ORBT - Omaha Rapid Bus Transit

[GrandpaaSmucker]

Like I always say I am just the village idiot here and I know I should not think but.....Considering the fact that we are still in the middle of the pandemic and hardly nobody is riding those Orbits it seems like a flawed plan to start charging fares now. Those lone and few riders that we see standing out on Dodge waiting for those free Orbit rides may very well be the best cheapest advertising and promotion program that Orbit has.

[Busguy2010]

Like I always say I am just the village idiot here and I know I should not think but.....Considering the fact that we are still in the middle of the pandemic and hardly nobody is riding those Orbits it seems like a flawed plan to start charging fares now. Those lone and few riders that we see standing out on Dodge waiting for those free Orbit rides may very well be the best cheapest advertising and promotion program that Orbit has.

I absolutely agree there. But to add, I have anecdotally observed quite a few more people at the stations and on the buses in recent weeks. But I definitely agree, it may be akin to shooting yourself in the foot... They must really need the money.

[ita]

Metro introduces new payment system, ORBT fares

Metro Transit is adding a touchless payment option to all buses later this month, followed by new fare charges for the downtown ORBT route.

ORBT has been operating free to all riders since November of 2020, as Metro hoped to coax new riders and provide a more streamlined route for the Dodge to Westroads Mall.

Metro accessed $2 million of federal funds for installation of the Umo contactless payment system in all of their buses and MOBY paratransit vans. They will be operational, along with an associated app, starting September 20.

“Its an account based system which lets riders load accounts on a card or online,” said Jason Rose, communications manager for Metro Transit. “(They) then pay with either a smart card or an app.

Also, a graph of route 2 vs. ORBT ridership numbers:

[iamjacobm]

Would rather see the comps to March, April and May 2019 ridership than the 2020 numbers.

[ita]

Would rather see the comps to March, April and May 2019 ridership than the 2020 numbers.

Agreed, the numbers shown are shown for a reason.

[skinzfan23]

Would rather see the comps to March, April and May 2019 ridership than the 2020 numbers.

100% agree, this data is useless since not many people were out using public transportation last spring and even summer.

[Busguy2010]

I definitely agree with all the above. They are definitely using those numbers to manipulate the "feel" of ORBT.

Looks like the 2 in November of 2019 was about 1,300/day. And that was November. I'm assuming Summer numbers in 2019 were upward of 1,600-1,700...

So yeah, ORBT is not equal to Route 2 numbers yet, but it is encouraging to see ORBT numbers up to 1,400 a day despite the pandemic still going on. It'll be good to see those numbers match and surpass old Route 2 at its peak in 2019. At the current rate, I bet we will be back up to those numbers next Summer.

Encouraging to note is that the weekend numbers do appear to have matched or surpassed Route 2 in 2019. Assuming because of the frequency and later running times.

[ByrnesViceVersa]

Finally took the ORBT today and going to more often. I was needing to shop at Westroads, so I took it from downtown all the way to Westroads Transit Center. The bus was almost full all the way to the Mall. It's a shame that it can't be free but I'll still pay to ride.

[ita]

https://www.ometro.com/metro-news/metro ... sQB0o1I5bc

Metro Transit transported more passengers in August than it has in a single month since March of 2020, with a record-breaking average of 10,500 trips per week on its rapid transit line, ORBT.

“Use of ORBT has continued to grow since we launched last November,” said Metro’s CEO, Lauren Cencic. “In fact, this is the most transit activity we have seen on Dodge Street in at least two decades. This response to ORBT, especially during a global pandemic, demonstrates that our community is embracing high-quality transit.”

Metro Transit transported more passengers in August than it has in a single month since March of 2020, with a record-breaking average of 10,500 trips per week on its rapid transit line, ORBT.

“Use of ORBT has continued to grow since we launched last November,” said Metro’s CEO, Lauren Cencic. “In fact, this is the most transit activity we have seen on Dodge Street in at least two decades. This response to ORBT, especially during a global pandemic, demonstrates that our community is embracing high-quality transit.”

Recent analyses show ORBT significantly outperforming Route 2 when comparing ridership from November 2019 through August 2020 to November 2020 through August 2021 (as shown in the chart above). Another analysis compared current activity on ORBT to activity on Route 2 in 2017, providing a pre-pandemic comparison of Dodge Street activity. The analysis showed significant growth in areas along the route, including nearly twice as many riders at the Westroads Transit Center, four times as many riders using stops near 84th & Dodge, 15% more riders on Saturdays, and 20% more riders on Sundays.

