Omaha Streetcar Discussion

[F0R_L1F3]

Ah, my mistake then. That little buffer threw me off and made me think that it was a bike lane. And yeah, with how wide the street is, it would be nice for extra improvements like that.

[iamjacobm]

[Dusty]

Thanks for adding Jacob. The other picture cut off the full visual. Glad to see a buffered bike lane is part of the design!
Although, I feel like they could do something more aesthetically pleasing. Maybe I'm just partial to Dutch design.

[Renovator2559]

That is some great eye candy! I'm a fan of the textures and colors of the Dutch aesthetic, we need less grey and more of this, layered materials and textures.

After all the Dutch aesthetic would integrate well with the Omaha aesthetic of bricked buildings.

[TheSeventhBrat]

Thanks for adding Jacob. The other picture cut off the full visual. Glad to see a buffered bike lane is part of the design!
Although, I feel like they could do something more aesthetically pleasing. Maybe I'm just partial to Dutch design.

There are not any plans for a protected bike lane against the curb on the south side of Farnam. My office is directly across the street from the stop between 25th Ave and 26th Ave on Farnam. My boss and his boss had a teleconference with the project manager for HDR who confirmed the curb lane on the south side will remain parking with semi/truck parking for our business.

Also, this stop will be in front of All Makes.

[halgy]

Looks like Farnam at that point is currently 4 lanes of traffic and parallel parking on both sides. The render is 2 lanes of traffic (one shared with the streetcar) and no parking on the north. It seems like there should be a lot of room to dedicate to a bike lane, even if it isn't protected by parking/landscaping. Unless the render is lying and they put in another lane or two for cars.

Change of topic: the new plan mentions that the Farnam/Harney bridges over 480 will be replaced as part of the streetcar build. Anyone know if the streetcar has to pay for all of that? Or if there's any talk about doing the lid over 480 as part of this (as has been talked about elsewhere)?

[skinzfan23]

I wondered about the replacement of the bridges as well and where that cost is coming from. It seems with how long road construction takes here they should get started on that really soon. A bridge replacement over the interstate is probably going to take 1-3 years to plan and complete and they want the whole project complete by 2027?

[ita]

Change of topic: the new plan mentions that the Farnam/Harney bridges over 480 will be replaced as part of the streetcar build. Anyone know if the streetcar has to pay for all of that? Or if there's any talk about doing the lid over 480 as part of this (as has been talked about elsewhere)?

If I am recalling correctly, the bridges are being replaced in coordination with the State, though I don't know if the State is paying some of the replacement cost.

Regarding the Lid, the recently released 30% design plan does not include the Lid. Additionally, I would imagine that the City would be trying to get federal funds to pay some of the project costs. There are specific dollars set aside that can be used for projects like this, either for planning or construction, under the Reconnecting Communities and Neighborhoods Grant Program. There's about $1 billion, and $185 million was awarded earlier this year. I am thinking the Lid will be a future project not tied to the new bridges being built for the streetcar, though it would of been neat to get it done together.

[Dusty]

Change of topic: the new plan mentions that the Farnam/Harney bridges over 480 will be replaced as part of the streetcar build. Anyone know if the streetcar has to pay for all of that? Or if there's any talk about doing the lid over 480 as part of this (as has been talked about elsewhere)?

If I am recalling correctly, the bridges are being replaced in coordination with the State, though I don't know if the State is paying some of the replacement cost.

Regarding the Lid, the recently released 30% design plan does not include the Lid. Additionally, I would imagine that the City would be trying to get federal funds to pay some of the project costs. There are specific dollars set aside that can be used for projects like this, either for planning or construction, under the Reconnecting Communities and Neighborhoods Grant Program. There's about $1 billion, and $185 million was awarded earlier this year. I am thinking the Lid will be a future project not tied to the new bridges being built for the streetcar, though it would of been neat to get it done together.

I don't know much about the financing, but knew the bridges were coming to the end of their life cycle. It works out to be nice timing with the streetcar. They can put in the new rails while they work on the bridges.

The Lid was a concept they threw out there to spark excitement about reinventing the Urban Core. Even Titos mentioned it looked like a concept drawing. I mean how many concept renderings did we see of Crossroads that never amounted to anything? When I reached out to the Chamber to sell my transit center idea over the same space they responded with "That's a great idea! We will add it to our options when we are ready to work on that project."

[MetcalfeHarrison]

Change of topic: the new plan mentions that the Farnam/Harney bridges over 480 will be replaced as part of the streetcar build. Anyone know if the streetcar has to pay for all of that? Or if there's any talk about doing the lid over 480 as part of this (as has been talked about elsewhere)?

