I-480 Transit Center-Long term Vision

[Dusty]

As many of you know I have been sharing my long term vision to put a transit center on top of I480 from Harney to Dodge.
This was on the streetcar discussion, but thought I would make this a separate topic so the streetcar discussion can focus on construction updates.

It's important we are working towards building a transit network that people can get around without a car. The streetcar alone will not save us. It will take many steps to get us there, but the end goal should be a transit hub on I480. This will elevate our city to the next level and create a great user experience riding transit around Omaha.

This station is not intended for standard buses. It's more of a mutl-modal train station. It would only handle the streetcar, light rail, and BRT. It would work by creating a few corridors as express lanes for transit. This gets people from West Omaha to the 480 station fast. These corridors would be upgraded to BRT and have dedicated bus lanes.

These express lanes are:
Dodge (Already BRT)
Center-Saddle Creek-Leavenworth
Maple-NW Radial-Cuming

Interstate 75 would become a light rail line. Going North would connect to North Omaha and Airport. Going South would connect to South Omaha and Bellevue.

Leavenworth and Cuming are flexible on options. A study would help us determine the right mode. Options could be: BRT the whole corridor, combo plan of streetcar East of 480 and BRT West of station, etc

We would still have standard buses running the secondary corridors along the grid to help feed into the express lanes of the city. The whole point is the create a junction for people to get across the city without a car. Tons of combinations here:
*West Omaha resident jumps on BRT on 144th Maple, gets off at 480 station, switches modes to goes to Bellevue via 75 rail.
*West Omaha resident jumps on BRT on 120th and Center. gets off at 480 station, switches mode to Airport.
*Out of state traveler jumps on 75 rail from airport to 480 station. From here they can go to downtown, Aksarben Village, Crossroads, Blackstone, Benson, etc.

Many of the spaghetti/wiggle worm routes would be eliminated. You can relocate those buses by adding more West Omaha lines along the grid like: 144th and 168th. This network becomes stronger and stronger. Later you can add BRT express lines down L Street and 370 to dump into the 75 rail line. I could keep going, but I think you get the idea.

I added some pictures to help show the potential. I left certain lines off because the map was getting crowded: 24th St BRT, 10th Streetcar to zoo, Streetcar along Leavenworth to Elmwood Park, etc. Mostly wanted to show how these main corridors are tying into the station. I marked blue lines as BRT, Red lines as streetcar, and green lines as Light rail. In these illustrations I made Leavenworth/Cuming a streetcar loop East of 480, but BRT West of station.

[Garrett]

Check out the Google “my maps” feature. It’s very useful for stuff like this and can make much clearer visuals.

Now then, would you have all of these transit lines terminate at the 480 station? Would you also completely remove cars from Highway 75/I480 or would the light rail line simply take up a couple lanes?

[Dusty]

Check out the Google “my maps” feature. It’s very useful for stuff like this and can make much clearer visuals.

Now then, would you have all of these transit lines terminate at the 480 station? Would you also completely remove cars from Highway 75/I480 or would the light rail line simply take up a couple lanes?

I was reading up on Google Maps tool. Looks cool. I will have play around with it. Thanks for the suggestion!

All the lines are going right through the station with the exception of Leavenworth and Cuming lines. They might need to come into the side since it would have to cut over a few blocks to get there. Basement (interstate level) would be for light rail along 75. Street level would be boarding of streetcar and BRT lines and long term bike parking. Upper floor is for food vendors, gift shop, digital kiosk for events in the area. It would feel like a travel welcome center or airport terminal.

Street level would be big arches over the street so the transit can come through and stop. People could walk through as well.
Think of it like a garage tunnel with canopy to protect from the elements while boarding. Upstairs on one continuous floor from Harney to Dodge. In theory, you get off streetcar on Harney Street. You need to get to the BRT on Dodge. You enter the station on Harney. Go up the escalators, grab a snack, and walk the 4 blocks without traffic. If the city wants to go crazy, they can put in people movers (accelerated walkways) like you see at airports.

It would be up to the city if they want remove cars along 480. I would think they could make the light rail work with a few lanes and still have car traffic. I think it's an easier sell if you reduce car traffic from 4 lanes to 2 verses eliminating all together.

[Garrett]

Check out the Google “my maps” feature. It’s very useful for stuff like this and can make much clearer visuals.

Now then, would you have all of these transit lines terminate at the 480 station? Would you also completely remove cars from Highway 75/I480 or would the light rail line simply take up a couple lanes?

I was reading up on Google Maps tool. Looks cool. I will have play around with it. Thanks for the suggestion!

