Omaha - Lincoln Intercity Bus Route

Omahacritic · Post by **Omahacritic** » Fri Sep 13, 2019 12:58 am

Until you ask, you will never hear a “YES” .

ita · Post by **ita** » Thu Oct 24, 2019 7:48 pm

There are additional public meetings scheduled in November. Here is the info from the NDOT site:

Wednesday, November 13, 2019 from 12:00-5:00 p.m.
Lancaster County Extension Office - 444 Cherrycreek Rd., Lincoln, NE 68528

Thursday, November 14, 2019 from 12:00-5:00 p.m.
Ashland Public Library - 1324 Silver Street, Ashland, NE 68003

Friday, November 15, 2019 from 12:00-3:00 p.m.
The Salvation Army Omaha Kroc Center - 2825 Y Street, Omaha, NE 68107

These are quite a bit longer, so I am interested to see the content and turnout of these meetings.

ita · Post by **ita** » Wed Nov 06, 2019 8:24 pm

ita wrote: Thu Oct 24, 2019 7:48 pm There are additional public meetings scheduled in November. Here is the info from the NDOT site:

Wednesday, November 13, 2019 from 12:00-5:00 p.m.
Lancaster County Extension Office - 444 Cherrycreek Rd., Lincoln, NE 68528

Thursday, November 14, 2019 from 12:00-5:00 p.m.
Ashland Public Library - 1324 Silver Street, Ashland, NE 68003

Friday, November 15, 2019 from 12:00-3:00 p.m.
The Salvation Army Omaha Kroc Center - 2825 Y Street, Omaha, NE 68107

These are quite a bit longer, so I am interested to see the content and turnout of these meetings.

https://www.wowt.com/content/news/Plans ... 64811.html

WOWT released an article stating that the content of these meeting next week will be proposals for the locations and routes. It's moving along. I hope someone can go to get the inside scoop about what they are planning.

ita · Post by **ita** » Sat Nov 16, 2019 5:30 pm

https://www.wowt.com/content/news/Nebra ... 84532.html

Another update from the second round of meetings. From this article, they talk about the duration end to end which is two hours and the cost, which will be about $4 dollars.

https://journalstar.com/news/local/govt ... b.amp.html

This journalstar update provides details about the proposed stops. Seems unusual that they intend to go from westroads to downtown on dodge in Omaha. It seems redundant. If anything they could have one route end at westroads and the other end at downtown and get there via i-80 and the 75.

Anyway one detail that, I know cowboy is interested in, NDOT estimates that 23,000 commute between the metros. That's less than 2% of the total population of both metros.

ita · Post by **ita** » Mon Jan 06, 2020 8:05 pm

https://documentstndot.s3.amazonaws.com ... Round2.pdf

I was reviewing the presentation from the most recent public meetings concerning this intercity route. I am questioning these proposed routes, mostly NDOT's apparent persistence to use Dodge St. east of 680. I know they are trying to make it possible to ride the intercity bus stop to stop, but I think it would reduce cost and travel time and avoid redundancies by utilizing the local intra-city bus services, particularly in Omaha.

ita · Post by **ita** » Wed Mar 04, 2020 7:49 pm

So the last round of public meetings is over. See the presentation here, with the proposed routes and times:

https://documentstndot.s3.amazonaws.com ... Round3.pdf

I like that they have a routes all the way to eppley. That will be a great add.

Also the state is looking for bids on the service.

https://www.omahadailyrecord.com/conten ... us-service

It looks like this project is just chugging along.

Post by **BRoss** » Thu Mar 05, 2020 12:35 am

It says there are 23,000 daily commuters between Omaha and Lincoln. That seems like more than the 15% we would need to make us a CSA.

Cermak · Post by **Cermak** » Tue Mar 10, 2020 11:38 am

This looks like a great plan. Hopefully it will come to fruition and take off. 50 miles in today’s world is nothing, these two cities need to continue to find ways to link up and take advantage of their close proximity to each other.

almighty_tuna · Post by **almighty_tuna** » Tue Mar 17, 2020 10:19 pm

HR Paperstacks wrote: Thu Mar 05, 2020 12:35 am It says there are 23,000 daily commuters between Omaha and Lincoln. That seems like more than the 15% we would need to make us a CSA.