[ita]

[thenewguy]

seems to be effective?

[Busguy2010]

I want to see straight 2019 Route 2 numbers vs straight 2021 ORBT numbers. They obviously are mixing in other parameters to show the result they want. I have no doubt that in time ORBT will eclipse old Route 2 numbers, but I am skeptical that that has happened yet, contrary to what those graphs show.

[ita]

It looks like they are building an ORBT station at 8th and Farnam. This will extend the route to connect directly to Heartland Park and the east end of the Mercantile project (see Resolution 5 from November's Board meeting agenda).

[Busguy2010]

Thats a little bit weird. 8th street wasnt supposed to be a stop, but it is the layover. All riders were aupposed to exit at 10th & Douglas, but I guess that wasnt clear to riders. So as far as I know, the drivers eventually gave up and allowed people to ride to 8th. Actually, if they wanted to avoid this, they shouldnt have put it on the schedule, so that was a surprise in itself. Now, I wonder how much of an investment will be made into this station/stop, because the grand scheme is to continue ORBT into CB, so 8th wouldn't play into that idea down the road.

[Big E]

the grand scheme is to continue ORBT into CB

Are you saying some day I might be able to ride ORBT from the Burger king at 114th & Dodge to the Burger King on 76th & Dodge to the Burger King on 44th & Dodge and then to the Burger King on 29th & Dodge and then to the Burger King on 16th & West broadway in CB?

Are you saying that, Busguy?! ARE YOU SAYING THAT?!?!?

This... IS THE DREAM

[Garrett]

the grand scheme is to continue ORBT into CB

Are you saying some day I might be able to ride ORBT from the Burger king at 114th & Dodge to the Burger King on 76th & Dodge to the Burger King on 44th & Dodge and then to the Burger King on 29th & Dodge and then to the Burger King on 16th & West broadway in CB?

Are you saying that, Busguy?! ARE YOU SAYING THAT?!?!?

This... IS THE DREAM

But what are you gonna order at each of them? Maybe make a 5 course meal out of it?

[buildomaha]

I will add to the discourse on whether to expand ORBT that if a public transportation system isn’t complete and can’t get riders within a reasonable distance of their destination, then people won’t use it. This is why my view has shifted away from supporting a streetcar unless it’s funded privately. The city needs to build out its transit within the 680 loop before we consider pet projects so we can get our usage numbers up.
From a sociological point of view, seeing public transit more prominently should only encourage people to utilize it I would think?

[TitosBuritoBarn]

the grand scheme is to continue ORBT into CB

Are you saying some day I might be able to ride ORBT from the Burger king at 114th & Dodge to the Burger King on 76th & Dodge to the Burger King on 44th & Dodge and then to the Burger King on 29th & Dodge and then to the Burger King on 16th & West broadway in CB?

Are you saying that, Busguy?! ARE YOU SAYING THAT?!?!?

This... IS THE DREAM

But what are you gonna order at each of them? Maybe make a 5 course meal out of it?

Five course meal? Pfft. I say try a different combo meal at each stop. There's got to be at least 10 combos on their menu, enough for a trip down to CB and back.

Now if you start your journey during breakfast we're looking at upping the total number of combo meals to about 20 - enough for two trips down and back.

[ProgKingHughesker]

Thats a little bit weird. 8th street wasnt supposed to be a stop, but it is the layover. All riders were aupposed to exit at 10th & Douglas, but I guess that wasnt clear to riders. So as far as I know, the drivers eventually gave up and allowed people to ride to 8th. Actually, if they wanted to avoid this, they shouldnt have put it on the schedule, so that was a surprise in itself. Now, I wonder how much of an investment will be made into this station/stop, because the grand scheme is to continue ORBT into CB, so 8th wouldn't play into that idea down the road.