All the lines are going right through the station with the exception of Leavenworth and Cuming lines. They might need to come into the side since it would have to cut over a few blocks to get there. Basement (interstate level) would be for light rail along 75. Street level would be boarding of streetcar and BRT lines and long term bike parking. Upper floor is for food vendors, gift shop, digital kiosk for events in the area. It would feel like a travel welcome center or airport terminal.

Street level would be big arches over the street so the transit can come through and stop. People could walk through as well.
Think of it like a garage tunnel with canopy to protect from the elements while boarding. Upstairs on one continuous floor from Harney to Dodge. In theory, you get off streetcar on Harney Street. You need to get to the BRT on Dodge. You enter the station on Harney. Go up the escalators, grab a snack, and walk the 4 blocks without traffic. If the city wants to go crazy, they can put in people movers (accelerated walkways) like you see at airports.

It would be up to the city if they want remove cars along 480. I would think they could make the light rail work with a few lanes and still have car traffic. I think it's an easier sell if you reduce car traffic from 4 lanes to 2 verses eliminating all together.

An interesting vision to be sure! If executed properly, this would definitely pull downtown and midtown together in a major way. Well designed transit centers tend to becomes nexuses for their cities; the reason Midtown Manhattan became the primary business district of NYC over downtown was because of Grand Central and Penn Stations and the connections they created. You could see a new office and residential cluster develop around an area like this.

I'd say making sure you can offer as many one-seat rides as possible into downtown is key though. It's about a 20-25 minute walk to the core parts of downtown from here. That's a bit too big of a walk shed for a core part of the city, and even when it's easy, transferring still isn't the most fun thing to do.

For some comparison, here is a theoretical transit map I made a couple months ago.

https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/edit? ... sp=sharing

[Athomsfere]

I'd capture some more of the north and south, as well as CB.

I also wouldn't exclude busses.

I'd also still argue, if you're going to do something like this Kyoto Station is a great model:
https://www.google.com/maps/@34.9871996 ... ?entry=ttu

Busses, trains, bikes, shopping... They all belong there to help minimize as many cars as possible.

[thenewguy]

Check out the Google “my maps” feature. It’s very useful for stuff like this and can make much clearer visuals.

Now then, would you have all of these transit lines terminate at the 480 station? Would you also completely remove cars from Highway 75/I480 or would the light rail line simply take up a couple lanes?

I was reading up on Google Maps tool. Looks cool. I will have play around with it. Thanks for the suggestion!

All the lines are going right through the station with the exception of Leavenworth and Cuming lines. They might need to come into the side since it would have to cut over a few blocks to get there. Basement (interstate level) would be for light rail along 75. Street level would be boarding of streetcar and BRT lines and long term bike parking. Upper floor is for food vendors, gift shop, digital kiosk for events in the area. It would feel like a travel welcome center or airport terminal.

Street level would be big arches over the street so the transit can come through and stop. People could walk through as well.
Think of it like a garage tunnel with canopy to protect from the elements while boarding. Upstairs on one continuous floor from Harney to Dodge. In theory, you get off streetcar on Harney Street. You need to get to the BRT on Dodge. You enter the station on Harney. Go up the escalators, grab a snack, and walk the 4 blocks without traffic. If the city wants to go crazy, they can put in people movers (accelerated walkways) like you see at airports.

It would be up to the city if they want remove cars along 480. I would think they could make the light rail work with a few lanes and still have car traffic. I think it's an easier sell if you reduce car traffic from 4 lanes to 2 verses eliminating all together.

An interesting vision to be sure! If executed properly, this would definitely pull downtown and midtown together in a major way. Well designed transit centers tend to becomes nexuses for their cities; the reason Midtown Manhattan became the primary business district of NYC over downtown was because of Grand Central and Penn Stations and the connections they created. You could see a new office and residential cluster develop around an area like this.

I'd say making sure you can offer as many one-seat rides as possible into downtown is key though. It's about a 20-25 minute walk to the core parts of downtown from here. That's a bit too big of a walk shed for a core part of the city, and even when it's easy, transferring still isn't the most fun thing to do.

For some comparison, here is a theoretical transit map I made a couple months ago.

https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/edit? ... sp=sharing

holy |expletive| that's comprehensive... I really like that- imagine what could be if that were implemented.

[Renovator2559]

Thanks guys, we really appreciate the examples on a better transit network, thus far. The more examples the better, who knows maybe the best aspects of each version could be hybridized...

[Dusty]

I'd capture some more of the north and south, as well as CB.

I also wouldn't exclude busses.

I'd also still argue, if you're going to do something like this Kyoto Station is a great model:
https://www.google.com/maps/@34.9871996 ... ?entry=ttu

Busses, trains, bikes, shopping... They all belong there to help minimize as many cars as possible.

