to walk up Mercy and cross 72nd, or transfer to the 15/55 to go that last little bit.

That's an interesting thought, I hadn't heard about the TC being axed, but it wouldn't be surprising. That's kind of a hard decision as I'm sure a lot of people at Bergan use Metro. However, I do like your idea of putting the TC closer to Aksarben, it makes sense to put it closer to that transportation begging area.

I was going to say they'll probably scrap it like they did Crossroads and move all the transfers to the street, except there are a few routes that use it as an endpoint. If this turns out, they'll have to get creative.

I never liked Bergan Mercy TC anyway. It's just an on-street stopping point and only recently did they start referring to it as a "transit center", after they did nothing to physically improve it to TC status.

http://www.ometro.com/index.php/metro-a ... it-center/

This fall, Metro will relocate the CUMC – Bergan Mercy Transit Center to the Askarben area. Construction began Thursday on the Aksarben Transit Center at 68th & Mercy Road, which will feature new bus shelters, benches, and bike racks.

The goal of the move is to provide an updated facility with connections to major activity centers such as Aksarben Village, College of Saint Mary, the University of Nebraska at Omaha, Stinson Park, and the Keystone Trial.

The transit center will also provide better access for residents and visitors in the area, as well as new options for commuters at major employers such as Pacific Life, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska, and the new HDR headquarters currently under construction.

The move will shift connection points for Routes 11, 13, 15, 18, and 55, which should improve timing and reliability for riders. CHI Health Creighton University Medical Center – Bergan Mercy will continue to be served by Routes 15 and 55.

The transit center is set to open in four to six weeks. Until then, service will run as scheduled to the Bergan Mercy Transit Center at 75th & Mercy Road. Metro will provide more information as opening day approaches, along with updated schedules online and in print.

Looks like this move is finally happening this Sunday, January 20th. The original press release in July said it would take 4 to 6 weeks, but I guess 6 months is close enough.

Really hoping Metro shows some improvements in customer service and reliability in 2019. Haven't had any Mobys covering fixed routes so far this year, which is good, but I've still had a few bus "no shows" where customer service couldn't tell me why the bus never arrived.

[Busguy2010]

Looks like this move is finally happening this Sunday, January 20th. The original press release in July said it would take 4 to 6 weeks, but I guess 6 months is close enough.

Really hoping Metro shows some improvements in customer service and reliability in 2019. Haven't had any Mobys covering fixed routes so far this year, which is good, but I've still had a few bus "no shows" where customer service couldn't tell me why the bus never arrived.

Sounds about on par. After they made that excuse of waiting for road work to be done, and then still didn't open it, I knew it was just typical Metro conduct.

As far as buses not showing up, its clear to me they have a real issue finding drivers. They've been advertising employment practically all year. If you get on their website, I'd say about four or five days of the week they have a rider alert saying "such and such routes at these times will not run" for no specified reason.

[ita]

KETV has a story about the City wanting input on what kind of transit oriented developments, ie. wider sidewalks, landscaping, building orientation, etc., its citizens want to see happen with the introduction of ORBT along Dodge. What do you all want to see, particularly around the several stops we already know about?

https://www.ketv.com/article/city-wants ... s/26454334

[obvious2677]

KETV has a story about the City wanting input on what kind of transit oriented developments, ie. wider sidewalks, landscaping, building orientation, etc., its citizens want to see happen with the introduction of ORBT along Dodge. What do you all want to see, particularly around the several stops we already know about?

https://www.ketv.com/article/city-wants ... s/26454334

Little more challenging to get people to anchor new business because of a bus route - as those often change. TOD is the hallmark pitch of the streetcar - which will influence more investment because it's a (relatively) permanent installation. Not entirely sure where all this infill work is going to occur near each stop - seems like it's being built on a major thoroughfare that already is pretty well filled in?

[ita]

KETV has a story about the City wanting input on what kind of transit oriented developments, ie. wider sidewalks, landscaping, building orientation, etc., its citizens want to see happen with the introduction of ORBT along Dodge. What do you all want to see, particularly around the several stops we already know about?

https://www.ketv.com/article/city-wants ... s/26454334

Little more challenging to get people to anchor new business because of a bus route - as those often change. TOD is the hallmark pitch of the streetcar - which will influence more investment because it's a (relatively) permanent installation. Not entirely sure where all this infill work is going to occur near each stop - seems like it's being built on a major thoroughfare that already is pretty well filled in?

You bring up a good point, particularly on dodge past Midtown. Sidewalks are pretty narrow and not pedestrian friendly, and I don't know how they would improve that. However, as far as infill development, there are some possible areas that will be served by ORBT that is undeveloped/underutilized. Just based on the current route, there is the Lanoha site, a surface parking lot on 24th just west of the Highline, another one just south of Douglas on 24th, and a big one on the northwest corner of 19th and Dodge. I don't know who owns/uses those lots, but I could see ORBT leading to parking lots in the surrounding areas around the planned stops being redeveloped if people start using it.

[Busguy2010]

I generally expect there to be some infill within a 1/4 mile radius of each stop from 50th street east. If you use the 1/4 mile radius rule, there are plenty options at most of the stations, including tearing down some of the lesser valued buildings (fast food and convenience buildings mainly). Even if it means just a 3 or 4 story apartment building, that would be an improvement.

The narrow sidewalks along Dodge are really the big problem here, I think.

[obvious2677]

I generally expect there to be some infill within a 1/4 mile radius of each stop from 50th street east. If you use the 1/4 mile radius rule, there are plenty options at most of the stations, including tearing down some of the lesser valued buildings (fast food and convenience buildings mainly). Even if it means just a 3 or 4 story apartment building, that would be an improvement.

The narrow sidewalks along Dodge are really the big problem here, I think.

I didn't mean that there would be no infill work - but it's just smaller (potentially much smaller) projects....
49th Street: Already undergoing some infill work. CVS's massive parking lot could go (but won't). More opportunities up near 51st.
42nd Street: Nebraska Med needs to do something with the land right on Dodge. Plenty of opportunity. Someone on here has to work there and know a long-term plan for this?
35th/33rd: Need Mutual to give up some land here. It's obnoxious the amount of space they have with a surface lot. Maybe something near the dialysis center?
24th: Parking garage was already announced to redevelopment. Few surface lots on the south side of Douglas - otherwise you need to demolish buildings.
19th/20th: Surface lot north of Dodge. Otherwise, renovation/demolition - more development on Farnam around here.
15th/16th: The parking garage on 16th and Douglas is being sat on by an investment company for a while. Otherwise, former UP site. Maybe we can renovate the UP headquarters when they are done laying off everyone? (Sorry - had to)
10th/11th: Plenty of work already happening. If I was to wish for some demolition/renovation work - it would be to get rid of the crappy college bars on 10th. Put something of value in.

[Busguy2010]

The Park Avenue stop looks to have the most potential, I think. Then 42nd. Beyond those two, some creativity is definitely needed to find development opportunities. It probably will be harder to stimulate the creativity needed to fill in smaller and more difficult places at the other stops, in spite of this being just a bus route. Well, not in spite of, but just because, as we all know, this bus route doesnt quite get the juices flowing like some other forms of rapid transit do.