Omaha Streetcar Discussion

[skinzfan23]

Thanks for posting that KC video. Really cool to watch. I hope that people in Omaha will take to the streetcar this well once they see the benefits.

[locoluke]

Found this interview with KC Streetcar. Really informative and gives you a tour of their maintenance facility/wash bay. Also, they talk about skins/wraps on new trains and challenges running with mixed traffic.

Sat down and watched this today. I do hope we closely follow the example that KC has set with their streetcar. I appreciated the ridership numbers included in the video. To put their ridership into perspective, they had 70k riders this January even with some service interruptions. ORBT had 43k riders during the same period.

With streetcars attracting riders who might not have otherwise taken transit, it'd be cool to see connections to ORBT and other Metro routes promoted as a useful way to travel beyond streetcar route. Route 15 follows the streetcar route and offers a direct connection to Aksarben from 40th and Farnam. The 15-minute frequencies proposed in MetroNEXT for Route 15 and going fare-free system wide would make it very convenient.

[nativeomahan]

Meanwhile, the rest of the developing world forges ahead.
We can only dream of a line like this from our Chalco into the center city.
Instagram link:

[GenX]

Earthwork at the vehicle maintenance facility

They tore out part of Lot A for that (RED). You can see the old parking attendant shelter just to the right of where they tore out the lot and driveway.

The new entrance to lot A is circled in Green.

IMG-7816.jpg

Is it just luck that those power lines ended up there, or were they perhaps preparing for this all along?

[Brad]

Is it just luck that those power lines ended up there, or were they perhaps preparing for this all along?

Luck, they go back to at least 1993, before the UP Shops were even torn down.

[Busguy2010]

Is it just luck that those power lines ended up there, or were they perhaps preparing for this all along?

Luck, they go back to at least 1993, before the UP Shops were even torn down.

Or given that those lines were already there, that's a facor why they placed the maintenance facility there

[Ben]

What is Ewing's position on the streetcar? I haven't kept up with local politics as much as I should... Are we still full steam ahead, or will this be litigated in the court of public opinion here for a bit, with new contracts on pause and whatnot?

We all know that too much has been invested already to actually stop this from happening, but a bit worried about delays with changing administrations...

EDIT: Found my answers under the local govt thread. Glad to hear he's pro expansion....

[skinzfan23]

From what I understand, he is for moving forward on it, but wants studies done on expansion routes to ensure they are going where people want to be. (but like someone else mentioned, The Rose, Orpheum, Holland, Mutual, the riverfront parks, Old Market, UNMC, Blackstone, new children's museum, CHI....are all places that people want to go.) This is why I am a little leery of him because it doesn't seem like he has done any research.

[arch_RP_planner]

I totally agree that future streetcar expansions needs to be studied to ensure they will go where people want them. However, I would like to point out that the OG Streetcar Route has been studied, proposed, cancelled how many times since 2000? The current UC line goes through the single densest corridor we have in town, connects major P.O.I, so I also agree that I am a bit skeptical about Ewing's streetcar beliefs.

Very well could be waiting (until he won) to really get into it, so that's always something to sit on for now.

[Garrett]

Small streetcar shoutout in this article has me hopeful

https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/05/13 ... tic-mayor/

Ewing said he would try to make the streetcar project as successful as possible, and he will explore other useful routes and links.

“If this thing is bringing billions of dollars of economic activity, I want to bring some links into North and South Omaha to bring billions of dollars of economic opportunity to two communities that have been left out.”

[skinzfan23]

That is a good catch. Glad that he is referencing it already and sounds promising from that quote.

[locoluke]

One tricky thing about streetcar expansion is, once your route reach a certain length, running in mixed traffic really starts to hurt the performance of your streetcar.

The expected average speed of the streetcar route is 6-7 mph, taking about 20 minutes to cover the same distance that ORBT can cover in 10 minutes. At the same time, though, there’s much less of a stigma surrounding a streetcar than there is a bus service. I think you at the very least need to put in place a dedicated right of way and signal priority if you want to have a fast, reliable, and efficient streetcar route. Without it, it’s not really a useful form a transit, and more of a toy to stimulate the real estate market.