If I am recalling correctly, the bridges are being replaced in coordination with the State, though I don't know if the State is paying some of the replacement cost.

Regarding the Lid, the recently released 30% design plan does not include the Lid. Additionally, I would imagine that the City would be trying to get federal funds to pay some of the project costs. There are specific dollars set aside that can be used for projects like this, either for planning or construction, under the Reconnecting Communities and Neighborhoods Grant Program. There's about $1 billion, and $185 million was awarded earlier this year. I am thinking the Lid will be a future project not tied to the new bridges being built for the streetcar, though it would of been neat to get it done together.

I know the original plan for the bridges was to split the costs for replacement with NDOT and do the work while NDOT reconfigured the ramps here, but then NDOT decided against doing anything with the ramps so I think it will all be city funds now. I would think that they would have to get going on these first thing this spring to stay on schedule, but if they are just getting to 60% design it may be a stretch.

[skinzfan23]

That is my point, in order to stay on schedule they are really going to have to ramp up the schedule of the bridges.

Hopefully the replacement bridges are more aesthetically pleasing as well. Based on the renderings, it should look similar to the Ave G viaduct in CB over the railroad tracks.

[thenewguy]

are the bridges actually being replaced, or just 'refurbished'?

[skinzfan23]

Don't think this has been posted but here is the updated route map:

[MetcalfeHarrison]

are the bridges actually being replaced, or just 'refurbished'?

Full replacement, I don't think the existing bridges could handle the additional loads from the tracks and equipment. Even if they could do a rehab, you would just end up having to shut everything down in 10-20 years when the bridges were obsolete so it's better to just do it all now.

[TitosBuritoBarn]

Don't think this has been posted but here is the updated route map:

This is good. I like this. A useful starter route with options left for appropriate expansion.

[ita]

Don't think this has been posted but here is the updated route map:

Hmm, I know Phase 1B is preliminary, but the North Omaha extension is via 10th, not 16th. I would be all for a North extension on 10th that passes Millwork, Charles Schwab and hotel district, and Builders, including possible Trader Joe's as it doubles back on Cuming going West, then goes north on 16th. There is the train track at the Cuming and 14th intersection to deal with, but that at least was identified as needing to be removed in the urban core plan to help facilitate future development.

[halgy]

Don't think this has been posted but here is the updated route map:

I'm nervous about that big gap between the 13th and 19th stations on the westbound route. Same with the gap between the 15th and 10th stops eastbound (and 15th/19th). I'd really prefer if they'd add in one more set of stations in between and even out those distances (e.g., stations at 10th/13th/16th/19th, both east- & westbound).

You can definitely argue that the current layout just means one or two more blocks of walking, which isn't a big deal. But this is going to be the first transit that a lot of people interface with, and they'll likely be a lot less tolerant of the extra distance. If they have to walk half a mile anyway, they might opt to just drive instead. Developers may also be less inclined to build in the gaps (or, more likely, several blocks north/south of the gaps).

I'd hate for the system to be less than it could be for want of a couple more stations.

[skinzfan23]

The good news is, there is a whole lot of development opportunity on 14-19th and Farnam. That area is pretty well developed at this point. 19-24th and Farnam is where most of that opportunity lies, or in the area just to the east of Midtown Crossing.

[GenX]

The good news is, there is a whole lot of development opportunity on 14-19th and Farnam. That area is pretty well developed at this point. 19-24th and Farnam is where most of that opportunity lies, or in the area just to the east of Midtown Crossing.

East of MTC will explode in growth. Perhaps MoO’s reason for acquiring all that land was so they could ensure it was used for something significant after the streetcar goes through there?

[Dusty]

Hmm, I know Phase 1B is preliminary, but the North Omaha extension is via 10th, not 16th. I would be all for a North extension on 10th that passes Millwork, Charles Schwab and hotel district, and Builders, including possible Trader Joe's as it doubles back on Cuming going West, then goes north on 16th. There is the train track at the Cuming and 14th intersection to deal with, but that at least was identified as needing to be removed in the urban core plan to help facilitate future development.

When they mentioned they are asking for a study for a North Omaha extension, do you think they meant "North Downtown Omaha?" This makes a big difference. North Downtown would be roughly 10th St from Capital to Cuming.

I have mentioned before, I am against a 16th Street extension to the airport. It's the wrong mode...too slow. The city has already committed a large portion of this corridor for Industrial space. Just because we can build it, doesn't mean it's the right fit. First impressions mean everything. Slowly moving past dollar stores, a ton of warehouses, and swarms of homeless lingering around the Sienna Francis House is not a good image for first time visitors coming from the airport.