I'm still making adjustments as it's a rough draft. I wanted to throw it out there and get feedback. Many of you are so passionate about Omaha. I value your opinions. I will continue to work on it and make a more polished version to sell to Omaha leaders. My main objective was to show how a transit center could greatly benefit strengthening our main corridors and create a positive experience riding transit.

As for the Kyoto Station, well it's HUGE. 15 stories high, shopping mall, movie theater, train station, etc. I'm going for modest station in hopes it will get built. But, I know where you are going with this. Build it to be multi-purpose of: station, entertainment, hospitality, shopping, etc. Make a district that is about walking, biking, and transit. Less about cars.

This is why I want to build the riverwalk concept next to the station. Ran from the end of the station on Harney to Martha. Put a cap over the interstate and run a shallow canal on top. The Netherlands just did a project like this. If I can find the article, I will post it here. You will have both sides of the canal to build hotels, shopping, entertainment options. Over a mile on each side for economic development. No car parking on the riverwalk or at the transit station.

[Dusty]

I know Council Bluffs wants a streetcar extension but do see some challenges with that. From what I understood, they wanted to revitalize Broadway. The original streetcar from 1920's showed the line going right through Heartland America Park to Broadway. IMO, one option is to run a line over the river by Jones or Leavenworth. This would lead to the golf course they want to rebuild as an urban mixed-use neighborhood.

As for using the transit station, I would run two light rail lines to CB.
Take one over 480 East right onto Broadway and to downtown Council Bluffs. This means not tearing down the elevated interstate but repurposing it.

Second line would go over I80 to Lake Manawa. Stops at 13th St (Zoo stop), Convention Center, and Metro Crossing.

[Athomsfere]

As for the Kyoto Station, well it's HUGE. 15 stories high, shopping mall, movie theater, train station, etc. I'm going for modest station in hopes it will get built. But, I know where you are going with this. Build it to be multi-purpose of: station, entertainment, hospitality, shopping, etc. Make a district that is about walking, biking, and transit. Less about cars.

Yes. I call it the Transit District. Because TOD has been sullied in North America by park and rides and poor transit lol.

But most cities in Japan have something like Kyoto Station, but to a size right for their city. Kanazawa Station has the Shinkansen terminal, the regional trains (from memory there is only 1 or two other train stops in Kanazawa on those lines) Bus terminals, and then the shopping, dining, and hotels across the street.

Tokyo has many similar stops, like the famous Shibuya, but also Ikebukuro and Ueno is an interesting one too.

[Dusty]

Yes. I call it the Transit District. Because TOD has been sullied in North America by park and rides and poor transit lol.

I will put in a request for you. We can build giant wood doors. As the streetcar comes in the gate slowly opens.
Over the loud speaker they can announce "Welcome to Transit Park." HA!

[Athomsfere]

Yes. I call it the Transit District. Because TOD has been sullied in North America by park and rides and poor transit lol.

I will put in a request for you. We can build giant wood doors. As the streetcar comes in the gate slowly opens.
Over the loud speaker they can announce "Welcome to Transit Park." HA!

Another random thought: Maybe some artwork shared with our sister cities. I have no idea what it would be, but it would be fun to see something grand proclaiming some of our modern identity.

[ita]

I know Council Bluffs wants a streetcar extension but do see some challenges with that. From what I understood, they wanted to revitalize Broadway. The original streetcar from 1920's showed the line going right through Heartland America Park to Broadway. IMO, one option is to run a line over the river by Jones or Leavenworth. This would lead to the golf course they want to rebuild as an urban mixed-use neighborhood.

As for using the transit station, I would run two light rail lines to CB.
Take one over 480 East right onto Broadway and to downtown Council Bluffs. This means not tearing down the elevated interstate but repurposing it.

Second line would go over I80 to Lake Manawa. Stops at 13th St (Zoo stop), Convention Center, and Metro Crossing.

What challenges do you see with the current proposal for the CB extension? I think it makes the most sense as it is as a straight an extension from Omaha's initial route and makes use of the First Ave. multimodal transit trail with existing 60' ROW from the Riverfront to downtown CB. It's less intrusive than trying to incorporate a streetcar over I-480 into Broadway. Additionally, I think there are more development opportunities right on First Ave. versus Broadway. While I get your two lines to CB proposal, I think it's more effective, cost wise and from a planning perspective to go with what they are currently working on; one dedicated multimodal bridge to connect the initial Omaha route to Dodge Park/First Ave.

[Dusty]

That study looks at the environmental impact of the potential project. Garrett believes it’s important since the extension would run from N.P. Dodge Park at the Missouri River to First Avenue all along West Broadway in downtown Council Bluffs.

