METRO (Formerly Metro Area Transit - MAT)

[GenX]

Having travelled in ORBT several times, I believe that ridership numbers are somehow underrepresented. Most of the times I took the bus, most of the people didn´t bother to pay for the ride, specially if the hop in but one or the back doors.

Are you sure those individuals were not students? They ride for free. Of all the times I have riden ORBT, people pay their share, whether its through coins, ID or phone app. I only remember seeing a handful of passengers that are obviously not students and did not pay.

There was time Med Center employees and bicycle riders could get on for free

Make the whole system free to ride like the streetcar.

[PotatoeEatsFish]

Scanning the phone QR code is so annoying, you have to angle it just right.
Does anyone know if you can transfer your money from that to a Umo card?

[Dusty]

Make the whole system free to ride like the streetcar.

Most transit agencies try out zero-fare systems all to abandon them later. They create a budget shortfall that often results in cutting service and route options. As the saying goes "You get what you pay for". So ridership may spike initially with a zero fare, it also restricts it from growing beyond a very basic service. A ton of surveys have all reported the same thing....riders would rather have a reasonable fare with descent service than a free service that is underwhelming.

Of course, public transit should run like a true public service. Everyone pays in like: parks, libraries, school system. But we have too many that fight this as they see it as an attack against cars or forcing them to pay for a service they won't use. If it helps, maybe we should look at bus fares as a donation to help create a better service vs just the cost to ride. The money helps with improvements: more bus shelters, more buses to reduce wait times, etc. Yes, this means some of the fare money is used to subsidize the less fortunate with free/half fare programs.

Side note: Just this week Kansas City is looking to return to charging fares in 2025 after having a zero-fare system for 4 years.

[Renovator2559]

Here while visiting DC, I love the DC/Virginia busses, they are all color schemed depending on the route, are consistent and no advertisements. From a glance away inside the metro station I can tell the route. Plus they have great designs.

No distracting signage or having to wait until the bus gets close in order to squint at the route number.


What do you know, the buses arrive at the exact time to pickup arriving passengers of the silver metro line







If Omaha metro adopted a more standardized color scheme design based on routes and no distract signage, the bus boarding experience would be enhanced.

Although these are nice to haves, I'm not suggesting Omaha go wasting funds needlesly, as Omaha tends to be strategic.

Although the WMATA is a nice transportation, the local VA, DC, and MA governmnents heavily pay and subsidise. They are close to bankcrupcy unless they get more tax payer subsidies.

The WMATA is in a $1.8B deficit, despite raising fares and decreasing service frequency.
https://www.thomasjeffersoninst.org/the ... d%20laying

[Dusty]

I found this old Metro route map from 2014. I thought some of you would get a kick out of seeing this again.
We have come a long way in 10 years!

I have thrown out the term spaghetti noodle network throughout various posts. This map is what inspired that as it always made me think of a bowl of spaghetti. I have used that term ever since to describe a route that goes all over the place connecting random destinations that don't necessarily go with the flow.

[Louie]

I found this old Metro route map from 2014. I thought some of you would get a kick out of seeing this again.
We have come a long way in 10 years!

I have thrown out the term spaghetti noodle network throughout various posts. This map is what inspired that as it always made me think of a bowl of spaghetti. I have used that term ever since to describe a route that goes all over the place connecting random destinations that don't necessarily go with the flow.

Oh dear lord, that is one complicated mess lol

[Busguy2010]

I found this old Metro route map from 2014. I thought some of you would get a kick out of seeing this again.
We have come a long way in 10 years!

I have thrown out the term spaghetti noodle network throughout various posts. This map is what inspired that as it always made me think of a bowl of spaghetti. I have used that term ever since to describe a route that goes all over the place connecting random destinations that don't necessarily go with the flow.

The routes are actually about the same, just a MUCH better presentation. We have a couple more crosstown routes since then which is good.

