ORBT - Omaha Rapid Bus Transit

[halgy]

I've been thinking about the ORBT a fair amount since I used it a bunch a couple weeks ago. I wasn't really paying attention while the route was being planned and built out, so I was wondering if someone who was around could answer a question.

Is there a reason that it doesn't go out to the airport? With the discussion about the streetcar and if/when it should be extended to the airport, it seems to me like the ORBT is a much better solution for that route (longer distance, only a couple of stops between downtown and the airport). For that matter, why doesn't it go across the bridge and along Broadway in Council Bluffs? Are there any plans in the works for expanding ORBT?

[Dusty]

I've been thinking about the ORBT a fair amount since I used it a bunch a couple weeks ago. I wasn't really paying attention while the route was being planned and built out, so I was wondering if someone who was around could answer a question.

Is there a reason that it doesn't go out to the airport? With the discussion about the streetcar and if/when it should be extended to the airport, it seems to me like the ORBT is a much better solution for that route (longer distance, only a couple of stops between downtown and the airport). For that matter, why doesn't it go across the bridge and along Broadway in Council Bluffs? Are there any plans in the works for expanding ORBT?

It's takes extra funding to upgrade a line to BRT. Metro is currently starting the process for upgrading the 24th Street corridor from Ames to Q St to BRT. After that, MetroNext plan mentions targeting 72nd Street.

[BRoss]

Decided to try the ORBT downtown today. It was pretty cool. Glad we have something like this now.

[skinzfan23]

Saw that ORBT is going to run until midnight on Sunday to accommodate the Billie Eilish crowd, would love to see more of this if there is demand.

[Louie]

Agreed. Even if only for events.

[remline]

A few interesting notes about buses in Fairhaven, Massachusetts: Why You Should Care About the Bus (Even if You Never Ride It)

From the author:

While dedicated bus lanes may not be feasible, we could at least have transit signal priority for buses, allowing them to have continuous green lights. In order to attract people who might otherwise drive, this line would need to have nice-looking and well-lit shelters that mimic those of light rail kiosks. It would need to have short enough headways that you wouldn’t need to check a schedule before heading to the stop.

Sounds like he desires what Omaha has implemented with ORBT.

[Busguy2010]

I didn't want to muck up the Streetcar thread, but it got me thinking, with all the TOD popping up around ORBT, people with more money to spend moving in, and more people more likely to use it, I wouldnt be surprised if at some point they put a station at the bus stop in front of Whole Foods. As it stands the only grocery store directly on the route is Natty G's. And you still have to walk a few minutes and cross 78th to get to it, and they aren't exactly a one stop shop.

It'd be great to have a couple more grocery options along the route to make it more useful. But im reality I just don't see it working out. I miss having the Bag N Save right at 76th & Dodge. Having that still there would be clutch for the 77th street station.

[Dusty]

I didn't want to muck up the Streetcar thread, but it got me thinking, with all the TOD popping up around ORBT, people with more money to spend moving in, and more people more likely to use it, I wouldnt be surprised if at some point they put a station at the bus stop in front of Whole Foods. As it stands the only grocery store directly on the route is Natty G's. And you still have to walk a few minutes and cross 78th to get to it, and they aren't exactly a one stop shop.

It'd be great to have a couple more grocery options along the route to make it more useful. But im reality I just don't see it working out. I miss having the Bag N Save right at 76th & Dodge. Having that still there would be clutch for the 77th street station.

You still have Target at Crossroads for grocery options. Or Hy-vee Peony Park if you are willing to walk/bike.

[Dusty]

In the case of ORBT, the original renderings were a better design as it has center lane boarding in front of UNO. Center lane boarding scores higher on design standards than curbside.

As for that initial center lane running idea, that was just silly, sorry. That was just a pipe dream rendering to sell BRT. There's physically no way you could have buses running every 10 minutes in both directions in one lane. Plus that center station was like 2 feet wide lol. They never delved deep into that idea, for reason.

HA! I agree the rendering was not great. But if you want to be certified or ranked for BRT standards you pretty much better plan on center lane running. This results in a road diet making wide platforms or safe refuge islands. As I stated before, Dodge is complicated because it's a highway. Can't take away lanes because it takes away capacity for cars.
I think service is fine for now. It's the least of our worries.

[Busguy2010]

I didn't want to muck up the Streetcar thread, but it got me thinking, with all the TOD popping up around ORBT, people with more money to spend moving in, and more people more likely to use it, I wouldnt be surprised if at some point they put a station at the bus stop in front of Whole Foods. As it stands the only grocery store directly on the route is Natty G's. And you still have to walk a few minutes and cross 78th to get to it, and they aren't exactly a one stop shop.

It'd be great to have a couple more grocery options along the route to make it more useful. But im reality I just don't see it working out. I miss having the Bag N Save right at 76th & Dodge. Having that still there would be clutch for the 77th street station.

You still have Target at Crossroads for grocery options. Or Hy-vee Peony Park if you are willing to walk/bike.

I do frequent the Hy-vee, though when I'm without my vehicle, it can be a bit arduous. Easy as you'd think it should be with the trail right there, its still about a 10 minute walk with hands full of groceries. Doable, but not one you want to have to make.

