Omaha Streetcar Discussion

[thenewguy]

Is the streetcar route ending just west of 39th and Farnam? I thought it was going to 42nd st. On pg 7 there is a rending of a charging area for the streetcar, and I don't see any tracks extending further west.

I don't remember where I read it today, but the updated design now ends at 39th & Farnam to allow UNMC to review its ultimate extension through their campus to the innovation center.

It was mentioned in the news conference. Also, it will only go to Capitol on the east end.

There was also mention of possible expansions to North O, which they're seeking a $300k federal grant to study, possibly followed by an airport extensions.

Does that mean it won’t go up Cass along 10th anymore either?

That was my understanding from the news conference.

I would be ok with that b/c I was wondering how it would work with the streetcar, pedestrian and vehicle traffic during major events right near the Hilton. Stopping at Capitol still gets you within 2-3 blocks of CHI main entrance and Schwab Field.

It’s definitely not the worst change. No need for the stub for now if they’re looking to cut some costs.

I also imagine MECA had objections after spending all that time and money installing bollards.

looks great...but I still don't see how they are going to get it done in a few years.

[Garrett]

Is the streetcar route ending just west of 39th and Farnam? I thought it was going to 42nd st. On pg 7 there is a rending of a charging area for the streetcar, and I don't see any tracks extending further west.

I don't remember where I read it today, but the updated design now ends at 39th & Farnam to allow UNMC to review its ultimate extension through their campus to the innovation center.

It was mentioned in the news conference. Also, it will only go to Capitol on the east end.

There was also mention of possible expansions to North O, which they're seeking a $300k federal grant to study, possibly followed by an airport extensions.

Does that mean it won’t go up Cass along 10th anymore either?

That was my understanding from the news conference.

I would be ok with that b/c I was wondering how it would work with the streetcar, pedestrian and vehicle traffic during major events right near the Hilton. Stopping at Capitol still gets you within 2-3 blocks of CHI main entrance and Schwab Field.

It’s definitely not the worst change. No need for the stub for now if they’re looking to cut some costs.

I also imagine MECA had objections after spending all that time and money installing bollards.

looks great...but I still don't see how they are going to get it done in a few years.

The timeline we’ve been presented in slightly slower than KC’s starter line. 2027 is very doable. Even 2026 was doable if everything went according to plan.

[thenewguy]

Is the streetcar route ending just west of 39th and Farnam? I thought it was going to 42nd st. On pg 7 there is a rending of a charging area for the streetcar, and I don't see any tracks extending further west.

I don't remember where I read it today, but the updated design now ends at 39th & Farnam to allow UNMC to review its ultimate extension through their campus to the innovation center.

It was mentioned in the news conference. Also, it will only go to Capitol on the east end.

There was also mention of possible expansions to North O, which they're seeking a $300k federal grant to study, possibly followed by an airport extensions.

Does that mean it won’t go up Cass along 10th anymore either?

That was my understanding from the news conference.

I would be ok with that b/c I was wondering how it would work with the streetcar, pedestrian and vehicle traffic during major events right near the Hilton. Stopping at Capitol still gets you within 2-3 blocks of CHI main entrance and Schwab Field.

It’s definitely not the worst change. No need for the stub for now if they’re looking to cut some costs.

I also imagine MECA had objections after spending all that time and money installing bollards.

looks great...but I still don't see how they are going to get it done in a few years.

The timeline we’ve been presented in slightly slower than KC’s starter line. 2027 is very doable. Even 2026 was doable if everything went according to plan.

it feels a little like we should have the design nailed down by now in order to hit the 2027 target, right? Or is this all going to plan? Unless I'm grossly underestimating the time it will take to rebuild roads for the tracks. I mean maybe it is as simple as digging out only what you need to lay track, and then lay track, but it seems like they'd have to bolster the foundation a bit, right? I assume they are relatively heavy?