HR ... I'm familiar with the 15% threshold for CSA status. However, I can't remember the details as to whether that's 15% of the combined population (which would be 187,500 daily commuters) or 15% of overall commuters. An admittedly lazy google search just muddied the waters. 25k still seems a bit low to me though; I wish it was higher.

Post by **BRoss** » Tue Mar 17, 2020 11:32 pm

almighty_tuna wrote: Tue Mar 17, 2020 10:19 pmHR ... I'm familiar with the 15% threshold for CSA status. However, I can't remember the details as to whether that's 15% of the combined population (which would be 187,500 daily commuters) or 15% of overall commuters. An admittedly lazy google search just muddied the waters. 25k still seems a bit low to me though; I wish it was higher.

Dang, that is short. We'd need 28,125 to pass the daily commuters.

ita · Post by **ita** » Mon Jun 22, 2020 8:33 pm

I have been in contact with the mobility manager overseeing the project. He has been helpful in keeping me updated concerning the report. Anyway, I received an email today that the study has been published on the NDOT site. Please follow this link for the full report: Lincoln-Omaha Intercity Bus Feasibility Study

I haven't gone through it yet, but I am sure there will be several topics for discussion in the report.

buildomaha · Post by **buildomaha** » Mon Jun 22, 2020 10:24 pm

Really what I got from it is what we all have always known: Omaha needs to make a big investment in citywide public transit. There needs to be a robust backbone of transit to allow bigger ideas like this to exist.

PotatoeEatsFish · Post by **PotatoeEatsFish** » Thu Jun 25, 2020 5:52 am

Sorry this sounds ignorant but why does this need so many studies? It's just busses going between two cities, the only thing you really have to plan is where the stops will be.

ita · Post by **ita** » Thu Jun 25, 2020 6:50 pm

PotatoeEatsFish wrote: Thu Jun 25, 2020 5:52 am Sorry this sounds ignorant but why does this need so many studies? It's just busses going between two cities, the only thing you really have to plan is where the stops will be.

Based on what I have seen, while other studies have considered this intercity bus as an alternative to public transportation. This report is has much more detail than previously considered, such as using cell phone data to determine where people from each Metro are coming from when travelling to the other Metro and utilizing public input from potential users. An example of why this particular study was helpful was that the State initially did not include Omaha Eppley as a stop in the Lincoln to Omaha route. However, based on public opinion, Eppley will be a part of the route.

Furthermore, since this will use taxpayer monies, the State, as stewards, should be able to show that this will be beneficial to citizens across the Omaha-Lincoln region and can be done within a specified budget. While I will not personally use this bus route, as a taxpayer, someone who is interested in more Omaha and Lincoln connections, and an advocate for better public transportation, I appreciate that the State took the time to show that the route is feasible, that people are going to use it if they move forward with the project.

The State still needs to secure funds for the project, but if they can secure funds this year, Go Live can be as early as Fall 2021. There are some interesting data points, particularly about where people live in Omaha that commute to Lincoln (much more in central/eastern Omaha than I expected). I think the State has the information needed to give (or not give) the green light with this project.

ita · Post by **ita** » Tue Sep 21, 2021 6:58 pm

I just came across an update that NDOT is still moving this one along. Currently in the funding stage. It might come online in 2022.

Athomsfere · Post by **Athomsfere** » Wed Sep 22, 2021 2:19 pm

Great news, Ita.

Also, this seems to be the only transit the region actually backs. And commuter rail sounds like something that the study wants if this proves successful. So it all feels like a step in the right direction overall.

buildomaha · Post by **buildomaha** » Wed Jan 12, 2022 8:35 pm

Senator Morfeld introduces bill to begin study of the LNK-OMA HSR!

https://twitter.com/adam_morfeld/statu ... 77763?s=21

ita · Post by **ita** » Thu Jan 13, 2022 4:27 pm

buildomaha wrote: Wed Jan 12, 2022 8:35 pm Senator Morfeld introduces bill to begin study of the LNK-OMA HSR!

https://twitter.com/adam_morfeld/statu ... 77763?s=21

Bill would fund study of high-speed commuter rail between Omaha and Lincoln

Sara Gentzler
Imagine Husker fans walking into a game without first braving bumper-to-bumper traffic, commuters zipping home to Omaha after wrapping up work in Lincoln, grandparents who can no longer drive but still visit their out-of-town grandkids with ease.