I’m absolutely pro-expansion, and I think it’d be good to connect more neighborhoods to the initial route. It’s important to make sure you use the right tool for the job rather than do what’s cheapest and easiest in the moment and end up with a slow, unreliable

[nebport5]

I totally agree that future streetcar expansions needs to be studied to ensure they will go where people want them. However, I would like to point out that the OG Streetcar Route has been studied, proposed, cancelled how many times since 2000? The current UC line goes through the single densest corridor we have in town, connects major P.O.I, so I also agree that I am a bit skeptical about Ewing's streetcar beliefs.

Very well could be waiting (until he won) to really get into it, so that's always something to sit on for now.

Yes, exactly the reason for the current route vs a zoo/tourist route. However, as discussed there does seem to be potential for development on a 10th/13th St line prior to the zoo which would certainly be a bonus.

[nebport5]

Small streetcar shoutout in this article has me hopeful

https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/05/13 ... tic-mayor/

Ewing said he would try to make the streetcar project as successful as possible, and he will explore other useful routes and links.

“If this thing is bringing billions of dollars of economic activity, I want to bring some links into North and South Omaha to bring billions of dollars of economic opportunity to two communities that have been left out.”

This no doubt would be a potential 24th St route. Connecting people in these communities to the core line is obvious in everyday usefulness but I think there’d also be potential for tourism along 24th too. South 24th has more going in that respect, with The Plaza and existing latino shops and restaurants giving it more of the district feel that North 24th mostly has in name at this point. Playing up the Jazz/historical elements even further here is a no-brainer, yet more food or music destinations people can interact with could make North 24th more of a draw vs some historical markers for people and events that happened years ago.

[locoluke]

Small streetcar shoutout in this article has me hopeful

https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/05/13 ... tic-mayor/

Ewing said he would try to make the streetcar project as successful as possible, and he will explore other useful routes and links.

“If this thing is bringing billions of dollars of economic activity, I want to bring some links into North and South Omaha to bring billions of dollars of economic opportunity to two communities that have been left out.”

This no doubt would be a potential 24th St route. Connecting people in these communities to the core line is obvious in everyday usefulness but I think there’d also be potential for tourism along 24th too. South 24th has more going in that respect, with The Plaza and existing latino shops and restaurants giving it more of the district feel that North 24th mostly has in name at this point. Playing up the Jazz/historical elements even further here is a no-brainer, yet more food or music destinations people can interact with could make North 24th more of a draw vs some historical markers for people and events that happened years ago.

The most recent MAPA Transportation Improvement Program amendment allocates funding for studying a streetcar extension "that travels north on 19th Street before cutting right on Lake Street and traveling north one block up 16th Street and terminating on Locust Street".

For 24th St, Metro is still working on final design for an ORBT route on 24th from Q St. to Ames. The 2023 TIP included funding for final design.

[stadsborgare]

Post-election, I feel much relieved. Not because Ewing won (I voted for Stothert) but that he is committed to the success of the streetcar as well.

The primary had me the most anxious because of McDonnell. Not that he could have stopped the streetcar if he tried, but at least we won't have somebody in the mayor's office bellyaching about it since Ewing supports it. I suspect Stothert might have lost the election because of the streetcar, but that's okay, her legacy is secure. McDonnell also lost.

I am and have long been a big supporter of the streetcar from when it was just a wish - and to see it actually come to fruition, I am so pumped. I was born here - at Clarkson - and
I love my city and wish it to have a thriving future, and supporting transit is essential to that end. I understand the importance of it as it relates to urban density, which is important for any growing city, and to ease the way for people to move around in that space.

So...it's all a go. That then makes it fun to go back in this thread and read old posts. This forum is unique in that it allows one to go back all the way to the beginning of a thread, when everything was rumors and ideas and speculation - and then to compare it to where we are now, it's a fascinating read.

[skinzfan23]

I love doing that as well. Just the other day I went back and was reading through the TD Ameritrade Park thread. So much talk about the huge move from Rosenblatt and although it still holds a place in many’s hearts, the new stadium has become home for the CWS. I am glad that we have all this documented with a lot of big projects for the past 2 decades.

[nebport5]

Small streetcar shoutout in this article has me hopeful

https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/05/13 ... tic-mayor/

Ewing said he would try to make the streetcar project as successful as possible, and he will explore other useful routes and links.