[ita]

I am bummed if they got rid of the 10th street spur to CHI Health Center Convention Center. I know a 10th and Capitol stop is only .5 miles to Charles Schwab, but the original terminus would have brought the streetcar closer to millwork, builders, all the hotels in North downtown, baby bob and riverfront condos people. This seems like a major loss to me. Plus it would make it that much more likely to see Lot B developed.

[Garrett]

I am bummed if they got rid of the 10th street spur to CHI Health Center Convention Center. I know a 10th and Capitol stop is only .5 miles to Charles Schwab, but the original terminus would have brought the streetcar closer to millwork, builders, all the hotels in North downtown, baby bob and riverfront condos people. This seems like a major loss to me. Plus it would make it that much more likely to see Lot B developed.

In the press conference they framed the removal of the spur as giving them more options to expand northwards in the future. Maybe, as others have noted, they were just less certain about the ability to get it up 10th.

[Coyote]

Omaha Mayor, officials provide update on Omaha Streetcar



Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert and officials provided update on the Omaha Streetcar Project after the design phases passed 30% completion.

[Jins123]

I hope they can incorporate the abandon bank building into an eventual stop for the med center. But am bummed to see no direct drop off at the arena or for the workforce at the med center, as of now

[Dusty]

I'm okay of scaling back the 10th extension to Cass and stopping at Capitol. They can always add an extension to Cass/Cuming later. But stopping the line at 39th St instead of 42nd St seems silly to me. I don't see how this is affecting the Med Center. Seems really strange having it stop right in the middle of Blackstone. What happens when they extend it? Tearing up 39th and Farnam again?

I do like the design of the shelters. Simple and easy to spot.

[MetcalfeHarrison]

Yeah scaling back on both ends of the route kind of sucks, but it makes sense I guess with where they're at with the budget. I also thought they would be further along by now, I think KC started moving their utilities prior to the streetcar work so I'm worried about delays there. I would guess that the biggest cause of schedule issues on projects like this are utilities so hopefully they move beyond just potholing them soon.

[GrowUpFrances]

Glad it sounds like some of the stops will include ETA signage. It would be really nice if they could also include heating lamps to make the wait experience more bearable in winter months. Minneapolis and Chicago have them at some transit stops.

[Louie]

Glad it sounds like some of the stops will include ETA signage. It would be really nice if they could also include heating lamps to make the wait experience more bearable in winter months. Minneapolis and Chicago have them at some transit stops.

Ooh that would be nice

[Coyote]

Omaha streetcar start and end locations could change



We've seen the map, heard about the process and even seen the city crews working along the route, now we have a first look at early designs of stops, power stations and more.

[Dusty]

There was also mention of possible expansions to North O, which they're seeking a $300k federal grant to study, possibly followed by an airport extensions.

IMO, they should not be spending money on an expansion study when they don't have the primary route built yet.
I have said before a streetcar is not the right mode to the airport. Way to slow. Passengers shouldn't be stressed about missing their flight because the streetcar moves too slow and keeps stopping. Streetcars are people movers meant to connect destinations or attractions.

If they were to add an extension the best route would be the 10th/13th Street corridor. You could connect: Pedestrian Bridge, Luminarium, Old Market, Durham Museum, Little Italy, Omaha Zoo and then back on 10th Street to Convention Center/Baseball Stadium.

[Busguy2010]

There was also mention of possible expansions to North O, which they're seeking a $300k federal grant to study, possibly followed by an airport extensions.

IMO, they should not be spending money on an expansion study when they don't have the primary route built yet.
I have said before a streetcar is not the right mode to the airport. Way to slow. Passengers shouldn't be stressed about missing their flight because the streetcar moves too slow and keeps stopping. Streetcars are people movers meant to connect destinations or attractions.

If they were to add an extension the best route would be the 10th/13th Street corridor. You could connect: Pedestrian Bridge, Luminarium, Old Market, Durham Museum, Little Italy, Omaha Zoo and then back on 10th Street to Convention Center/Baseball Stadium.