Those are among the scenarios Sen. Adam Morfeld of Lincoln imagines as possibilities if a high-speed commuter rail were to connect Nebraska’s two biggest cities.

But the first step, he said, is a feasibility study.

Morfeld introduced Legislative Bill 991 on Wednesday to put $500,000 from the state’s general fund toward a Department of Transportation study of a high-speed commuter rail service. The study would include cost estimates, timelines and economic impacts.

“Overwhelmingly, I hear from young Nebraskans, middle-aged Nebraskans and older Nebraskans alike that they would like to have more high-speed rail opportunities,” he said. “Particularly between Omaha and Lincoln, but in other parts of the state, as well.”

He predicts a rail service spanning the roughly 55 miles that separate Omaha and Lincoln would be a “game-changer” in attracting better jobs, young people and people of all ages with mobility issues.

His intercity rail bill introduced last year was shot down. At least Senator Morfeld is consistent. It will be interesting to see what the response is in light of the infrastructure bill.

Athomsfere · Post by **Athomsfere** » Thu Jan 13, 2022 4:38 pm

ita wrote: Thu Jan 13, 2022 4:27 pm
buildomaha wrote: Wed Jan 12, 2022 8:35 pm Senator Morfeld introduces bill to begin study of the LNK-OMA HSR!

https://twitter.com/adam_morfeld/statu ... 77763?s=21
Bill would fund study of high-speed commuter rail between Omaha and Lincoln

Sara Gentzler
Imagine Husker fans walking into a game without first braving bumper-to-bumper traffic, commuters zipping home to Omaha after wrapping up work in Lincoln, grandparents who can no longer drive but still visit their out-of-town grandkids with ease.

Those are among the scenarios Sen. Adam Morfeld of Lincoln imagines as possibilities if a high-speed commuter rail were to connect Nebraska’s two biggest cities.

But the first step, he said, is a feasibility study.

Morfeld introduced Legislative Bill 991 on Wednesday to put $500,000 from the state’s general fund toward a Department of Transportation study of a high-speed commuter rail service. The study would include cost estimates, timelines and economic impacts.

“Overwhelmingly, I hear from young Nebraskans, middle-aged Nebraskans and older Nebraskans alike that they would like to have more high-speed rail opportunities,” he said. “Particularly between Omaha and Lincoln, but in other parts of the state, as well.”

He predicts a rail service spanning the roughly 55 miles that separate Omaha and Lincoln would be a “game-changer” in attracting better jobs, young people and people of all ages with mobility issues.
His intercity rail bill introduced last year was shot down. At least Senator Morfeld is consistent. It will be interesting to see what the response is in light of the infrastructure bill.

I am curious what the ideal commuter line would look like for Omaha. Downtown to downtown would be awesome, but as we have no feeder rail lines...

I fear the two cities would try very hard to mix concepts and confuse commuter and transit lines. But, maybe this is a leg up to build light rail in Omaha.

ita · Post by **ita** » Thu Jan 13, 2022 4:48 pm

Athomsfere wrote: Thu Jan 13, 2022 4:38 pm
ita wrote: Thu Jan 13, 2022 4:27 pm
buildomaha wrote: Wed Jan 12, 2022 8:35 pm Senator Morfeld introduces bill to begin study of the LNK-OMA HSR!

https://twitter.com/adam_morfeld/statu ... 77763?s=21
Bill would fund study of high-speed commuter rail between Omaha and Lincoln

Sara Gentzler
Imagine Husker fans walking into a game without first braving bumper-to-bumper traffic, commuters zipping home to Omaha after wrapping up work in Lincoln, grandparents who can no longer drive but still visit their out-of-town grandkids with ease.

Those are among the scenarios Sen. Adam Morfeld of Lincoln imagines as possibilities if a high-speed commuter rail were to connect Nebraska’s two biggest cities.

But the first step, he said, is a feasibility study.

Morfeld introduced Legislative Bill 991 on Wednesday to put $500,000 from the state’s general fund toward a Department of Transportation study of a high-speed commuter rail service. The study would include cost estimates, timelines and economic impacts.

“Overwhelmingly, I hear from young Nebraskans, middle-aged Nebraskans and older Nebraskans alike that they would like to have more high-speed rail opportunities,” he said. “Particularly between Omaha and Lincoln, but in other parts of the state, as well.”