And Target, I guess I never really considered that place as a grocery store, might just be me. Last time I went there they had a very limited fresh foods selection. Maybe that's since changed, but that's why I practically have never been there.

I think mainly its a tough proposition to have an actual functional daily life if you have to rely on ORBT. Not by its fault, but by culture. I.e there's basically no such thing as a corner store, and if there is, its higher priced or doesn't have everything you need. Natty G's is really close to everything you want in a grocery store that could do well somewhere along the route, even if everything doesn't have to be organic or vegan.

It would be super duper if Walmart or Hyvee even expand on the neighborhood market concept. I would absolutely LOVE to see smaller stores, basically only selling store brand items and fresh produce peppered throughout every neighborhood.

[WorldStreet]

For groceries, we often (every other week) bike to 40th and Dodge and catch the Orbit to the Asian Market on 76th between Dodge and Cass. We each wear a backpack to carry what we purchased.

[Busguy2010]

For groceries, we often (every other week) bike to 40th and Dodge and catch the Orbit to the Asian Market on 76th between Dodge and Cass. We each wear a backpack to carry what we purchased.

Oh, good point, good point. I just never think to go there cause I wouldn't even know where to start trying to find their version of what I'm looking for. Im also more of a night owl, so their closing time is a little early for me. Interestingly enough, I'm subscribed to their email list cause I was trying to encourage myself to buy some live seafood. The two times I went there was for some really specific items that you'd only find there. It would be overwhelming to me to find every day items and things that compare to what I know exactly where they're at at Walmart, Hy-vee, and Family Fare. Maybe one day I'll get there.

I hear their prices are really good on meat and produce.

[Dusty]

There is also Natural Grocers on 78th and Dodge. They carry more organic produce and bulk items. There is a Walmart Neighborhood Market off Saddlecreek (Around 45th). I feel there is a descent amount of options within walking/biking distance to ORBT.

To address the longer walk from ORBT to Hy-vee Peony Park, you just need to invest in better bike options. You don't need expensive programs like Micro transit. You just need access to a bike so you don't have to walk. My suggestion is to work with Heartland B-Cycle to invest in some electric cargo bikes/tricycles with baskets. You put bike rental at the station at 78th where you get off ORBT. You ride to Hy-vee, dock, and shop. Then you ride back to the line.

Circling back to your Whole Foods comment. I'm guessing the distance from Whole Foods to Westroads transit center is about the same as our 78th and Dodge to Hy-vee scenario. You just need to invest in better sidewalks, protected bike lane, and access to cargo bikes to connect the 2 spots.

[Louie]

There is also Natural Grocers on 78th and Dodge. They carry more organic produce and bulk items. There is a Walmart Neighborhood Market off Saddlecreek (Around 45th). I feel there is a descent amount of options within walking/biking distance to ORBT.

To address the longer walk from ORBT to Hy-vee Peony Park, you just need to invest in better bike options. You don't need expensive programs like Micro transit. You just need access to a bike so you don't have to walk. My suggestion is to work with Heartland B-Cycle to invest in some electric cargo bikes/tricycles with baskets. You put bike rental at the station at 78th where you get off ORBT. You ride to Hy-vee, dock, and shop. Then you ride back to the line.

Circling back to your Whole Foods comment. I'm guessing the distance from Whole Foods to Westroads transit center is about the same as our 78th and Dodge to Hy-vee scenario. You just need to invest in better sidewalks, protected bike lane, and access to cargo bikes to connect the 2 spots.

Crossing underneath Dodge there would be quite a bit trickier than getting from Dodge to across Cass that HyVee imo.

[WorldStreet]

For groceries, we often (every other week) bike to 40th and Dodge and catch the Orbit to the Asian Market on 76th between Dodge and Cass. We each wear a backpack to carry what we purchased.

Oh, good point, good point. I just never think to go there cause I wouldn't even know where to start trying to find their version of what I'm looking for. Im also more of a night owl, so their closing time is a little early for me. Interestingly enough, I'm subscribed to their email list cause I was trying to encourage myself to buy some live seafood. The two times I went there was for some really specific items that you'd only find there. It would be overwhelming to me to find every day items and things that compare to what I know exactly where they're at at Walmart, Hy-vee, and Family Fare. Maybe one day I'll get there.

I hear their prices are really good on meat and produce.

Yep, it's a good place to buy fresh vegetables as they are noticeably less expensive than at other large supermarkets. Because Chinese vegetables (my favorite is the long and thin Chinese style eggplant), they also have fresh spinach and broccoli. In addition, their in-house Chinese/Vietnamese restaurant is my and my wife's favorite in town. It's a pretty big store now as they have expanded so much in recent years.

[locoluke]

From the February 2026 RMTA meeting agenda:

Metro is contracting AECOM to design an ORBT shelter at Park Avenue and Dodge Street. The stop here is currently just a sign. It sounds like the shelter will be similar to the shelters at 77th and at 33rd eastbound. They also intend to instant “Next Bus” signs at all four of these shelters.

There will also be some minor upgrades in store for other existing ORBT stations including improvements to the audio systems, new CCTV cameras, and upgrades to the acrylic wind screen panels. Additionally, Transit Signal Priority (TSP) hardware will be added to five intersections that have been upgraded to be TSP compatible since that original implementation of ORBT.