Correct. I'm a little less excited about the streetcar than I used to be. I don't want to call it a novelty because it'll definitely serve its purpose, but let's not forget functionality. ORBT would be better to serve the airport than a streetcar, and ultimately light rail or commuter rail. I hope they don't lose perspective and make the streetcar the end all be all. As you said, streetcars are just too slow. We need to keep rapid transit on the table.

[Athomsfere]

There was also mention of possible expansions to North O, which they're seeking a $300k federal grant to study, possibly followed by an airport extensions.

IMO, they should not be spending money on an expansion study when they don't have the primary route built yet.
I have said before a streetcar is not the right mode to the airport. Way to slow. Passengers shouldn't be stressed about missing their flight because the streetcar moves too slow and keeps stopping. Streetcars are people movers meant to connect destinations or attractions.

If they were to add an extension the best route would be the 10th/13th Street corridor. You could connect: Pedestrian Bridge, Luminarium, Old Market, Durham Museum, Little Italy, Omaha Zoo and then back on 10th Street to Convention Center/Baseball Stadium.

Correct. I'm a little less excited about the streetcar than I used to be. I don't want to call it a novelty because it'll definitely serve its purpose, but let's not forget functionality. ORBT would be better to serve the airport than a streetcar, and ultimately light rail or commuter rail. I hope they don't lose perspective and make the streetcar the end all be all. As you said, streetcars are just too slow. We need to keep rapid transit on the table.

The meetings I've gone to, they seem razor focused on that fact. Perhaps this is also dialing in expectations so the streetcar doesn't interfere with future streetcar routes and BRT/LRT options.

That seems very optimistic, but maybe.

[Garrett]

If I had to guess, UNMC’s changes to the Saddlecreek Campus and the now more uncertain future of Project NeXT probably influenced the change. Sounds like UNMC isn’t necessarily fully certain about a few pieces of their expansion plans and want more time to consider where to put the streetcar, as it seemed to be a big part of the early Admin Tower renderings. UNMC being on the hook for whatever extension they ask for seems to confirm it was them that asked for the change, not a cut by the streetcar authority.

Nixing the line north of Capitol also makes to me if they are indeed serious about a North O route. It would be silly to have a little stub run to just Cass street if they one day decide to run a line up 13th, for example.

[TheSeventhBrat]

https://publicinput.com/Customer/File/F ... 90dadce28e

It's hard to tell, but will there be street parking on the southside of Farnam? I'm looking primarily at 26th Street.

[Coyote]

City reveals design for Omaha's streetcar, plans for stations along the route



The first phase of Omaha's streetcar design is finished and includes plans for stations at the 16 stops along the route, as well as changes to the route to allow for future extension. The designs will be reviewed by the Urban Design Review Board this month, as required by city code. The city's planning department has reviewed the 30% designs and recommended approval.

[strangerthings]

I like that they’re using island stations through MTC and Blackstone. Gives a lot more flexibility to possibly expand pedestrian space in the district. The 39th terminus feels like a blunder though. Giving UNMC more time to sort stuff out? Odd. I fail to see how ending at 42nd would hamper that.

Agree, I am not sure those businesses would want a streetcar sitting in front of their doors just charging.

KC will often park one at the end of the line. People like going up and taking their photos with it. Basically like the static train displays you see at Council Bluffs or in random Midwest towns.

Here is a sponsored car parked in the KC equivalent of the Omaha streetcar charging spot.

[GenX]

There was also mention of possible expansions to North O, which they're seeking a $300k federal grant to study, possibly followed by an airport extensions.

IMO, they should not be spending money on an expansion study when they don't have the primary route built yet.
I have said before a streetcar is not the right mode to the airport. Way to slow. Passengers shouldn't be stressed about missing their flight because the streetcar moves too slow and keeps stopping. Streetcars are people movers meant to connect destinations or attractions.

If they were to add an extension the best route would be the 10th/13th Street corridor. You could connect: Pedestrian Bridge, Luminarium, Old Market, Durham Museum, Little Italy, Omaha Zoo and then back on 10th Street to Convention Center/Baseball Stadium.