He predicts a rail service spanning the roughly 55 miles that separate Omaha and Lincoln would be a “game-changer” in attracting better jobs, young people and people of all ages with mobility issues.
His intercity rail bill introduced last year was shot down. At least Senator Morfeld is consistent. It will be interesting to see what the response is in light of the infrastructure bill.
I am curious what the ideal commuter line would look like for Omaha. Downtown to downtown would be awesome, but as we have no feeder rail lines...

I fear the two cities would try very hard to mix concepts and confuse commuter and transit lines. But, maybe this is a leg up to build light rail in Omaha.

Based on the article, it sounds like it would use the BNSF line, which looks like the Amtrak route between Omaha and Lincoln.

Athomsfere · Post by **Athomsfere** » Thu Jan 13, 2022 4:56 pm

ita wrote: Thu Jan 13, 2022 4:48 pm Based on the article, it sounds like it would use the BNSF line, which looks like the Amtrak route between Omaha and Lincoln.

Does anyone know what the current frequency is on the line? Would BNSF allow a commuter line with any frequency?

damonhynes · Post by **damonhynes** » Fri Jan 14, 2022 2:35 pm

Athomsfere wrote: Thu Jan 13, 2022 4:56 pm
ita wrote: Thu Jan 13, 2022 4:48 pm Based on the article, it sounds like it would use the BNSF line, which looks like the Amtrak route between Omaha and Lincoln.
Does anyone know what the current frequency is on the line? Would BNSF allow a commuter line with any frequency?

2 AMTK, at least one local freight, and spitballing, ~20 manifest and unit trains/day. Putting commuter into this mix is a non-starter. A dedicated light-rail on this ROW would be at least 2 Billion USD.

Athomsfere · Post by **Athomsfere** » Fri Jan 14, 2022 5:09 pm

damonhynes wrote: Fri Jan 14, 2022 2:35 pm
Athomsfere wrote: Thu Jan 13, 2022 4:56 pm
ita wrote: Thu Jan 13, 2022 4:48 pm Based on the article, it sounds like it would use the BNSF line, which looks like the Amtrak route between Omaha and Lincoln.
Does anyone know what the current frequency is on the line? Would BNSF allow a commuter line with any frequency?
2 AMTK, at least one local freight, and spitballing, ~20 manifest and unit trains/day. Putting commuter into this mix is a non-starter. A dedicated light-rail on this ROW would be at least 2 Billion USD.

Light rail? For a high speed commuter line? Wouldn't a medium to heavy be required?

damonhynes · Post by **damonhynes** » Fri Jan 14, 2022 5:31 pm

Athomsfere wrote: Fri Jan 14, 2022 5:09 pm
damonhynes wrote: Fri Jan 14, 2022 2:35 pm
Athomsfere wrote: Thu Jan 13, 2022 4:56 pm
ita wrote: Thu Jan 13, 2022 4:48 pm Based on the article, it sounds like it would use the BNSF line, which looks like the Amtrak route between Omaha and Lincoln.
Does anyone know what the current frequency is on the line? Would BNSF allow a commuter line with any frequency?
2 AMTK, at least one local freight, and spitballing, ~20 manifest and unit trains/day. Putting commuter into this mix is a non-starter. A dedicated light-rail on this ROW would be at least 2 Billion USD.
Light rail? For a high speed commuter line? Wouldn't a medium to heavy be required?

Good point. I was thinking half-donkey, honestly. Light-rail isn't going to be cheap, but the 'heavier' it is, the more expensive it gets. I'm not sure LA/Seattle/Florida type 'heavy-rail' would work OMA-LNK (I don't think the volume is there now and won't be), and BNSF would still insist on dedicated trackage.

Athomsfere · Post by **Athomsfere** » Fri Jan 14, 2022 6:29 pm

damonhynes wrote: Fri Jan 14, 2022 5:31 pm Good point. I was thinking half-donkey, honestly. Light-rail isn't going to be cheap, but the 'heavier' it is, the more expensive it gets. I'm not sure LA/Seattle/Florida type 'heavy-rail' would work OMA-LNK (I don't think the volume is there now and won't be), and BNSF would still insist on dedicated trackage.

Agreed. Not sure the LINK's daily numbers in Seattle. A quick google says 80k+ daily.

Using the last study's optimistic projections we'd be at 1/100th of that. It would still be great to see Omaha / Lincoln get ~700 cars off of the road each day though.