This was a snippet of the article you put on the streetcar thread. I'm guessing NP Dodge Park was a typo? Did they mean Dodge Riverside Golf Club? Regardless, I have confidence Omaha and Council Bluffs will make the right call on CB streetcar extension.

This extension would have nothing to do with a 480 transit station. I think people wanted to know if you could add CB routes from this station. I think we could have some nice express routes along 480 East down Broadway and 80 to Lake Manawa. It doesn't have to be light rail. I understand the cost involved. I'm fine using buses, but we tend to be cheapskates when building bus stops. If we could build nice stops like rail stations do and use buses as the vehicle, then I would be happy with that.

The more lines added to run on the interstate level just shifts its function to be more of a transitway. Less about cars and more about a true transit hub even if it's a mix of buses and rail.

[Dusty]

Another random thought: Maybe some artwork shared with our sister cities. I have no idea what it would be, but it would be fun to see something grand proclaiming some of our modern identity.

Interesting idea! I'm less concerned about aesthetics at this point. This is why you hire designers and architects to make it uniquely Omaha. I just want to build out the concept so I can pitch it to city leaders, METRO, Streetcar Authority, etc

After creating some buzz about it, hopefully the city will see the benefit of enhancing our transit system with this transit hub.
Many of our current routes are not far off. Making a few small configurations to routes could get us closer. Build a long-range vision and create steps to get there!

[Busguy2010]

You should do this in Google maps. Much cleaner, and I'd enjoy looking at your vision.

I'm sure it's been seen by everybody here, but here's my transit map : Omaha Light Rail System Map
https://goo.gl/maps/Yr2BqCS5duCfGic96

[Dusty]

You should do this in Google maps. Much cleaner, and I'd enjoy looking at your vision.

I'm sure it's been seen by everybody here, but here's my transit map : Omaha Light Rail System Map
https://goo.gl/maps/Yr2BqCS5duCfGic96

Yes, I plan to make my map on Google Maps. Thank you for your transit map. Both you and Garrett have very nice ideas for routes. I noticed both of you used the Amtrack/Union Station for commuter rail to Lincoln and Fremont. Is this even being used anymore? I thought the Amtrack route stopped years ago. I would much rather use it for the streetcar hub. Could be a great place to add the 10th St route to zoo from here. Also, couldn't we add the CB line from here?

Union Station to Harrahs, through golfcourse which is getting redeveloped, then you can work your way to 1st Ave
Any thoughts?

[Garrett]

You should do this in Google maps. Much cleaner, and I'd enjoy looking at your vision.

I'm sure it's been seen by everybody here, but here's my transit map : Omaha Light Rail System Map
https://goo.gl/maps/Yr2BqCS5duCfGic96

Yes, I plan to make my map on Google Maps. Thank you for your transit map. Both you and Garrett have very nice ideas for routes. I noticed both of you used the Amtrack/Union Station for commuter rail to Lincoln and Fremont. Is this even being used anymore? I thought the Amtrack route stopped years ago. I would much rather use it for the streetcar hub. Could be a great place to add the 10th St route to zoo from here. Also, couldn't we add the CB line from here?

Union Station to Harrahs, through golfcourse which is getting redeveloped, then you can work your way to 1st Ave
Any thoughts?

For me the motive was to use existing rights of way that could, in theory, be expanded on to have a form of regional rail; long lines with stops every 3-5 miles. In a world with a lot of money for transit they could run all the way out to West Point, Nebraska City, and Columbus but that would be a stretch on top of the stretch that my map already is. I would also envision more Amtrak-esque service going to other cities in the region, so it would probably be the biggest transit hub in the city.

[Busguy2010]

You should do this in Google maps. Much cleaner, and I'd enjoy looking at your vision.

I'm sure it's been seen by everybody here, but here's my transit map : Omaha Light Rail System Map
https://goo.gl/maps/Yr2BqCS5duCfGic96

Yes, I plan to make my map on Google Maps. Thank you for your transit map. Both you and Garrett have very nice ideas for routes. I noticed both of you used the Amtrack/Union Station for commuter rail to Lincoln and Fremont. Is this even being used anymore? I thought the Amtrack route stopped years ago. I would much rather use it for the streetcar hub. Could be a great place to add the 10th St route to zoo from here. Also, couldn't we add the CB line from here?

Union Station to Harrahs, through golfcourse which is getting redeveloped, then you can work your way to 1st Ave
Any thoughts?