They’re not spending the money, they’re being proactive in seeking the funds to explore future expansions. I don’t see how this is a negative. If you don’t agree, go to the meetings. Easy peesy.

How could you, or anyone, try and dictate where the streetcar should go when you have absolutely no knowledge or part of the decision?

Sorry, I’m ASD and a bit unnecessarily blunt with my statements sometimes.

[GenX]

https://publicinput.com/Customer/File/F ... 90dadce28e

It's hard to tell, but will there be street parking on the southside of Farnam? I'm looking primarily at 26th Street.

I would expect street parking to be strictly limited along the route. They only have so much space to work with, and I imagine parking would be the first/easiest sacrifice.

[Coyote]

Council Bluffs to begin streetcar study as Omaha presses forward



COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa — As we learned more about Omaha's streetcar Tuesday, there are plans in motion to get it moving across the river. Council Bluffs has been looking at a possible extension along First Avenue. As soon as December, the city will begin a study on how to make it happen and how much it'll cost. The mayor's chief of staff, Brandon Garrett, says there's a clear path for the streetcar in Council Bluffs. "For us in Council Bluffs, it's almost a no-brainer on where it should go," Garrett said. It'd run along what they call First Avenue. That's the trail just south of Broadway where the railroad used to sit.

[Dusty]

There was also mention of possible expansions to North O, which they're seeking a $300k federal grant to study, possibly followed by an airport extensions.

IMO, they should not be spending money on an expansion study when they don't have the primary route built yet.
I have said before a streetcar is not the right mode to the airport. Way to slow. Passengers shouldn't be stressed about missing their flight because the streetcar moves too slow and keeps stopping. Streetcars are people movers meant to connect destinations or attractions.

If they were to add an extension the best route would be the 10th/13th Street corridor. You could connect: Pedestrian Bridge, Luminarium, Old Market, Durham Museum, Little Italy, Omaha Zoo and then back on 10th Street to Convention Center/Baseball Stadium.

They’re not spending the money, they’re being proactive in seeking the funds to explore future expansions. I don’t see how this is a negative. If you don’t agree, go to the meetings. Easy peesy.

How could you, or anyone, try and dictate where the streetcar should go when you have absolutely no knowledge or part of the decision?

Sorry, I’m ASD and a bit unnecessarily blunt with my statements sometimes.

Not everyone can attend these meetings. Some have work schedule conflicts, personal obligations, or live in different states. You can still give your input through their website. And yes....ALL of our opinions matter! We are the passengers who will make it a success or a failure. So us giving them suggestions on route expansions is important. It tells them how to build the primary line so they can add lines WE want to ride.

[TheSeventhBrat]

https://publicinput.com/Customer/File/F ... 90dadce28e

It's hard to tell, but will there be street parking on the southside of Farnam? I'm looking primarily at 26th Street.

I would expect street parking to be strictly limited along the route. They only have so much space to work with, and I imagine parking would be the first/easiest sacrifice.

My office is directly across the street from the stop on 26th and Farnam. We have semis and large trucks loading and unloading in front of our warehouse on Farnam all day long. With the way the building is constructed, there isn't another option to load/unload trucks. I'm curious if we'll still be here in the next couple years.

[ita]

Council Bluffs to begin streetcar study as Omaha presses forward



COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa — As we learned more about Omaha's streetcar Tuesday, there are plans in motion to get it moving across the river. Council Bluffs has been looking at a possible extension along First Avenue. As soon as December, the city will begin a study on how to make it happen and how much it'll cost. The mayor's chief of staff, Brandon Garrett, says there's a clear path for the streetcar in Council Bluffs. "For us in Council Bluffs, it's almost a no-brainer on where it should go," Garrett said. It'd run along what they call First Avenue. That's the trail just south of Broadway where the railroad used to sit.