Busguy2010 · Post by **Busguy2010** » Sat Jan 15, 2022 2:07 am

damonhynes wrote: Fri Jan 14, 2022 5:31 pm
Athomsfere wrote: Fri Jan 14, 2022 5:09 pm
damonhynes wrote: Fri Jan 14, 2022 2:35 pm
Athomsfere wrote: Thu Jan 13, 2022 4:56 pm
ita wrote: Thu Jan 13, 2022 4:48 pm Based on the article, it sounds like it would use the BNSF line, which looks like the Amtrak route between Omaha and Lincoln.
Does anyone know what the current frequency is on the line? Would BNSF allow a commuter line with any frequency?
2 AMTK, at least one local freight, and spitballing, ~20 manifest and unit trains/day. Putting commuter into this mix is a non-starter. A dedicated light-rail on this ROW would be at least 2 Billion USD.
Light rail? For a high speed commuter line? Wouldn't a medium to heavy be required?
Good point. I was thinking half-donkey, honestly. Light-rail isn't going to be cheap, but the 'heavier' it is, the more expensive it gets. I'm not sure LA/Seattle/Florida type 'heavy-rail' would work OMA-LNK (I don't think the volume is there now and won't be), and BNSF would still insist on dedicated trackage.

I genuinely think if anything happens, it'll be heavy rail. Much more like Albuquerque's Road Runner, or Minneapolis' North Star. Heavy rail, freight train, not high speed. Not a thing like Denver or the Acela Express. At least I wouldn't set my hopes that high.

And the BNSF line, although the only logical route between Omaha and Lincoln, I am sure is far too busy for BNSF to even consider leasing it out and making accommodations for it. Would love to see it, but I doubt it happens.

damonhynes · Post by **damonhynes** » Sat Jan 15, 2022 6:01 pm

Busguy2010 wrote: Sat Jan 15, 2022 2:07 am
damonhynes wrote: Fri Jan 14, 2022 5:31 pm
Athomsfere wrote: Fri Jan 14, 2022 5:09 pm
damonhynes wrote: Fri Jan 14, 2022 2:35 pm
Athomsfere wrote: Thu Jan 13, 2022 4:56 pm
ita wrote: Thu Jan 13, 2022 4:48 pm Based on the article, it sounds like it would use the BNSF line, which looks like the Amtrak route between Omaha and Lincoln.
Does anyone know what the current frequency is on the line? Would BNSF allow a commuter line with any frequency?
2 AMTK, at least one local freight, and spitballing, ~20 manifest and unit trains/day. Putting commuter into this mix is a non-starter. A dedicated light-rail on this ROW would be at least 2 Billion USD.
Light rail? For a high speed commuter line? Wouldn't a medium to heavy be required?
Good point. I was thinking half-donkey, honestly. Light-rail isn't going to be cheap, but the 'heavier' it is, the more expensive it gets. I'm not sure LA/Seattle/Florida type 'heavy-rail' would work OMA-LNK (I don't think the volume is there now and won't be), and BNSF would still insist on dedicated trackage.
I genuinely think if anything happens, it'll be heavy rail. Much more like Albuquerque's Road Runner, or Minneapolis' North Star. Heavy rail, freight train, not high speed. Not a thing like Denver or the Acela Express. At least I wouldn't set my hopes that high.

And the BNSF line, although the only logical route between Omaha and Lincoln, I am sure is far too busy for BNSF to even consider leasing it out and making accommodations for it. Would love to see it, but I doubt it happens.

Agree totally. Thanks to Athomsfere for providing the projected traffic volume--*that's* the killer, backed up by work-from-home and the looming merging of the two metro areas.