It would be interesting to see how it would compare to the new system done in the new style. I think though the new system is more efficient and ultimately better, there are some pretty big holes such as some neighborhood routes I'd like to see them bring back. Lately the focus has been adding funding for better frequency and better amenities on the busier routes.

[Louie]

ORBT involved in a small collision on about 67th and Dodge westbound.

[ita]

Ridership for December 2023


Significant increase over December 2022 numbers, 61k vs. 47k.

January board meeting also approving Title VI analysis of the K-12 Rides Free Program. Good statistics from the analysis quoted here:

From May 10, 2021, to May 31, 2022, Metro recorded more than 157,000 student rides. When comparing
data to calendar year 2019 (prior to the pandemic), there was approximately an 86% increase in student
ridership. This marked the highest student ridership rates in at least a decade. Through November 2023,
Metro has provided 846,069 student trips since the program began. K-12 student ridership continues to
increase. Comparing the second half of 2022 to 2023, there was a 41% increase in average monthly
ridership.
In addition to the overall increase in student ridership, Metro saw an increase in demand from students for
services on weeknights and weekends. Approximately 20% of the overall K-12 ridership occurs on
weeknights and weekends, outside of the eligible hours of the previous student fare program. By allowing
free student trips during these hours, more students can participate in extracurricular activities and afterschool programming, assist with household errands, earn an income through part-time employment, and
access other important services and resources.

[labguy]

Does anyone have any insight into what is going on at Metro?

In December 2022, they had 130 revenue hours not operated. In December 2023, they had 1268(!) revenue hours not operated. The data shows 83% of the non-operated hours was due to no driver. If you look at the data from the January board meeting packet, it's been getting worse every month since June. I'm guessing January will be worse, although the bad weather will have played a big role.

Every day, there are service interruptions posted on MyRide. Today it's routes 3, 4, 11, 16, and 30 with cancelations. ORBT, the 18, and the 15 also have frequent interruptions. It's not a big deal to wait 20 minutes for an ORBT instead of 10 minutes, but on Monday, the 55 was only running once every 2 hours. Even on weekends, when there is already a lighter schedule, there will be cancelations.

I was hoping we would see further returns to pre-Covid service levels, but I'm now thinking Metro needs to cut service to get down to a level that they can manage without daily cancelations.

[Louie]

Does anyone have any insight into what is going on at Metro?

In December 2022, they had 130 revenue hours not operated. In December 2023, they had 1268(!) revenue hours not operated. The data shows 83% of the non-operated hours was due to no driver. If you look at the data from the January board meeting packet, it's been getting worse every month since June. I'm guessing January will be worse, although the bad weather will have played a big role.

Every day, there are service interruptions posted on MyRide. Today it's routes 3, 4, 11, 16, and 30 with cancelations. ORBT, the 18, and the 15 also have frequent interruptions. It's not a big deal to wait 20 minutes for an ORBT instead of 10 minutes, but on Monday, the 55 was only running once every 2 hours. Even on weekends, when there is already a lighter schedule, there will be cancelations.

I was hoping we would see further returns to pre-Covid service levels, but I'm now thinking Metro needs to cut service to get down to a level that they can manage without daily cancelations.

I believe they have had driver shortage issues pretty consistently since the pandemic.

[ita]

Harsh weather in January leads to pretty big drop in ridership, posting lower #'s than Jan 2023. February should see a big jump though.

[Zephyr]

Thought I would bring this up as no one has discussed this yet - the current 5-member Mayor-appointed Metro board is set to be replaced by a 7-member elected board that will be sworn in next year, in January 2025. The districts closely follow the current Omaha City Council district boundaries. This is to conform to the requirements of the new regional transit authority legislation. The elections will follow the primary (May 14) and general (November 5) cycles.