Thanks for posting! Good to see CB moving forward. Study to begin as early as the end of this year with a 2025 completion date. It all hinges on that bridge. Really hoping they and Omaha can figure it out. Would be awesome to see the streetcar make edits way over the river by 2030, though since the bridge would be dependent on federal funds, likely much after that.

[BRoss]

UNMC has a draft plan but no timeline or specifics.

https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/11/08 ... car-route/

The University of Nebraska Medical Center said Wednesday it is interested in participating in a second phase of Omaha’s modern streetcar project, one that could take the streetcar route west onto UNMC’s growing campus.

UNMC responded to the Nebraska Examiner in a statement, saying that its leadership has provided the City of Omaha with a proposal “to create a second phase to extend the streetcar.”
An example of what a modern streetcar looks like. Omaha’s design, color and other details will depend on the chosen manufacturer. Bids are to be opened Jan. 24, with selection of a carmaker expected in February. (Courtesy of CAF)

Medical center leaders believe that such an extension could be funded by public tax-increment financing. UNMC officials offered no timeline and declined to answer more specific questions on the streetcar topic.

“UNMC leaders have provided the city with a draft plan to create a second phase to extend the streetcar, which would be supported by additional TIF funding opportunities as the Saddle Creek property expansion looks to incorporate private business and residential properties,” said UNMC, Nebraska’s only public academic health science center.

[halgy]

UNMC and UNO should combine forces to extend the line through the UNMC campus and all the way to the north UNO campus. And then south to Aksarben. And then buy me a pony.

[Dusty]

Ooh a pony! We can ride it to the train stop and wait for the next streetcar! LOL!

Taking the line to the edge of the Med Center (42nd St) was the original plan to stop. If they want to pay the money to extend it through their campus, then that's on them. But anything longer than this would create really long wait times for trains. Any extension would be an entirely different line. They said Farnam route will take 40 minutes to make the whole circuit. Add in the 5-6 cars and it should bring the wait time down to 8-12 minutes between trains.

I get the excitement of expanding the network. Keep in mind, streetcars are meant to move slow and connect a ton of destinations in a dense environment. To me, Farnam and 10/13th corridors are the only ones that match that.

I feel like we can do a better job connecting Aksarben via bus. Faster and can handle some of those hills better.

[halgy]

Could they not just add more trains to keep wait times low? I assumed that'd be part of any extension.

The route I indiated has some low-density sections, but not that much worse than 10th/13th. Also, it is close enough to Dodge to get some usage from developments there. Once it gets through the residential neighborhoods, UNO/Aksarben have enough potential ridership to make it worthwhile (I'd imagine it would be a big selling point for UNO). And there's always the possibility that some additional density would be built somewhere along the line.

I also vaguely think having some SFH attached to the line would be good, as it would provide more options. Someone might want to work at UNMC and is interested in living car-free, but doesn't want to live in a condo. Without the streetcar, they'd be likely to live wherever and just drive. Having some SFH available along good transit would make the system as a whole more appealing to more people. It might not be worth extending the streetcar into a SFH area, but going through one to get to a couple of other dense areas could be.

[Coyote]

Blackstone business sees opportunity in streetcar

[Dusty]

Could they not just add more trains to keep wait times low? I assumed that'd be part of any extension.

The route I indiated has some low-density sections, but not that much worse than 10th/13th. Also, it is close enough to Dodge to get some usage from developments there. Once it gets through the residential neighborhoods, UNO/Aksarben have enough potential ridership to make it worthwhile (I'd imagine it would be a big selling point for UNO). And there's always the possibility that some additional density would be built somewhere along the line.

I also vaguely think having some SFH attached to the line would be good, as it would provide more options. Someone might want to work at UNMC and is interested in living car-free, but doesn't want to live in a condo. Without the streetcar, they'd be likely to live wherever and just drive. Having some SFH available along good transit would make the system as a whole more appealing to more people. It might not be worth extending the streetcar into a SFH area, but going through one to get to a couple of other dense areas could be.