It would make more sense for the route(s) into CB to be separate from the Dodge line, imo, so 8th being a stop shouldn't be an issue from that standpoint

[Busguy2010]

It would make more sense for the route(s) into CB to be separate from the Dodge line, imo, so 8th being a stop shouldn't be an issue from that standpoint

Yeah, I don't know. I don't think 10 minute frequency is needed in CB, but the continuity was part of the plan. That was done before all the stuff going on at 8th & Farnam got going though. So, not that it would be a big deal for buses to do a small loop to serve 8th & Farnam as a permanent part of the route, but I think taking the bus from Omaha to CB without a bus change or a long layover is pretty important, if they even still plan on doing ORBT in CB

[Garrett]

It would make more sense for the route(s) into CB to be separate from the Dodge line, imo, so 8th being a stop shouldn't be an issue from that standpoint

Yeah, I don't know. I don't think 10 minute frequency is needed in CB, but the continuity was part of the plan. That was done before all the stuff going on at 8th & Farnam got going though. So, not that it would be a big deal for buses to do a small loop to serve 8th & Farnam as a permanent part of the route, but I think taking the bus from Omaha to CB without a bus change or a long layover is pretty important, if they even still plan on doing ORBT in CB

Does Metro have tax authority over CB?

[ita]

It would make more sense for the route(s) into CB to be separate from the Dodge line, imo, so 8th being a stop shouldn't be an issue from that standpoint

Yeah, I don't know. I don't think 10 minute frequency is needed in CB, but the continuity was part of the plan. That was done before all the stuff going on at 8th & Farnam got going though. So, not that it would be a big deal for buses to do a small loop to serve 8th & Farnam as a permanent part of the route, but I think taking the bus from Omaha to CB without a bus change or a long layover is pretty important, if they even still plan on doing ORBT in CB

Does Metro have tax authority over CB?

Prior to recent legislation, any Nebraska transit authority could only levy within county lines. Metro has interlocal agreements with Bellevue and, I assume, CB. I don't think they will be able to levy against CB property even if they become a regional transit authority because of state lines. It will probably be an interlocal agreement with CB to provide service.

[Busguy2010]

I wouldn't know how it would all work, but I'd assume a similar deal to what has been in place. I would assume Metro does not and would not even if an RTA IS formed. Do I think CB needs ORBT? No. But it was part of the vision, as is 24th, which I also don't agree with. 24th just doesnt have the same traffic issues as a Dodge Street, but it does have the density that would be detrimentally impacted by consolidating stops, which is why I feel it is inappropriate for 24th. Better shelters at high traffic stops and increased frequency would be nice, but I dont want to see people on 24th lose close options for stops in the name of making it ORBT and having the full fledged stations.

[TitosBuritoBarn]

It would make more sense for the route(s) into CB to be separate from the Dodge line, imo, so 8th being a stop shouldn't be an issue from that standpoint

Yeah, I don't know. I don't think 10 minute frequency is needed in CB, but the continuity was part of the plan. That was done before all the stuff going on at 8th & Farnam got going though. So, not that it would be a big deal for buses to do a small loop to serve 8th & Farnam as a permanent part of the route, but I think taking the bus from Omaha to CB without a bus change or a long layover is pretty important, if they even still plan on doing ORBT in CB

Does Metro have tax authority over CB?

Prior to recent legislation, any Nebraska transit authority could only levy within county lines. Metro has interlocal agreements with Bellevue and, I assume, CB. I don't think they will be able to levy against CB property even if they become a regional transit authority because of state lines. It will probably be an interlocal agreement with CB to provide service.

The City of Council Bluffs levies taxes to pay for the two Metro routes that currently go there. The arrangement between CB and Metro is likely something to the effect of CB agreeing to levy taxes if Metro provides the transit. If CB doesn't want to levy the taxes anymore, Metro likely does not have any ability to overrule and collect money from them beyond farebox receipts.

[frankt]

Metro Transit awarded $1.6 million federal grant to study 24th Street
https://www.ometro.com/press-releases/m ... th-street/

Metro anticipates beginning the study process by summer 2022, which will include extensive community engagement, stakeholder collaboration, roadway analysis, and evaluation of other potential upgrades. The study area includes 24th Street from Ames Avenue to Q Street, with consideration for alternatives on North 30th Street, as well as possible extensions to the north and south.

[Jins123]

Metro Transit awarded $1.6 million federal grant to study 24th Street
https://www.ometro.com/press-releases/m ... th-street/

Metro anticipates beginning the study process by summer 2022, which will include extensive community engagement, stakeholder collaboration, roadway analysis, and evaluation of other potential upgrades. The study area includes 24th Street from Ames Avenue to Q Street, with consideration for alternatives on North 30th Street, as well as possible extensions to the north and south.