Here are the candidates for the primary election (no incumbents are running):
https://www.votedouglascounty.com/candidate_info.aspx

Regional Metropolitan Transit Board of Omaha - District 1 - Two-Year Term - Nonpartisan Office
Douglas Ignowski Filed: 02/16/2024
Cornelius Williams Filed: 02/27/2024
Antonio L. Bradshaw Filed: 02/28/2024

Regional Metropolitan Transit Board of Omaha - District 2 - Nonpartisan Office
Rose Kohl Filed: 02/02/2024
William King Filed: 02/06/2024
Clarice Dombeck Filed: 02/20/2024
David Levy Filed: 02/26/2024

Regional Metropolitan Transit Board of Omaha - District 3 - Two-Year Term - Nonpartisan Office
John G. Sullivan Filed: 01/11/2024
Andrew Adams Filed: 01/18/2024
Yanira Garcia Filed: 02/01/2024

Regional Metropolitan Transit Board of Omaha - District 4 - Nonpartisan Office
Mark V. Holst Filed: 02/20/2024
Daniel Padilla Filed: 02/21/2024
Scott Dobbe Filed: 02/29/2024
Ben Cass Filed: 03/01/2024

Regional Metropolitan Transit Board of Omaha - District 5 - Two-Year Term - Nonpartisan Office
Josh Corrigan Filed: 02/13/2024
John McCann Filed: 02/15/2024

Regional Metropolitan Transit Board of Omaha - District 6 - Nonpartisan Office
Curt Simon Filed: 01/10/2024

Regional Metropolitan Transit Board of Omaha - District 7 - Two-Year Term - Nonpartisan Office
Tim Lonergan Filed: 01/05/2024

[labguy]

Metro is proposing some route cuts in response to the lack of drivers.

The 13 from Downtown to MCC-South will go from every 15 minutes to every 30 minutes. Similarly, the 15 from Downtown to Aksarben will go from every 15 minutes to every 30 minutes.

They haven't posted the details on their website yet, but the first of four meetings to get public feedback was held today. Other meetings are listed here: https://ometro.com/May2024

[Busguy2010]

Metro is proposing some route cuts in response to the lack of drivers.

The 13 from Downtown to MCC-South will go from every 15 minutes to every 30 minutes. Similarly, the 15 from Downtown to Aksarben will go from every 15 minutes to every 30 minutes.

They haven't posted the details on their website yet, but the first of four meetings to get public feedback was held today. Other meetings are listed here: https://ometro.com/May2024

How did you know they're wanting to cut? I saw their post on fb and read the link, but it said nothing about what they were considering doing.

Anyway, a reduction on the 15 and 13 would both be a negative. There's always been 15 minute service between Downtown and South Omaha, and Aksarben.

[labguy]

How did you know they're wanting to cut? I saw their post on fb and read the link, but it said nothing about what they were considering doing.

Anyway, a reduction on the 15 and 13 would both be a negative. There's always been 15 minute service between Downtown and South Omaha, and Aksarben.

I tuned into the first Zoom meeting today to hear what the plan was. I think they will have the video and the slides posted tomorrow.

I know there was a time when they weren't running those "short 15's" just between Downtown and Aksarben. However, they used to run the 15 to Oakview and 55 every half-hour during the morning and evening commutes which effectively meant 15 minute service from Downtown to Aksarben.

[Dusty]

The 13 from Downtown to MCC-South will go from every 15 minutes to every 30 minutes. Similarly, the 15 from Downtown to Aksarben will go from every 15 minutes to every 30 minutes.

This pretty much sums it up. No changes to routes, but waiting longer to ride the bus.

Meanwhile, we have other routes that are extremely underperforming. Probably 1-2 riders per hour. if Metro is serious about making Omaha a transit city, they will have to cut these routes and so they allocate resources better. Stretching out too far and everyone suffers by having a very poor service.

[ita]

Numbers for February. Big jump from the January numbers, even topping peak summer of 2023 (May) numbers.