Streetcars work in very dense areas. They need the population and tax dollars to support it. Streetcars move slow to connect attractions/districts that you could technically walk to. Think of it like the movable walkways at airports. Yes, I can walk the concourse, but the walkway is slightly faster, convenient, and a little fun. The streetcar is a larger scale of that. It will be moving at 8-12 mph. You could easily ride a bicycle faster than this. People will be jumping on and off quickly. Example: Eat dinner at Midtown Crossing then jump on to Blackstone for dessert. Finish a concert at the CHI and ride to the Old Market for drinks after.

[skinzfan23]

Streetcars work in very dense areas. They need the population and tax dollars to support it. Streetcars move slow to connect attractions/districts that you could technically walk to. Think of it like the movable walkways at airports. Yes, I can walk the concourse, but the walkway is slightly faster, convenient, and a little fun. The streetcar is a larger scale of that. It will be moving at 8-12 mph. You could easily ride a bicycle faster than this. People will be jumping on and off quickly. Example: Eat dinner at Midtown Crossing then jump on to Blackstone for dessert. Finish a concert at the CHI and ride to the Old Market for drinks after.

Thank you....this is what so many people don't seem to understand. We don't need extensions to north Omaha, the airport or the zoo (at least not anytime in the near future) This is not light rail and not going to be working in the same manner. Like the example you mentioned, that is exactly what it would be for. Hopping from one district to another but not for someone in a hurry to catch a flight or travel across the whole metro.

I think the extension to CB is intriguing but I can't imagine how they are going to pay for it unless the casinos pay some of it. Also I am not sure that it is needed either, since that isn't a densely populated area on the west end.

[Garrett]

Streetcars work in very dense areas. They need the population and tax dollars to support it. Streetcars move slow to connect attractions/districts that you could technically walk to. Think of it like the movable walkways at airports. Yes, I can walk the concourse, but the walkway is slightly faster, convenient, and a little fun. The streetcar is a larger scale of that. It will be moving at 8-12 mph. You could easily ride a bicycle faster than this. People will be jumping on and off quickly. Example: Eat dinner at Midtown Crossing then jump on to Blackstone for dessert. Finish a concert at the CHI and ride to the Old Market for drinks after.

Thank you....this is what so many people don't seem to understand. We don't need extensions to north Omaha, the airport or the zoo (at least not anytime in the near future) This is not light rail and not going to be working in the same manner. Like the example you mentioned, that is exactly what it would be for. Hopping from one district to another but not for someone in a hurry to catch a flight or travel across the whole metro.

I think the extension to CB is intriguing but I can't imagine how they are going to pay for it unless the casinos pay some of it. Also I am not sure that it is needed either, since that isn't a densely populated area on the west end.

Council Bluffs is looking to get federal dollars, and then basically heavily invest in densifying they corridor. They want to add around 55k people just along their streetcar line, which would be impressive if they manage it. I think North O and the Zoo are both fine investments for lines as well, assuming enough new housing can be built along it.

[halgy]

Streetcars work in very dense areas. They need the population and tax dollars to support it. Streetcars move slow to connect attractions/districts that you could technically walk to. Think of it like the movable walkways at airports. Yes, I can walk the concourse, but the walkway is slightly faster, convenient, and a little fun. The streetcar is a larger scale of that. It will be moving at 8-12 mph. You could easily ride a bicycle faster than this. People will be jumping on and off quickly. Example: Eat dinner at Midtown Crossing then jump on to Blackstone for dessert. Finish a concert at the CHI and ride to the Old Market for drinks after.

Thank you....this is what so many people don't seem to understand. We don't need extensions to north Omaha, the airport or the zoo (at least not anytime in the near future) This is not light rail and not going to be working in the same manner. Like the example you mentioned, that is exactly what it would be for. Hopping from one district to another but not for someone in a hurry to catch a flight or travel across the whole metro.