Just natural progression. Union Station used to be the front door to the city with multiple (if not dozens or more, idk) trains arriving and departing daily to and from many other cities. It doesn't seem like it now, but union Station was an extremely important transportation hub in the early 20th century. Think Eppley airfield but with trains. That's how people got around the country back then. Omaha was nicknamed "the gateway to the west" because of it.

And as Garrett said, because of existing ROW. In theory a commuter rail entity could lease rights from Union Pacific and BNSF. How much sense it would make for them, I don't know. But it's been done in other cities around the country. I personally think the one between Omaha and Lincoln could be done today. Maybe run one train with one or two passenger cars between the cities all day. Might seem pretty silly for a while but I really think it would catch on eventually.

[Athomsfere]

You should do this in Google maps. Much cleaner, and I'd enjoy looking at your vision.

I'm sure it's been seen by everybody here, but here's my transit map : Omaha Light Rail System Map
https://goo.gl/maps/Yr2BqCS5duCfGic96

Yes, I plan to make my map on Google Maps. Thank you for your transit map. Both you and Garrett have very nice ideas for routes. I noticed both of you used the Amtrack/Union Station for commuter rail to Lincoln and Fremont. Is this even being used anymore? I thought the Amtrack route stopped years ago. I would much rather use it for the streetcar hub. Could be a great place to add the 10th St route to zoo from here. Also, couldn't we add the CB line from here?

Union Station to Harrahs, through golfcourse which is getting redeveloped, then you can work your way to 1st Ave
Any thoughts?

Just natural progression. Union Station used to be the front door to the city with multiple (if not dozens or more, idk) trains arriving and departing daily to and from many other cities. It doesn't seem like it now, but union Station was an extremely important transportation hub in the early 20th century. Think Eppley airfield but with trains. That's how people got around the country back then. Omaha was nicknamed "the gateway to the west" because of it.

And as Garrett said, because of existing ROW. In theory a commuter rail entity could lease rights from Union Pacific and BNSF. How much sense it would make for them, I don't know. But it's been done in other cities around the country. I personally think the one between Omaha and Lincoln could be done today. Maybe run one train with one or two passenger cars between the cities all day. Might seem pretty silly for a while but I really think it would catch on eventually.

Sadly, if we want commuter rail to be successful I think we need to find ways to stop borrowing time from freight.

[Busguy2010]

True, but I think finding new space for such lines could be just as bad plouging out room for more freeway lanes.

The way I see it, we have what we have available, and it's about as realistic as we could hope for IMO. Might as well do it if we can.

[Dusty]

I get it. Try and use existing rails to cut down on costs. The problem is renting rail time can lead to restricted hours of service. Many commuter rails don't operate on the weekends. This becomes a deal breaker for me. It's important to capture that Husker game day crowd to Lincoln. Plus, many are struggling to get ridership up in suburbs. When people are driving to the station, they decide it's easier to keep driving to their destination. When you build the stops as park and rides, it makes it hard to support.

I feel like we can do a lot with charter buses. One option: We run an express bus from i-480 station along i-80. Stops in Giles and 144th. From there you could run a regional route to Lincoln. Second option: You could run the line out of 480 station.

Also, you could expand regional bus routes right out of the 480 station. Work a deal with Megabus, Flix/Greyhound, etc to operate out of here. Then we could add routes to Kansas City, Denver, Des Moines, Chicago. This would majorly expand our network, but keep the cost down.

[ita]

I get it. Try and use existing rails to cut down on costs. The problem is renting rail time can lead to restricted hours of service. Many commuter rails don't operate on the weekends. This becomes a deal breaker for me. It's important to capture that Husker game day crowd to Lincoln. Plus, many are struggling to get ridership up in suburbs. When people are driving to the station, they decide it's easier to keep driving to their destination. When you build the stops as park and rides, it makes it hard to support.

I feel like we can do a lot with charter buses. One option: We run an express bus from i-480 station along i-80. Stops in Giles and 144th. From there you could run a regional route to Lincoln. Second option: You could run the line out of 480 station.

Also, you could expand regional bus routes right out of the 480 station. Work a deal with Megabus, Flix/Greyhound, etc to operate out of here. Then we could add routes to Kansas City, Denver, Des Moines, Chicago. This would majorly expand our network, but keep the cost down.

Restricted hours of service could be worth it. I have never seen actual data about how much use the Amtrak route is used outside of Amtrak. We all assume it's difficult, but maybe the state is not really interested.

The State passed legislation a couple years ago to study intercity bus route which seemed to meet the wants and needs of those in the forum and people who would use it. It was fairly affordable, by my estimation, but alas, NDOT said no to funding it this year. Now those working on the project think updated data is needed again to try to get funding. Here's our thread about the intercity bus effort: Omaha - Lincoln Intercity Bus Route.