I know ridership has been higher because of K-12 free fares and OPS's cutting bus services for some students, but I think there is a side effect that's hopefully positive. The City is helping introduce the benefits of public transit and how to use it to the younger generation and hopefully creating future adult ridership who don't see daily car driver as a must/necessity. Just a thought.

[skip]

26M here. I've noticed a lot more individuals around my age riding the 11 to and from work. Most work at First National, UP, or elsewhere downtown. Its good seeing the popularity of public transportation growing.

[Dusty]

Saw this posted on last transit authority meeting. Thought it was interesting to share.

It really goes to show when you spend very little, you get what you pay for. If they citizens want a great transit network , they will have to invest more to get it.

I wish the posted ridership percentages next to spending. I do remember a report from 2022 that showed:
Omaha 1%, KC 3 %, Saint Louis 9 %, Minneapolis 12-13%

[mistergutierrez]

Incentivize monthly passes!!!

A 30 days pass is currently $55. Most people ride the bus twice per day, five times per week, so, being a single ticket $1.25, twice per day, twenty times per month, that’s $50. For many people is better to buy single tickets, there is no advantage.

Sell them at $40 and people will use the bus more often. If a buy a pass for my daily commute I will likely also use it to go in the evening to Blackstone, DT or wherever.

[Renovator2559]

Saw this posted on last transit authority meeting. Thought it was interesting to share.

It really goes to show when you spend very little, you get what you pay for. If they citizens want a great transit network , they will have to invest more to get it.

I wish the posted ridership percentages next to spending. I do remember a report from 2022 that showed:
Omaha 1%, KC 3 %, Saint Louis 9 %, Minneapolis 12-13%

Des Moines spending more than Omaha in transit.

This is probably why I had a better experience using the Des Moines bus network years ago; I love the central bus terminal where all the bus routes converge in a central location. I also loved the legible, easy to read bus signs which require no squinting.

Where is Omaha's central transit building?

[Busguy2010]

Saw this posted on last transit authority meeting. Thought it was interesting to share.

It really goes to show when you spend very little, you get what you pay for. If they citizens want a great transit network , they will have to invest more to get it.

I wish the posted ridership percentages next to spending. I do remember a report from 2022 that showed:
Omaha 1%, KC 3 %, Saint Louis 9 %, Minneapolis 12-13%

Des Moines spending more than Omaha in transit.

This is probably why I had a better experience using the Des Moines bus network years ago; I love the central bus terminal where all the bus routes converge in a central location. I also loved the legible, easy to read bus signs which require no squinting.

Where is Omaha's central transit building?

The streets of downtown, in essence. Then, second would be North Omaha TC. All the buses either go Downtown or North Omaha TC.

Omaha's bus system was actually improved when they went away from the central hub approach, by making the 3, and then later the 24, crosstown routes.

[Dusty]

Des Moines spending more than Omaha in transit.

This is probably why I had a better experience using the Des Moines bus network years ago; I love the central bus terminal where all the bus routes converge in a central location. I also loved the legible, easy to read bus signs which require no squinting.

Where is Omaha's central transit building?
[/url]

The streets of downtown, in essence. Then, second would be North Omaha TC. All the buses either go Downtown or North Omaha TC.

Omaha's bus system was actually improved when they went away from the central hub approach, by making the 3, and then later the 24, crosstown routes.

There are different ways in which a central hub network can work. In a smaller city like Des Moines you can have a singular depot to serve as a central hub. All the lines feed into it and generally is located in a downtown environment.

In a bigger city it's more of a grand central station. You have one giant terminal and smaller transit centers placed around town. All of the smaller ones connect to the main hub. This gives you TONS of options to change directions.
A central terminal is mixed use with food options, restrooms, shops, bike parking, etc. There is nothing in Omaha anywhere close to this.

@Renovator- There is no need to put tiny font of bus routes on tiny signs. We should have a network where people can learn very quickly where you don't need a map. The signs should be a beacon to find your place to stand. At most, you put a QR code on the signs that connects with Ride Omaha app. This would cut down costs for Metro and make it simple.