I think the extension to CB is intriguing but I can't imagine how they are going to pay for it unless the casinos pay some of it. Also I am not sure that it is needed either, since that isn't a densely populated area on the west end.

That's fair enough. I'm definitely not an expert. I was just hoping that the potential for development and other opportunities (and somewhat connecting to Dodge) along the route would make it plausible. Not all areas are dense now, but the streetcar could help push in that direction. I don't see light rail coming in any time soon, so this would be the only opportunity for higher-quality transit down to Aksarben anytime soon.

I'd agree with Garrett that an extension north/south would be more productive and plausible, especially if they take it in increments rather than needing to do it all at once.

[Dusty]

Streetcars work in very dense areas. They need the population and tax dollars to support it. Streetcars move slow to connect attractions/districts that you could technically walk to. Think of it like the movable walkways at airports. Yes, I can walk the concourse, but the walkway is slightly faster, convenient, and a little fun. The streetcar is a larger scale of that. It will be moving at 8-12 mph. You could easily ride a bicycle faster than this. People will be jumping on and off quickly. Example: Eat dinner at Midtown Crossing then jump on to Blackstone for dessert. Finish a concert at the CHI and ride to the Old Market for drinks after.

Thank you....this is what so many people don't seem to understand. We don't need extensions to north Omaha, the airport or the zoo (at least not anytime in the near future) This is not light rail and not going to be working in the same manner. Like the example you mentioned, that is exactly what it would be for. Hopping from one district to another but not for someone in a hurry to catch a flight or travel across the whole metro.

I think the extension to CB is intriguing but I can't imagine how they are going to pay for it unless the casinos pay some of it. Also I am not sure that it is needed either, since that isn't a densely populated area on the west end.

Council Bluffs is looking to get federal dollars, and then basically heavily invest in densifying they corridor. They want to add around 55k people just along their streetcar line, which would be impressive if they manage it. I think North O and the Zoo are both fine investments for lines as well, assuming enough new housing can be built along it.

I remember when Blackstone was nothing more than 2 dumpy dive bars on 40th and Farnam. All it took was a few solid businesses to spark an explosion of growth. Council Bluffs will be the same once the streetcar gets approved. 1st Ave used to be railroad tracks, but converted to walking/bike path. The cost to convert this back to a train tracks will be much less than Omaha's streetcar. No busting up streets or moving utilities. Also, City of Council Bluffs owns a ton of land along Broadway. They are very eager to start attracting hotels, and mixed use developments along the route. The biggest hurdle is getting federal funding to build the multi-modal bridge across the river.

[Dusty]

Streetcars work in very dense areas. They need the population and tax dollars to support it. Streetcars move slow to connect attractions/districts that you could technically walk to. Think of it like the movable walkways at airports. Yes, I can walk the concourse, but the walkway is slightly faster, convenient, and a little fun. The streetcar is a larger scale of that. It will be moving at 8-12 mph. You could easily ride a bicycle faster than this. People will be jumping on and off quickly. Example: Eat dinner at Midtown Crossing then jump on to Blackstone for dessert. Finish a concert at the CHI and ride to the Old Market for drinks after.

Thank you....this is what so many people don't seem to understand. We don't need extensions to north Omaha, the airport or the zoo (at least not anytime in the near future) This is not light rail and not going to be working in the same manner. Like the example you mentioned, that is exactly what it would be for. Hopping from one district to another but not for someone in a hurry to catch a flight or travel across the whole metro.

I think the extension to CB is intriguing but I can't imagine how they are going to pay for it unless the casinos pay some of it. Also I am not sure that it is needed either, since that isn't a densely populated area on the west end.

That's fair enough. I'm definitely not an expert. I was just hoping that the potential for development and other opportunities (and somewhat connecting to Dodge) along the route would make it plausible. Not all areas are dense now, but the streetcar could help push in that direction. I don't see light rail coming in any time soon, so this would be the only opportunity for higher-quality transit down to Aksarben anytime soon.

I'd agree with Garrett that an extension north/south would be more productive and plausible, especially if they take it in increments rather than needing to do it all at once.