I don't mean to spam the group with my transit map, but my 10th/13th route connects many of the major attractions along 10th. Getting the zoo to make a sizable donation to line could add them into the mix. The line currently ends at Cuming, but the train could go around the baseball stadium and through the Builders district in order to turn around and start the circuit over.

https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?hl ... 45444&z=12

[GenX]

Hmm, I know Phase 1B is preliminary, but the North Omaha extension is via 10th, not 16th. I would be all for a North extension on 10th that passes Millwork, Charles Schwab and hotel district, and Builders, including possible Trader Joe's as it doubles back on Cuming going West, then goes north on 16th. There is the train track at the Cuming and 14th intersection to deal with, but that at least was identified as needing to be removed in the urban core plan to help facilitate future development.

When they mentioned they are asking for a study for a North Omaha extension, do you think they meant "North Downtown Omaha?" This makes a big difference. North Downtown would be roughly 10th St from Capital to Cuming.

I have mentioned before, I am against a 16th Street extension to the airport. It's the wrong mode...too slow. The city has already committed a large portion of this corridor for Industrial space. Just because we can build it, doesn't mean it's the right fit. First impressions mean everything. Slowly moving past dollar stores, a ton of warehouses, and swarms of homeless lingering around the Sienna Francis House is not a good image for first time visitors coming from the airport.

I don't mean to spam the group with my transit map, but my 10th/13th route connects many of the major attractions along 10th. Getting the zoo to make a sizable donation to line could add them into the mix. The line currently ends at Cuming, but the train could go around the baseball stadium and through the Builders district in order to turn around and start the circuit over.

https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?hl ... 45444&z=12

A route up Fontenelle would be ideal.

[Dusty]

The good news is, there is a whole lot of development opportunity on 14-19th and Farnam. That area is pretty well developed at this point. 19-24th and Farnam is where most of that opportunity lies, or in the area just to the east of Midtown Crossing.

East of MTC will explode in growth. Perhaps MoO’s reason for acquiring all that land was so they could ensure it was used for something significant after the streetcar goes through there?

I will take this comment up a notch. By the time the streetcar is built, Mutual of Omaha will be moved into the new skyscraper. This means the former campus will be up for redevelopment. All the land East and West of Midtown Crossing will be getting redeveloped at the same time! Double explosion of growth!

[GenX]

The good news is, there is a whole lot of development opportunity on 14-19th and Farnam. That area is pretty well developed at this point. 19-24th and Farnam is where most of that opportunity lies, or in the area just to the east of Midtown Crossing.

East of MTC will explode in growth. Perhaps MoO’s reason for acquiring all that land was so they could ensure it was used for something significant after the streetcar goes through there?

I will take this comment up a notch. By the time the streetcar is built, Mutual of Omaha will be moved into the new skyscraper. This means the former campus will be up for redevelopment. All the land East and West of Midtown Crossing will be getting redeveloped at the same time! Double explosion of growth!

Indeed!

[Dusty]

I got to say the red streetcar in the recent pictures looks pretty sharp. Of the four designs I'm not a fan of the confetti splatter look. I'm fine with the solid red or solid blue to match the buses.

[GenX]

I got to say the red streetcar in the recent pictures looks pretty sharp. Of the four designs I'm not a fan of the confetti splatter look. I'm fine with the solid red or solid blue to match the buses.

I hope they will be red, especially Husker red.

[thenewguy]

I think they would be cool if they used Mav red and black, Creighton Blue and White, something artsy for Joslyn, something leopard/jungle for the zoo, baseball/'best show on dirt' for the CWS, blue/green/earthy for the riverfront

[Busguy2010]

Anybody remember when Metro acquired buses from Orlando? There was about 10-15 of them and they were all different colors. It was kinda fun. At the time, I didn't make a point of it, but I took note when I rode each different one and each one had their own character, including the interiors. Maybe that would be a small incentive for people to ride more often? I think a leopard, zebra, tiger, reptile print would be pretty wild. If they decide on a single color, it's pretty common to put wraps on them.

[F0R_L1F3]

I think they would be cool if they used Mav red and black, Creighton Blue and White, something artsy for Joslyn, something leopard/jungle for the zoo, baseball/'best show on dirt' for the CWS, blue/green/earthy for the riverfront

It would be awesome if as the fleet expands, there's a lot more variation in the streetcars. That would be neat to see different variations representing different attractions of Omaha not only on a picture but designed onto the car itself. Really would bring out the pride of Omaha and fit into the surrounding environments plus show off what it's made of. These little details count in my opinion and would just pop a lot of things out.

[thenewguy]

we are starting with 4 or 5, street cars, right?