[Renovator2559]

The streets of downtown, in essence. Then, second would be North Omaha TC. All the buses either go Downtown or North Omaha TC.

True but it is a low budget solution, which discourages ridership

While Des Moines central hub solution has ticket vending, restrooms and plenty if bus shelters with dynamic signage. It's all been there since 2017

quote=Busguy2010 post_id=394449 time=1712264193 user_id=1759]

Omaha's bus system was actually improved when they went away from the central hub approach, by making the 3, and then later the 24, crosstown routes.
[/quote]

Omaha has improved its bus system I agree, with the addition of ORBT but we need to be on parity or better than Des Moines especially since we are a larger city.

The North Omaha tiny bus station is ok but looks run down. I only visited this bus station once when I was new to the bus system and never again have I returned.

.

@Renovator- There is no need to put tiny font of bus routes on tiny signs. We should have a network where people can learn very quickly where you don't need a map. The signs should be a beacon to find your place to stand. At most, you put a QR code on the signs that connects with Ride Omaha app. This would cut down costs for Metro and make it simple.

I agree but we still need a way to onboard new riders that are both technical and non-tecnical. Just remember that not anyone knows how to use a phone and visual signs still have to be the basic requirement. All other fancy hightech features are good for us techies and we welcome those too.

We need some kind of transit hub, that would tap into the streetcar network and possibly a bus route to airport. As Dusty has mentioned in the i480 transit hub thread he created.

Compare and contrast:

Des Moines bus signs, legible, easy to read, trendy, colorful and inviting. Any stranger visitor from a different city, will know that these are not car signs and that they are transit signs.

I even memorized several stop numbers when I was there because the typography is logical and engaging to the eye.



Metro bus signs look like low budget signs meant to share pole space with other street signs.
The Metro signs blend in too much with street car signage, that unless a new person looks hard, studies the Metro bus system language, and squints at the tiny font; they will be more hesitant to become a new rider.

[Busguy2010]

I definitely agree we need to invest more in our transit.

I'm more in favor of on street transfers, though. These can definitely be made better through better infrastructure. The routes are more direct and efficient rather than the hub and spoke method Metro tried in the early 2000's. I get why they went away from that.

[Dusty]

I definitely agree we need to invest more in our transit.

I'm more in favor of on street transfers, though. These can definitely be made better through better infrastructure. The routes are more direct and efficient rather than the hub and spoke method Metro tried in the early 2000's. I get why they went away from that.

We still have a hub and spoke network. They are just smaller hubs with lines coming and going. For example....Westroads TC, Aksarben TC, North Omaha TC, etc. The problem is Metro doesn't use the grid effectively. Yes, there are a few good routes, but overall the network needs to get rebuilt. Building a giant central hub would pull the network together and help shatter the perception of riding a bus. When you pull people from all parts of town, you can easily fill an express bus that goes straight to the airport.

You would still have your linear direct lines with my plan. You can get almost anywhere in the city on 1 or 2 transfers. Unless you love doing transfers. LOL!

[Dusty]

It will be interesting to see what happens when the new board of directors take over. Will they continue on with the same path or take a different direction? For all we know they could scrap Metro Next and start a new strategic plan.

[Busguy2010]

I definitely agree we need to invest more in our transit.

I'm more in favor of on street transfers, though. These can definitely be made better through better infrastructure. The routes are more direct and efficient rather than the hub and spoke method Metro tried in the early 2000's. I get why they went away from that.

We still have a hub and spoke network. They are just smaller hubs with lines coming and going. For example....Westroads TC, Aksarben TC, North Omaha TC, etc. The problem is Metro doesn't use the grid effectively. Yes, there are a few good routes, but overall the network needs to get rebuilt. Building a giant central hub would pull the network together and help shatter the perception of riding a bus. When you pull people from all parts of town, you can easily fill an express bus that goes straight to the airport.