So, point being, if NDOT is not willing to pay for an intercity bus, for sure they aren't going to pay for a time for a commuter rail on the rail route used by Amtrak. Doubly so for building a ground up intercity rail system. The idea was presented, studied, and budgeted out. It was affordable and met the needs of not only urban dwellers but those living along Highway 6. Yet, the State ultimately said nope. I have zero confidence that NDOT in its currently form would pursue such a project unless the Governor and/or legislators pushed them to do it.

[Dusty]

Restricted hours of service could be worth it. I have never seen actual data about how much use the Amtrak route is used outside of Amtrak. We all assume it's difficult, but maybe the state is not really interested.

The State passed legislation a couple years ago to study intercity bus route which seemed to meet the wants and needs of those in the forum and people who would use it. It was fairly affordable, by my estimation, but alas, NDOT said no to funding it this year. Now those working on the project think updated data is needed again to try to get funding. Here's our thread about the intercity bus effort: Omaha - Lincoln Intercity Bus Route.

So, point being, if NDOT is not willing to pay for an intercity bus, for sure they aren't going to pay for a time for a commuter rail on the rail route used by Amtrak. Doubly so for building a ground up intercity rail system. The idea was presented, studied, and budgeted out. It was affordable and met the needs of not only urban dwellers but those living along Highway 6. Yet, the State ultimately said nope. I have zero confidence that NDOT in its currently form would pursue such a project unless the Governor and/or legislators pushed them to do it.

I agree. I think any kind of commuter rail is pretty far off from a financial stand point. I do believe there is a strong interest to have a line to Lincoln. Running the bus option seems more practical and within reach of making it happen. This is why I mentioned partnering with bus companies like Flix and Megbus. If you can't get funding for our own fleet through NDOT, then try and create partnerships with these other bus companies to drive the cost down.

[Dusty]

I found this article from a few months ago in Omaha World Herald. Megabus and Burlington Trailways joining forces to bring inter-city busing back to Omaha. I will believe it when I see it.

The interstate bus companies Megabus and Burlington Trailways announced a new partnership that will give Nebraska riders access to a larger list of destinations.

The service allows customers to buy tickets on Megabus’ website, us.Megabus.com, for Burlington Trailways routes from Omaha to 27 cities — from Denver in the west, to Chicago and Indianapolis in the east — beginning Monday.

Eventually, customers will also be able to plug into New Jersey-based Megabus’ larger route system, which serves 280 cities primarily on the East Coast.

If we push for a i-480 station, inter-city buses could be sharing the same station as our local transit. One massive hub for local and inter-city travel. Then we could demolish the old bus station on 16th and Jackson and redevelop that land.

https://omaha.com/news/state-regional/m ... 30d01.html

[Athomsfere]

We could always get the Omaha and Lincoln mayors to start courting Brightline.

We would get a commuter line that is far better than what even the Accela is.

Brightline gets to tell every region "If we can make it work in a region of only 1.5 million people, we can build HSR anywhere"

[Dusty]

I think it would take Omaha/Lincoln 200+ years to pay off a high speed rail. Brightline is done building their Orlando to Miami line. They are in the testing phase right now. But look at the numbers. 180 miles of track for just over 1 billion dollars investment. Between the two metros we are talking about 9 million+ residents to use it. This is not counting all the tourists that might fly into Orlando, go to Disney, and take the train to visit some beaches in Miami.

I have always loved the idea of regional rail or bus to other cities. But if that city has poor local transit options then you are stuck at the destination train/bus station. You will spend your day using Uber/Lyft rides to get around. Not the end of the world for some, but it's takes that transit experience down a notch.

My push is to strengthen the grid network so locals can get around easier without a car. Strengthen the urban core for locals and make it appealing for travelers flying into Omaha. Full access to a ton of districts through a great network.

[Athomsfere]

I think it would take Omaha/Lincoln 200+ years to pay off a high speed rail. Brightline is done building their Orlando to Miami line. They are in the testing phase right now. But look at the numbers. 180 miles of track for just over 1 billion dollars investment.

And we'd have 1/3 the distance. If Brightline could do the same awesome costs as in Florida that's less than $350 million, or the cost of just the Lincoln Beltway. (How was Brightline so cheap?)

But it would also be a great tool for your transit station to be a bigger success. A ton of both cities want the rail connection more than good urban transit, right now.

At least, it could create a good sense of synergy between good transit, and regional connections that would make both more useful.

[Dundeemaha]

Brightline has been impressive and cheap, but 1 factor more expensive. ~$10 billion.