Love to see it!

[Dundeemaha]

This would be a great second line for ORBT. I think straight up and down 24th is great.

If it switches to 30th for North Omaha, Cuming makes more sense than Dodge to me.

Instead of stopping at the transit center on Ames, I hope they're able to push it up past Metro to a stop in Florence

[ita]

ORBT marks 1 year of service in Omaha as officials look to what's next

Jessica Wade
Since then, the rapid transit buses have been regular fixtures on Dodge and Douglas Streets. And now Metro Transit officials are reflecting on ORBT’s first year in service and looking to the future.

The rapid transit bus line has seen steady growth. The $37 million project brought 60-foot-long buses to the route, from downtown Omaha to Westroads Mall, with 27 stops along the way.

It also brought several amenities to the route, including stations with raised platforms, buses with three-door boarding, bus lanes, priority at traffic signals and upgraded technology at stations and on board.

ORBT buses averaged 10,727 rides per week in September, the highest recorded on Dodge Street in nearly two decades. The buses are on track to surpass 500,000 rides by the end of January, according to Metro Transit.

[ita]

The press handout with the streetcar route shows the potential extension of ORBT, not on I-480, but across a new route, likely the multimodal bridge the Chamber has in its transportation plan.

[Busguy2010]

Talk about my luck LOL. So I was headed east on Dodge just a little bit ago, and there was a whole bunch of people in the left two lanes. Coming up to the red light at 84th, I noticed there was nobody in the right straight lane, so I was all excited cause I was gonna get to be front in line. And talk about my luck, a frickin ORBT bus pulls up next to me. And much to my dismay, I had forgotten they get to skip the line there, so not only were my hopes of being in the front of the pack dashed, I was the first one stuck behind the bus and was unable to pass it until everybody else passed it. Big L.

[Coyote]

Metro weighing ambitious options for future transit in Omaha



Metro officials discussed three scenarios that could shape the future of Omaha's public transit.

[ita]

Metro weighing ambitious options for future transit in Omaha



Metro officials discussed three scenarios that could shape the future of Omaha's public transit.

Metro weighing ambitious options for future transit in Omaha

Jessica Wade
Metro is reaching its final stop in the development of an “aspirational” plan that will shape the future of Omaha transit.

Armed with input gathered from nearly 20 community meetings, the agency that oversees the city’s public transportation will soon choose one of three scenarios meant to guide Metro over the next five to 10 years.

All three scenarios, which were outlined by Metro officials during a Facebook live forum hosted by the North Omaha Neighborhood Alliance on Wednesday, would cost significantly more than Metro’s current budget.

Each scenario would cost about $52 million a year to operate, said Lauren Cencic, Metro CEO. That’s about 58% more than Metro currently spends.

“Any of these scenarios would take a gradual progression to get there,” Cencic said, “so all of these are a little aspirational in nature, but they really set that goal for ourselves as a region as far as where we’d like to get to.”

[Coyote]

Interest in Alternative transportation grows as gas prices continue to rise in the metro



Interest in Alternative transportation grows as gas prices continue to rise in the metro

[Athomsfere]

Scenario B looks like the one we should be looking at.

[Busguy2010]

Scenario B looks like the one we should be looking at.

I 100% agree. Just so everyone knows, this was discussed in the METRO thread:

Here is OMetro's handout outlining each scenario. It has a lot more information than what I posted above:

Scenario Overview

Here's the link to the survey:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/PLZXCC2

What do you all think about each scenario?

I also think Scenario B looks the best. In my personal opinion, we should look mostly toward improving our existing routes through amenities and frequency, and I think Scenario B does the best job of that.

I encourage everyone to take the survey, takes about 5 minutes.

[ita]

Scenario B looks like the one we should be looking at.

I 100% agree. Just so everyone knows, this was discussed in the METRO thread:

Here is OMetro's handout outlining each scenario. It has a lot more information than what I posted above:

Scenario Overview

Here's the link to the survey:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/PLZXCC2

What do you all think about each scenario?

I also think Scenario B looks the best. In my personal opinion, we should look mostly toward improving our existing routes through amenities and frequency, and I think Scenario B does the best job of that.