You would still have your linear direct lines with my plan. You can get almost anywhere in the city on 1 or 2 transfers. Unless you love doing transfers. LOL!

I know there's still remnants of the hub and spoke, but not like when they were really going at with also Midtown TC and Benson Park TC. At least they were deleted in favor of on street transfers and saved countless minutes since. I don't think there'll be any more transit centers built in Omaha unless there's a radical change in direction.

I've seen your plan, but I'd be curious to see how you think the bus system could be better given only existing infrastructure, and reasonably within the same context. If you have the time and want to.

I think metro is doing great for what their budget is... and YES, it needs to be increased drastically.

[Renovator2559]

I definitely agree we need to invest more in our transit.

I'm more in favor of on street transfers, though. These can definitely be made better through better infrastructure. The routes are more direct and efficient rather than the hub and spoke method Metro tried in the early 2000's. I get why they went away from that.

But here's the thing, there are way many more people that wait and hold off of on the bus transit station because it has free wifi and the shelters are much more confortable.

Than waiting on a 3 seater bench by the mutual of Omaha tower in which all the buses converge. You see few if any people waiting there.
It's so unconformable waiting here, that I must leave else where for a few minutes until the bus arrives.

What I'll say though, are that the Omaha busses are clean and comfortable, so this area is doing well.

Does anyone know the Des Moines rider numbers? In which we can compare if in fact these enhanced transit features increase the ridership?

[Dusty]

I know there's still remnants of the hub and spoke, but not like when they were really going at with also Midtown TC and Benson Park TC. At least they were deleted in favor of on street transfers and saved countless minutes since. I don't think there'll be any more transit centers built in Omaha unless there's a radical change in direction.

I've seen your plan, but I'd be curious to see how you think the bus system could be better given only existing infrastructure, and reasonably within the same context. If you have the time and want to.

I think metro is doing great for what their budget is... and YES, it needs to be increased drastically.

I don't see any changes any time soon. I made the mistake of reading Metro Next again. Wow! This plan is bad in so many ways. Heavy investment in park and rides, not eliminating the obvious loser routes, combining one underperforming route with another. Some how 2 bad routes make a good one? BRT suggestions with little connection to transit centers. I could keep going, but all these solutions they are proposing do not increase ridership nor battle the negative perception that busing gets. It's like we are putting our faith in the worker that is stuck in time. They brag about their rolodex and their 10 key skills on the fax machine. Yes, they work hard, but are completely out of touch with modern ways. They always say...the death of any business is the mindset that "this is the way we have always done it, so there is no reason to change."

I hope the new board members scrap Metro Next and take a new direction.

Side note: They closed the Benson Park TC because of a sinking foundation from drainage issues.

[Dusty]

This was posted on the last transit advisory meeting.

"To better align route system, Metro is creating a new category called “Connectors:” These are routes with limited trips during rush hour and have previously been known as “express” routes. After May 19th, Route 16 will be known as Route 106 Eppley Connector and Route 98 will be known as Route 120 Northpark Connector. No changes to the routes themselves, simply renaming the routes."

[Busguy2010]

This was posted on the last transit advisory meeting.

"To better align route system, Metro is creating a new category called “Connectors:” These are routes with limited trips during rush hour and have previously been known as “express” routes. After May 19th, Route 16 will be known as Route 106 Eppley Connector and Route 98 will be known as Route 120 Northpark Connector. No changes to the routes themselves, simply renaming the routes."

Hmm, I do not see the point.

[ita]

Here's April's numbers:



Big dip from February to March, but strong numbers in April. Compared to April 2023, it's a 13% with increased ridership across all three timeframes.

[Renovator2559]

It looks like Des Moines is in a funding issue with their public transit.

The new DSM mayor talked to a group that uses the bus and said they would be closing the gap in funding and now the mayor talks to a different group that doesn't use the bus and says they wouldn't fund public transit as needed.

https://desmoinesdefender.com/new-mayor ... portation/

Sure Des Moines may have a nice bus terminal and an elaborate network, but they are now faced with looming budget deficits and service cuts.