The proposed line from Las Vegas to SoCal is supposed to be around $12 billion for ~220 miles

[Dusty]

Brightline has been impressive and cheap, but 1 factor more expensive. ~$10 billion.

The proposed line from Las Vegas to SoCal is supposed to be around $12 billion for ~220 miles

I agree. The article I read said just over a billion for 180 miles. This is just the cost of running the rail lines. It does not include cost of trains, new station at Orlando airport, maintenance facilities, labor force for operations, etc. Plus, Brightline seems to be focusing on connecting big cities that have a huge tourist pull like Miami to Orlando, Las Vegas to Los Angeles, etc.

Outside of the Farnam Streetcar, I don't see Omaha approving any more rail projects in the next 15 years. This is why I would much rather focus on improving our bus network. Strengthen the main corridors. Continue to minimize the spaghetti noodle routes and work the grid more. I want to present a plan to Metro that is 2-3 steps ahead of the Metro Next vision. The i-480 station is the cornerstone project that will tie the network together for the urban core. We are making great progress in the right direction. One baby step at a time!

[Dusty]

I finished making my transit vision on My Maps. I changed some things from when I initially starting talking about this. As much as we like to talk about light rail, commuter rail, streetcars it was important to create a practical map that METRO and the city will love to implement. A map that is a few steps ahead of Metro Next with the cornerstone project being a large transit center built on i-480. It's all about building a great framework/foundation of transit using busing. A system that is scalable and can be built out in segments. A system that can upgraded as ridership increases.

A few notes:
- I did not include the Council Bluffs Streetcar extension. Funding is up to them. If they build it, it's important to have an express bus options for those who don't want to take a slower train option.

-Some of these shorter routes could be combined until we have the buses to handle them separately. For example: Leavenworth and Cuming route downtown are meant to be faster runs. Less waiting time to leave downtown and get back to transit center. Blondo and Pacifc could be combined if needed.

-Urban Loop- Wasn't sure what to call this, but intended to connect the Urban Core with the districts: Aksarben Village to Blackstone to North Saddle Creek to Dundee and back to Aksarben Village.

-I added a section for future lines. This is to show the potential of adding on West Omaha network. All North/South lines funnel into Southport (132nd and Giles) where an express bus takes you to i-480 transit center.

-Express lines can start with working the street level. As the basement of the transit center gets built, those lines can move to the interstate level. One lane would be taken away to make it a transit lane under the station for safer unloading. As ridership increases, we can upgrade the buses to bigger capacity options like; BRT, double decker buses, light rail, etc.

https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mi ... 31212&z=11

[Dusty]

Added some visuals of a basic design for i-480 transit station. I'm not an architect or designer, but wanted to keep it simple. The pictures don't show the true scale, but explains how the station would function. 1 block wide by 3 blocks long. It would be built on top with 4 tunnels for traffic to come through: Harney, Farnam, Douglas, and Dodge. Each tunnel would have some form of canopy built to help block wind and snow. Streetcar and Dodge BRT would board inside the tunnel. Other lines would pull around the side to board to prevent bottlenecking of buses. This is why my map shows some lines hooking right next to the building. This is also the place for cars to pickup/drop off passengers, Uber, Lyft, etc.

Upper floor is continuous for the 3 blocks. If the city wants to make it more robust, they can add a hotel on top or rooftop greenspace/park. Basement level (interstate) could be built out later. If that was expanded, you can have all the express lines board here so those buses could stay on interstate level. Also, potential to add regional inter-city bus routes. Think of Megabus/Flix Bus/Greyhound to KC, Chicago, Denver, Lincoln, etc.

[Dusty]

In one of the other threads the topic of Omaha's identity came up. Some might think we are still trying to find our identity. And yes, there is an element of it shifting and evolving as we grow. But many have forgotten Omaha's incredible past.

We might see a lot of cars now, but Omaha has rich history in transportation. Freight trains with Union Pacific, a strong network in streetcars, and a major terminal for regional busing.

In the 1950's we ripped out the streetcar network along with a large Greyhound bus station. It was located on 18th and Farnam St. I will add some pictures for fun. There was a tunnel for buses to drive through, a waiting area, and a "lunchroom". This is similar to the elements I want in a new transit center. Tunnels for traffic to drive through. A pedestrian concourse with a food hall/shops concept.

Ultimately, I want everything under one roof with this new center. Street level for local Metro buses. Interstate level for regional buses :Trailways, Mega Bus, Flix Bus, etc. Plus, I really want to demolish that dilapidated terminal on 16th and Jackson. This area has so much potential for revitalization.