Don't underestimate the power of a great bus network. METRO is getting better and better. With a great network it extends your reach to more areas that you wouldn't necessarily walk to. I will expand on the previous example...Eat dinner at Midtown, jump on streetcar to Blackstone for dessert, jump on the bus to Aksarben Village to nighttime concert at Stinson Park.

[Renovator2559]

Streetcars work in very dense areas. They need the population and tax dollars to support it. Streetcars move slow to connect attractions/districts that you could technically walk to. Think of it like the movable walkways at airports. Yes, I can walk the concourse, but the walkway is slightly faster, convenient, and a little fun. The streetcar is a larger scale of that. It will be moving at 8-12 mph. You could easily ride a bicycle faster than this. People will be jumping on and off quickly. Example: Eat dinner at Midtown Crossing then jump on to Blackstone for dessert. Finish a concert at the CHI and ride to the Old Market for drinks after.

I don't know what type streetcar you mention is slow, but I did not feel that the KC streetcar was slow at all, it moves at the general pace of regular traffic and bicycles cannot outrun it. In fact the speed is comparable to that of a regular bus, with bus station interval stops.

Our streetcar will have stations as everyone knows, so there is no one hopping in or hopping out whenever. If the KC streetcar is our model, then our experience will be similar.

The KC streetcar is packed and full, with plenty of people standing and that's despite that KC still has plenty of parking lots surrounding the route that they are most likely in the process in filling in. You can see all demographics in the KC streetcar, which indicates a total success.

I can sense that our streetcar will be just as a success, as the Omaha route has few parking lots and shovel ready lots for development; a longer initial length of the route and districts more strategically aligned to the route. It will be beautiful to see the transformation along the transit path!

Don't underestimate the power of a great bus network. METRO is getting better and better. With a great network it extends your reach to more areas that you wouldn't necessarily walk to. I will expand on the previous example...Eat dinner at Midtown, jump on streetcar to Blackstone for dessert, jump on the bus to Aksarben Village to nighttime concert at Stinson Park.

Well yes, but we also have to remember that the bus also carries a stigma here in the states by some people of being the most undesirable transportation, you will not see people with this mindset on buses but you will see them in light rail and streetcars. Of course this mindset can change if our transit networks continue to grow and expand. The streetcar is the gateway in getting people in buses.

Council Bluffs is looking to get federal dollars, and then basically heavily invest in densifying they corridor. They want to add around 55k people just along their streetcar line, which would be impressive if they manage it. I think North O and the Zoo are both fine investments for lines as well, assuming enough new housing can be built along it.

I've been impressed with Council Bluffs, I do not know how Council Bluffs is getting the funds in creating stroad Broadway, that does not look like an eyesore, as well as installing the bike paths and walkways, while not skimping on materials by their use of landscaping, bricklaying and wavy design street lamps, decorative street columns. Council Bluffs is doing a good job in upholding aesthetics and their hunger for the streetcar is impressive. Based on the pieces they have laid and the cooperation of both sides, I can see that goal being met and even exceeded!

[Dundeemaha]

I do not know how Council Bluffs is getting the funds in creating stroad Broadway,

The Iowa West Foundation (money from gambling) contributed $10 million. The state contributed $16-20 million in exchange for Council Bluffs taking on more of the maintenance burden down the line. That was the vast majority.

[F0R_L1F3]

Wanted to post this a few days ago but looks like a bike lane on Farnarm? Is this actually going to happen or is this just for nice looks in the photo?

[Dusty]

Wanted to post this a few days ago but looks like a bike lane on Farnarm? Is this actually going to happen or is this just for nice looks in the photo?

It appears to be a cyclist crossing an intersection with crosswalk lines. It does seem like they widened the sidewalk from the pictures. As long as there is room, I don't see why they couldn't put in a protected bike lane next to the sidewalk. If you are going to spend the money to bust up the curb, then put in a bike lane as well.