I encourage everyone to take the survey, takes about 5 minutes.

Agreed, and like I said you are grading each component of each scenario. I would like to see some mix of the scenarios, ultimately, in addition to the shared items.

[Athomsfere]

How is a park and ride going to be a good steward to the environment? I dislike park and rides as it just shows that we aren't in it for a comprehensive transit system, it's a band aid to try and make every one slightly happier, but it's a poor compromise IMO... Not to mention, you have to build a park and ride! That can't be good for the environment and earn it a 5/5 bars...

Overall, yeah Just B strikes me as a good. Although, some of the optional bits (ORBT to Bellevue, busses to CB / Gretna are good sounding.

[ita]

How is a park and ride going to be a good steward to the environment? I dislike park and rides as it just shows that we aren't in it for a comprehensive transit system, it's a band aid to try and make every one slightly happier, but it's a poor compromise IMO... Not to mention, you have to build a park and ride! That can't be good for the environment and earn it a 5/5 bars...

Overall, yeah Just B strikes me as a good. Although, some of the optional bits (ORBT to Bellevue, busses to CB / Gretna are good sounding.

I think the park and ride deal is primarily for the suburbs. Because we (I live in 144th and Center) have infrastructure not conducive to transit, park and rides make the most sense. When I used the bus in Hawaii, which has pretty solid bus system, park and rides are pretty popular in West Oahu, which has similar development patterns as any standard American suburban area.

[Athomsfere]

How is a park and ride going to be a good steward to the environment? I dislike park and rides as it just shows that we aren't in it for a comprehensive transit system, it's a band aid to try and make every one slightly happier, but it's a poor compromise IMO... Not to mention, you have to build a park and ride! That can't be good for the environment and earn it a 5/5 bars...

Overall, yeah Just B strikes me as a good. Although, some of the optional bits (ORBT to Bellevue, busses to CB / Gretna are good sounding.

I think the park and ride deal is primarily for the suburbs. Because we (I live in 144th and Center) have infrastructure not conducive to transit, park and rides make the most sense. When I used the bus in Hawaii, which has pretty solid bus system, park and rides are pretty popular in West Oahu, which has similar development patterns as any standard American suburban area.

I get the intuitive argument of it. I've just never felt they really fixed any problems. Driving, possibly in the wrong direction or at an angle to where you want to go isn't super effective. In the US we tend to build lots, and not higher density park and ride districts.

I like them a little more for commuter lines, but they still have problems IMO.

My thinking is similar to these for example:
https://usa.streetsblog.org/2016/07/05/ ... ding-them/
https://www.reinventingtransport.org/20 ... -idea.html

I'd much rather see more comprehensive transit service. Maybe grocery store lots with park and ride lots at the terminus of the smaller routes, bike park and rides too.


IMO, the expectation of a park and ride is at best, meant to get more suburban users accustomed to riding transit. So at best, it's for right now and will be replaced with better connectors when ridership is up. But it feels like such a sloppy intermediate step that only hinders the program in the long run.

Also, Isn't Oahu building a light rail system? At least from HNL to the Waikiki area?

[ita]

I'd much rather see more comprehensive transit service. Maybe grocery store lots with park and ride lots at the terminus of the smaller routes, bike park and rides too.

IMO, the expectation of a park and ride is at best, meant to get more suburban users accustomed to riding transit. So at best, it's for right now and will be replaced with better connectors when ridership is up. But it feels like such a sloppy intermediate step that only hinders the program in the long run.

Also, Isn't Oahu building a light rail system? At least from HNL to the Waikiki area?

For sure, increasing park and rides to cater to suburbanites is definitely a focus of Scenario C. I would very much rather see funds go to increasing frequency on existing routes and increasing bus service where bus service can be efficient and effective, ie. urban Omaha.

Oahu is (still) building the light rail. I think it might open (partially) this year or next, but the route is 20 miles, Ewa Beach to Waikiki. I don't think it does squat for traffic, but at least there is a level of density (much more intense than Omaha, check out the area around one of my high schools, Moanalua High) that could justify the project. It has just been so expensive, mismanaged, and late, that it's been a black eye for rail projects. I know your a proponent for light rail in Omaha into the burbs, but from Osberg and folks from MAPA, they've looked into it and we just do not have the density in West Omaha to justify the possible cost of light rail.