[Dusty]

I want to thank all of you that gave input on my vision. I know some may think the idea is too bold or a waste of time. I'm not here to play SimCity on a message board. I followed through with pitching it to the city. You can't make real change unless you are willing to speak up and share your ideas. I laid out my vision of the transit center as well as a riverwalk attraction next to it.

Big and bold ideas take time to spread and gain traction. I planted the seed. Hopefully, the concept grows within our network of city leaders.

[skip]

I want to thank all of you that gave input on my vision. I know some may think the idea is too bold or a waste of time. I'm not here to play SimCity on a message board. I followed through with pitching it to the city. You can't make real change unless you are willing to speak up and share your ideas. I laid out my vision of the transit center as well as a riverwalk attraction next to it.

Big and bold ideas take time to spread and gain traction. I planted the seed. Hopefully, the concept grows within our network of city leaders.

Love it! Thank you, Dusty for putting the time and effort in this! I really hope the city is able to consider something like this in the future.

[Louie]

Good on you, man.

[Renovator2559]

I want to thank all of you that gave input on my vision. I know some may think the idea is too bold or a waste of time. I'm not here to play SimCity on a message board. I followed through with pitching it to the city. You can't make real change unless you are willing to speak up and share your ideas. I laid out my vision of the transit center as well as a riverwalk attraction next to it.

Big and bold ideas take time to spread and gain traction. I planted the seed. Hopefully, the concept grows within our network of city leaders.

I have been paying attention to the overall ideas you have been bringing forth and the points you make regarding enhancing the pedestrian, connectedness and urban feel of areas, you get it; and I can't help but to nod yes whenever you make a point, since you summarize and connect the ideas well in the urban space, that many of us have or want in enhancing Omaha. Thanks for voicing your ideas outside of the forum and planting the seeds on the minds of our city leaders, never underestimate the power of bold ideas, to inspire and materialize into one form or another.

[Dusty]

Thanks for the support! So far, the city leaders that replied all gave positive comments. Some wanted to share with their team or forward on to different people/departments. It's making the rounds. I will keep on selling the vision.

One comment said it reminded them of the Salesforce Transit Center in San Franciso. It was not my intent, but there are similarities. I will post pictures for all to see. For me, my terminal's function is more to sell Omaha attractions and districts to passengers. You could say it's a transit oriented travel center. A way to sell fun and tourism and provide an extensive transit network curbside to take you to those attractions.

Similarities between transit center:
-Salesforce is 1 block by 4 blocks long. Mine is 1 block by 3 blocks
-Tunnels created so traffic can pass through
-Long term bike parking
-Both have regional bus/rail options to other cities
-I mentioned a hotel or rooftop park as an added feature. They went with the park option.

[Renovator2559]

That transit center is gorgeous! I just love the modern organic design!

The more we think about it, the more we need a transit center in this area, otherwise a transit center would need to be built somewhere within downtown and that would take away value land for development. The current arrangement of having 2-3 buses from different routes queuing on the side of the street by the MoO, is inadequate.

I am glad you brought this idea and it is a better idea than just replicating a landscape park from Dallas and KC.
Just hearing from you their reception to your idea, sounds good.

[Dusty]

Yes. I call it the Transit District. Because TOD has been sullied in North America by park and rides and poor transit lol.

I will put in a request for you. We can build giant wood doors. As the streetcar comes in the gate slowly opens.
Over the loud speaker they can announce "Welcome to Transit Park." HA!

Another random thought: Maybe some artwork shared with our sister cities. I have no idea what it would be, but it would be fun to see something grand proclaiming some of our modern identity.

When I was trying to explain the concept to leaders, I kept the whole thing simple. You would want a short and catchy name to make it a fun place to be. I dubbed it as "The Hub". Yes, it is a major hub for our transit network but also a destination as well. I used the line...A place to meet, greet, and explore Omaha.

For me, it's all about selling the function and potential it would bring to Omaha. Like I mentioned, upper floor is a travel center. The visitors center would have 3 blocks to spread their wings vs a tiny gift shop downtown. Lining the walls with posters of attractions and districts. QR codes on the posters so you can scan and learn more about them. Photo ops that would help sell Omaha. For example, A seal lion replica sitting next to a bench. Above it will say Visit Omaha: Henry Doorly Zoo. People will flock to this bench to take a selfie and post it on social media. Adding a jumbo-sized TV to broadcast local live events of crowds at CWS, Summer Arts Festival, Farmers Market, etc. We are not just selling attractions/events to people but selling the energy Omaha has to offer.

I have mentioned a few times I didn't want a slow-moving streetcar to the airport. I want a fast service connecting the airport to the transit center. Using the same strategy attractions use to force you through the gift shop as you leave. We are purposely funneling everyone here to sell Omaha with a bus service downstairs to take you there.