ita · Post by **ita** » Sat Jan 15, 2022 6:06 pm

damonhynes wrote: Sat Jan 15, 2022 6:01 pm
Busguy2010 wrote: Sat Jan 15, 2022 2:07 am
damonhynes wrote: Fri Jan 14, 2022 5:31 pm
Athomsfere wrote: Fri Jan 14, 2022 5:09 pm
damonhynes wrote: Fri Jan 14, 2022 2:35 pm
Athomsfere wrote: Thu Jan 13, 2022 4:56 pm
ita wrote: Thu Jan 13, 2022 4:48 pm Based on the article, it sounds like it would use the BNSF line, which looks like the Amtrak route between Omaha and Lincoln.
Does anyone know what the current frequency is on the line? Would BNSF allow a commuter line with any frequency?
2 AMTK, at least one local freight, and spitballing, ~20 manifest and unit trains/day. Putting commuter into this mix is a non-starter. A dedicated light-rail on this ROW would be at least 2 Billion USD.
Light rail? For a high speed commuter line? Wouldn't a medium to heavy be required?
Good point. I was thinking half-donkey, honestly. Light-rail isn't going to be cheap, but the 'heavier' it is, the more expensive it gets. I'm not sure LA/Seattle/Florida type 'heavy-rail' would work OMA-LNK (I don't think the volume is there now and won't be), and BNSF would still insist on dedicated trackage.
I genuinely think if anything happens, it'll be heavy rail. Much more like Albuquerque's Road Runner, or Minneapolis' North Star. Heavy rail, freight train, not high speed. Not a thing like Denver or the Acela Express. At least I wouldn't set my hopes that high.

And the BNSF line, although the only logical route between Omaha and Lincoln, I am sure is far too busy for BNSF to even consider leasing it out and making accommodations for it. Would love to see it, but I doubt it happens.
Agree totally. Thanks to Athomsfere for providing the projected traffic volume--*that's* the killer, backed up by work-from-home and the looming merging of the two metro areas.

Knowing all that, the State should just go ahead and move forward with the intercity bus route. It's a comparably small investment with a potentially big impact and they can implement it pretty quickly.

Athomsfere · Post by **Athomsfere** » Mon Jan 17, 2022 5:08 pm

ita wrote: Sat Jan 15, 2022 6:06 pm
damonhynes wrote: Sat Jan 15, 2022 6:01 pm
Agree totally. Thanks to Athomsfere for providing the projected traffic volume--*that's* the killer, backed up by work-from-home and the looming merging of the two metro areas.
Knowing all that, the State should just go ahead and move forward with the intercity bus route. It's a comparably small investment with a potentially big impact and they can implement it pretty quickly.

Agreed.

Not sure how the logistics work there though. If we wanted to capture 100% of the ~700 a day, we'd need like 30 busses for 4 hours a day.

Outside of those 4 hours, I'd love to see an hourly bus on the route too though. Run it from like 5am to 10pm maybe. Give people a reason to try it from time to time.

I know a lot of Omaha want the commuter line for Husker games, but that should be an auxiliary objective. First we need:

1. A mass transit culture, with good inner city transit
2. Much higher daily ridership

While we could probably argue induced demand, It makes a lot more sense to build out Omaha's light rail first, and expand the ORBT and bus routes.

ita · Post by **ita** » Tue Jan 25, 2022 11:29 pm

Athomsfere wrote: Mon Jan 17, 2022 5:08 pm
ita wrote: Sat Jan 15, 2022 6:06 pm
damonhynes wrote: Sat Jan 15, 2022 6:01 pm
Agree totally. Thanks to Athomsfere for providing the projected traffic volume--*that's* the killer, backed up by work-from-home and the looming merging of the two metro areas.
Knowing all that, the State should just go ahead and move forward with the intercity bus route. It's a comparably small investment with a potentially big impact and they can implement it pretty quickly.
Agreed.

Not sure how the logistics work there though. If we wanted to capture 100% of the ~700 a day, we'd need like 30 busses for 4 hours a day.

Outside of those 4 hours, I'd love to see an hourly bus on the route too though. Run it from like 5am to 10pm maybe. Give people a reason to try it from time to time.

I know a lot of Omaha want the commuter line for Husker games, but that should be an auxiliary objective. First we need:

1. A mass transit culture, with good inner city transit
2. Much higher daily ridership

While we could probably argue induced demand, It makes a lot more sense to build out Omaha's light rail first, and expand the ORBT and bus routes.

I have heard that the bus project is still moving forward despite whatever talks there are about a HSR feasibility study. The state is currently working on federal funding, so it is not super close yet.

Athomsfere · Post by **Athomsfere** » Wed Jan 26, 2022 1:41 pm

ita wrote: Tue Jan 25, 2022 11:29 pm
I have heard that the bus project is still moving forward despite whatever talks there are about a HSR feasibility study. The state is currently working on federal funding, so it is not super close yet.