If a lesson is to be learned here for METRO, spending should be strategic, which is what they are doing well and not overspending has served us well.

[Dusty]

Updated the candidate list for the General Election for Metro's Transit Board of Directors.
If there is a single name listed, they will be elected for that district.

https://www.votedouglascounty.com/candidate_info.aspx

Regional Metropolitan Transit Board of Omaha - District 1 - Two-Year Term - Nonpartisan Office
Cornelius Williams

Regional Metropolitan Transit Board of Omaha - District 2 - Nonpartisan Office
Clarice Dombeck
David Levy

Regional Metropolitan Transit Board of Omaha - District 3 - Two-Year Term - Nonpartisan Office
John G. Sullivan
Yanira Garcia

Regional Metropolitan Transit Board of Omaha - District 4 - Nonpartisan Office
Daniel Padilla
Scott Dobbe

Regional Metropolitan Transit Board of Omaha - District 5 - Two-Year Term - Nonpartisan Office
Josh Corrigan
John McCann

Regional Metropolitan Transit Board of Omaha - District 6 - Nonpartisan Office
Curt Simon

Regional Metropolitan Transit Board of Omaha - District 7 - Two-Year Term - Nonpartisan Office
Tim Lonergan

[labguy]

Lost in all the storm-related news was a story about the ongoing service issues at Metro.

https://www.ketv.com/article/not-where- ... 4/61769143

Over the winter, the service issues had more to due with a lack of drivers. Now the problem is a lack of working buses. Of course that means the buses that are running have issues like back doors not working, the cord to signal a stop is broken, or cracked windows. MyRide can be hit or miss in notifications about service interruptions, too.

I'm not sure there is a good solution if getting parts is the main problem. Maybe another round of service cuts in order to get the system in line with the available buses?

[Mjs5050ss]

Lost in all the storm-related news was a story about the ongoing service issues at Metro.

https://www.ketv.com/article/not-where- ... 4/61769143

Over the winter, the service issues had more to due with a lack of drivers. Now the problem is a lack of working buses. Of course that means the buses that are running have issues like back doors not working, the cord to signal a stop is broken, or cracked windows. MyRide can be hit or miss in notifications about service interruptions, too.

I'm not sure there is a good solution if getting parts is the main problem. Maybe another round of service cuts in order to get the system in line with the available buses?

Thank you for posting this. I have some employees that rely on the buses and have been complaining lately that the buses are not on time, or not coming at all.

Very frustrating when buses run every hour and one doesn't show.

[labguy]

At Thursday's board meeting, Metro is proposing to raise their levy from 8.4 cents per $100 to 10 cents per $100. They are saying the new budget will include a 15% increase in service over the course of 2025, however last year's levy and budget increase was supposed to include a 14% service increase which never happened. There were route cuts instead.

Interestingly, the proposed budget includes funds for a microtransit pilot project.

Looking at the service data in the board packet, it's pretty bad. Service interruptions due to no operator are 1537 YTD 2024 versus 236 YTD 2023. Service interruptions due to no bus available are 1212 YTD 2024 versus 244 YTD 2023.

They are purchasing 3 used, larger 16-20 passenger vehicles to help cover routes when a bus isn't available. There was also a bus that was damaged beyond repair that they are salvaging parts from which will get four buses back in operation.

It's hard to be optimistic about transit in Omaha right now. I know Metro is doing the best they can, but it seems like things are just limping along with not much hope of near-term improvements.

[Dusty]

Metro Transit's new board of directors are set now. They begin work in January.

District 1 - Cornelius Williams
District 2 -Clarice Dombeck
District 3 -Yanira Garcia
District 4 -Daniel Padilla
District 5 -Josh Corrigan
District 6 -Curt Simon
District 7 -Tim Lonergan