[skinzfan23]

we are starting with 4 or 5, street cars, right?

Bid documents for the purchase of the modern streetcars have been advertised. The Omaha Streetcar Authority plans to buy six cars. Bids will be opened Jan. 24, 2023, with selection of the carmaker expected in February.

[Athomsfere]

we are starting with 4 or 5, street cars, right?

6 with 4 running

[Coyote]

'I have to just push through it':
Omaha bus riders react to possible streetcar warming stations



Officials planning the Omaha streetcar are thinking about how to keep riders warm. City design officials sparked up the idea to include heaters at streetcar stops. The Omaha Streetcar Authority president says it might consider heaters at a future meeting. City bus riders say they are feeling the cold shoulder Tuesday.

[iamjacobm]

Genuinely curious does any city have warmers at bus stops? I could see them at some major transfer stops, but I know my bus stops in Chicago didn’t have them.

[Renovator2559]

Interesting choices, which design is best? They mentioned that they wanted to use the design that echoes the design language of Omaha. I wonder if the design with the green and blue circles is the one. As the Omaha public library uses these colors and tones in it's logos, as well the riverfront signage and logos.



The all red looks nice but I don't think I have seen anything around the core that accentuates that design choice.

The red and white looks sleek and nice too and provides a contrast to the ORBT orange and blue white buses.

Finally the blue and white appears to complement and blend in with the metro busses.

Somehow the blue and green design appears to be the most sus.

[omahahawk]

I see that the Streetcar Authority has decided to postpone the stretch of track that was to go down 10th and Capital in an effort to prevent cost overruns and focus on more north/south expansion. Admittedly that is kind of a bummer as that particular station probably would have been one of the ones I used most. However, I will say walking up to 10th and Capital is really a minor inconvenience, at least for me, if it ultimately means getting this off the ground closer to budget with the max potential ridership. So just curious here, if this stretch of line is slated for future expansion....what do you all think "the future" means....5 maybe 10 years?

[Garrett]

I see that the Streetcar Authority has decided to postpone the stretch of track that was to go down 10th and Capital in an effort to prevent cost overruns and focus on more north/south expansion. Admittedly that is kind of a bummer as that particular station probably would have been one of the ones I used most. However, I will say walking up to 10th and Capital is really a minor inconvenience, at least for me, if it ultimately means getting this off the ground closer to budget with the max potential ridership. So just curious here, if this stretch of line is slated for future expansion....what do you all think "the future" means....5 maybe 10 years?

It'll depend on how quickly funding comes and from what sources. There does seem to be a lot of general enthusiasm for a line to go north. Assuming all of the stars line up, I could see as soon as 2-4 years after the starter line, but more likely later than that, so sometime in the 2030s.

[Busguy2010]

I see that the Streetcar Authority has decided to postpone the stretch of track that was to go down 10th and Capital in an effort to prevent cost overruns and focus on more north/south expansion. Admittedly that is kind of a bummer as that particular station probably would have been one of the ones I used most. However, I will say walking up to 10th and Capital is really a minor inconvenience, at least for me, if it ultimately means getting this off the ground closer to budget with the max potential ridership. So just curious here, if this stretch of line is slated for future expansion....what do you all think "the future" means....5 maybe 10 years?

10th & Capitol is actually the better entrance to the arena than 10th & Cass, too. So to me it's no big deal. In all irony, they'd likely shut that part of the line down during the CWS anyway because the streetcar would "cause traffic flow issues"

[Busguy2010]

Interesting choices, which design is best? They mentioned that they wanted to use the design that echoes the design language of Omaha. I wonder if the design with the green and blue circles is the one. As the Omaha public library uses these colors and tones in it's logos, as well the riverfront signage and logos.



The all red looks nice but I don't think I have seen anything around the core that accentuates that design choice.

The red and white looks sleek and nice too and provides a contrast to the ORBT orange and blue white buses.

Finally the blue and white appears to complement and blend in with the metro busses.

Somehow the blue and green design appears to be the most sus.

I like #4 the best. The red is pretty loud and is conceding to the idea that "we are Nebraska and all we care about is our Huskers"

[Dundeemaha]

I like the white/blue/green color scheme the most but the nearly floor to ceiling windows on the blue/white one look amazing

[omahahawk]

Mostly I hope they go with a vehicle that has high reliability and ease of maintenance along with the best interior design for rider experience. As far as appearance is concerned, I tend to prefer a simple, clean look, something like a graphite grey or white car with small color accents. Big windows are definitely a plus. Don't necessarily need something that could be adapted for wraps either. I would just simply prefer some type of small nose art, like an airplane. Something that would make a car individualistic as others have stated for a certain district or aspect of the city.