Thanks for that. That is what I'd expect to happen too. No reason to "jump the shark" I think is the expression. Or is it "jump the gun".

ita · Post by **ita** » Wed Jan 26, 2022 3:13 pm

Athomsfere wrote: Wed Jan 26, 2022 1:41 pm
ita wrote: Tue Jan 25, 2022 11:29 pm
I have heard that the bus project is still moving forward despite whatever talks there are about a HSR feasibility study. The state is currently working on federal funding, so it is not super close yet.
Thanks for that. That is what I'd expect to happen too. No reason to "jump the shark" I think is the expression. Or is it "jump the gun".

Probably both? With the (hopefully) streetcar announcment today, maybe we could get a nice transit center downtown that serves as the eastern terminus for the streetcar, ORBT, and the intercity bus and is really a nexus for OMetro's local routes.

Athomsfere · Post by **Athomsfere** » Wed Jan 26, 2022 3:25 pm

ita wrote: Wed Jan 26, 2022 3:13 pm
Athomsfere wrote: Wed Jan 26, 2022 1:41 pm
ita wrote: Tue Jan 25, 2022 11:29 pm
I have heard that the bus project is still moving forward despite whatever talks there are about a HSR feasibility study. The state is currently working on federal funding, so it is not super close yet.
Thanks for that. That is what I'd expect to happen too. No reason to "jump the shark" I think is the expression. Or is it "jump the gun".
Probably both? With the (hopefully) streetcar announcment today, maybe we could get a nice transit center downtown that serves as the eastern terminus for the streetcar, ORBT, and the intercity bus and is really a nexus for OMetro's local routes.

That would be so amazing.

The question I would have then though: It might finally make the need for a rapid transit option of some sort to Eppley. I mean, if (making up numbers here) 30% of Omaha and Lincoln can easily get to downtown Omaha without their cars, it's the next logical step IMO.

ita · Post by **ita** » Wed Jan 26, 2022 4:03 pm

Athomsfere wrote: Wed Jan 26, 2022 3:25 pm
ita wrote: Wed Jan 26, 2022 3:13 pm
Athomsfere wrote: Wed Jan 26, 2022 1:41 pm
ita wrote: Tue Jan 25, 2022 11:29 pm
I have heard that the bus project is still moving forward despite whatever talks there are about a HSR feasibility study. The state is currently working on federal funding, so it is not super close yet.
Thanks for that. That is what I'd expect to happen too. No reason to "jump the shark" I think is the expression. Or is it "jump the gun".
Probably both? With the (hopefully) streetcar announcment today, maybe we could get a nice transit center downtown that serves as the eastern terminus for the streetcar, ORBT, and the intercity bus and is really a nexus for OMetro's local routes.
That would be so amazing.

The question I would have then though: It might finally make the need for a rapid transit option of some sort to Eppley. I mean, if (making up numbers here) 30% of Omaha and Lincoln can easily get to downtown Omaha without their cars, it's the next logical step IMO.

True, even a dedicated bus route between the airport and downtown with at least 30 minute headways would be nice. Then visitors can walk to their hotel, or catch a bus or streetcar. Where would it make most sense to put it? I guess it depends on what the streetcar route looks like.

Athomsfere · Post by **Athomsfere** » Wed Jan 26, 2022 4:11 pm

ita wrote: Wed Jan 26, 2022 4:03 pm
Athomsfere wrote: Wed Jan 26, 2022 3:25 pm
ita wrote: Wed Jan 26, 2022 3:13 pm
Athomsfere wrote: Wed Jan 26, 2022 1:41 pm
ita wrote: Tue Jan 25, 2022 11:29 pm
I have heard that the bus project is still moving forward despite whatever talks there are about a HSR feasibility study. The state is currently working on federal funding, so it is not super close yet.
Thanks for that. That is what I'd expect to happen too. No reason to "jump the shark" I think is the expression. Or is it "jump the gun".
Probably both? With the (hopefully) streetcar announcment today, maybe we could get a nice transit center downtown that serves as the eastern terminus for the streetcar, ORBT, and the intercity bus and is really a nexus for OMetro's local routes.
That would be so amazing.

The question I would have then though: It might finally make the need for a rapid transit option of some sort to Eppley. I mean, if (making up numbers here) 30% of Omaha and Lincoln can easily get to downtown Omaha without their cars, it's the next logical step IMO.
True, even a dedicated bus route between the airport and downtown with at least 30 minute headways would be nice. Then visitors can walk to their hotel, or catch a bus or streetcar. Where would it make most sense to put it? I guess it depends on what the streetcar route looks like.

North side of the Civic lot? Or Conagra campus?

Both could house it at least.

Plenty of room for dedicated lanes / rail to Eppley if we went that route.

30 minute headways to the airport? How far off is the terminal expansion and a bigger bar at the airport? lol.

ita · Post by **ita** » Thu May 19, 2022 3:59 pm

Amtrak advances intercity corridor plan

A key part of Amtrak’s expansion plan is moving ahead as cities and states will be able to submit proposals this year for new or added passenger train services.

But Jim Mathews, president and CEO of the Rail Passengers Association, said he heard confusion among many government entities he met with regarding the FRA process. Smaller counties and communities especially do not have the resources or experience of larger states and cities. “A lot of them didn’t even understand how you would even go about this,” he said.

Along with states and cities, a group of states, regional planning authorities, interstate compacts, federally recognized Indian Tribes and other public entities are eligible to submit proposals.

The FRA said it received hundreds of responses to a request for information issued in February on how the program should be implemented.

Athomsfere · Post by **Athomsfere** » Tue May 24, 2022 2:23 pm

ita wrote: Thu May 19, 2022 3:59 pm Amtrak advances intercity corridor plan

A key part of Amtrak’s expansion plan is moving ahead as cities and states will be able to submit proposals this year for new or added passenger train services.

But Jim Mathews, president and CEO of the Rail Passengers Association, said he heard confusion among many government entities he met with regarding the FRA process. Smaller counties and communities especially do not have the resources or experience of larger states and cities. “A lot of them didn’t even understand how you would even go about this,” he said.

Along with states and cities, a group of states, regional planning authorities, interstate compacts, federally recognized Indian Tribes and other public entities are eligible to submit proposals.

The FRA said it received hundreds of responses to a request for information issued in February on how the program should be implemented.

I know a lot of Omahans would love to make this work between Omaha and Lincoln. Not that I think it could right now, but:

Didn't we already get turned down for something like this?
What headways are we talking about?
And rail rights would still be an issue, I'm sure.

Busguy2010 · Post by **Busguy2010** » Wed May 25, 2022 2:19 am

Maybe a more reliable and obtainable route between Chicago and Denver? As is, Chicago to LA just ain't working as it runs once a day and can be 4 or more hours late. Split it in two and maybe it could be better. But it wouldn't be a commuter solution for us.

TransitOriented · Post by **TransitOriented** » Wed May 25, 2022 2:48 pm

Busguy2010 wrote: Wed May 25, 2022 2:19 am Maybe a more reliable and obtainable route between Chicago and Denver? As is, Chicago to LA just ain't working as it runs once a day and can be 4 or more hours late. Split it in two and maybe it could be better. But it wouldn't be a commuter solution for us.

Sorry, I am trying to understand this. Are you saying that if Amtrak improved Chicago to Denver, it likely still wouldn't be a viable commuter route for Omaha-Lincoln? If that's what you are saying, how could we make it viable? I think it would require a dedicated passenger rail line. Not sure if Amtrak would own that and lease it out, or what.

I wonder what ridership differences there would be between bus versus rail. I imagine bus would be much cheaper for all parties.

Athomsfere · Post by **Athomsfere** » Thu May 26, 2022 2:53 pm

TransitOriented wrote: Wed May 25, 2022 2:48 pm
Busguy2010 wrote: Wed May 25, 2022 2:19 am Maybe a more reliable and obtainable route between Chicago and Denver? As is, Chicago to LA just ain't working as it runs once a day and can be 4 or more hours late. Split it in two and maybe it could be better. But it wouldn't be a commuter solution for us.
Sorry, I am trying to understand this. Are you saying that if Amtrak improved Chicago to Denver, it likely still wouldn't be a viable commuter route for Omaha-Lincoln? If that's what you are saying, how could we make it viable? I think it would require a dedicated passenger rail line. Not sure if Amtrak would own that and lease it out, or what.

I wonder what ridership differences there would be between bus versus rail. I imagine bus would be much cheaper for all parties.

I do half think a better regional Amtrak could work. Connect KC, Lincoln, Omaha, and Chicago.

We also need, IMO, to figure out how to get ridership up, and costs down. Omaha to KC for $50 - $80 PAX seems like it should be viable, if only "higher" speed rail. (In my head math, using Tokyo to Osaka and adjusted for everything costing more in the US)