“If this thing is bringing billions of dollars of economic activity, I want to bring some links into North and South Omaha to bring billions of dollars of economic opportunity to two communities that have been left out.”

This no doubt would be a potential 24th St route. Connecting people in these communities to the core line is obvious in everyday usefulness but I think there’d also be potential for tourism along 24th too. South 24th has more going in that respect, with The Plaza and existing latino shops and restaurants giving it more of the district feel that North 24th mostly has in name at this point. Playing up the Jazz/historical elements even further here is a no-brainer, yet more food or music destinations people can interact with could make North 24th more of a draw vs some historical markers for people and events that happened years ago.

The most recent MAPA Transportation Improvement Program amendment allocates funding for studying a streetcar extension "that travels north on 19th Street before cutting right on Lake Street and traveling north one block up 16th Street and terminating on Locust Street".

For 24th St, Metro is still working on final design for an ORBT route on 24th from Q St. to Ames. The 2023 TIP included funding for final design.

Is Ewing in favor of alternate routes or is he not that familiar with this initiative? Will he retain Jensen in a similar role?

It’ll be interesting to see how this shakes out.

[Dusty]

Is Ewing in favor of alternate routes or is he not that familiar with this initiative? Will he retain Jensen in a similar role?

It’ll be interesting to see how this shakes out.

I think he is learning all this on the fly. The fact he didn't know Metro was already planning BRT on 24th says it all. I think he is open minded and wants good transit for all. I'm optimistic, but he does need Jensen's knowledge and expertise to guide him.

[nebport5]

I wouldn’t be surprised if Grow Omaha has Stothert on the show one more time, but…

Getting Ewing on in the not to distant future would be cool to maybe get some clarification on streetcar routes and etc.

[Athomsfere]

His lack of familiarity in what we have and how a lot of this works was what initially put me off to Ewing.

His emphasis on bike lanes brought me part of the way back. He seems interested in actually doing right by Omaha. I can't wait to hear more from him, and will 100% catch the Grow Omaha when he speaks.

[Garrett]

DC streetcar is shutting down to be replaced by a bus after only operating for 9 years.

https://archive.is/2025.05.28-004859/ht ... ctirc-bus/

[BuildTaller]

DC streetcar is shutting down to be replaced by a bus after only operating for 9 years.

https://archive.is/2025.05.28-004859/ht ... ctirc-bus/

I didn't even know they had one. Looks like it's a single line, 2.2 miles with 8 stations that don't connect with any subway stations except for the first station at Union Station.

[skinzfan23]

Yeah, that sounds weird they had one considering they have the subway. Again, I think the moral with streetcars is, if they don't do the research and really think the route out, it isn't successful.

[GenX]

Yeah, that sounds weird they had one considering they have the subway. Again, I think the moral with streetcars is, if they don't do the research and really think the route out, it isn't successful.

And don't scale-back plans for a network to a single line.

[Doctor Fate]

DC streetcar is shutting down to be replaced by a bus after only operating for 9 years.

https://archive.is/2025.05.28-004859/ht ... ctirc-bus/

I didn't even know they had one. Looks like it's a single line, 2.2 miles with 8 stations that don't connect with any subway stations except for the first station at Union Station.

It runs down H Street and only runs every 12 minutes, I believe. I've walked down H Street several times for festivals or going from one place to another and have never taken the streetcar even though I've taken the Metro to get there. I've also never seen it actually go by when I was there either.

[Mapguy]

There's quite a bit of room in the city ROW downtown to have the Omaha streetcar in dedicated lanes.

I dont think its in the plans but it makes the most sense to me to have the streetcar in a dedicated lane from 480 to 16th st.

Reduce both Farnam and Harney to 2 dedicated car lanes

1 lane is for dedicated streetcar

Remove parallel parking from the streetcar side and create angled parking on the opposing side of the streetcar.

These lane changes would slow traffic, add parking, and reduce collision points with the streetcar.

I dont think the city planners here are good at streetscaping or road diets for roads that really dont need the kind of capacity they have now.

The current lane configuration from 16th to 480 on Farnam is 4 lanes going west and 2 lanes of parallel parking.

[TitosBuritoBarn]

The flaws of the DC streetcar are discussed in one of my favorite articles on the pros and cons of streetcars, published back in 2016:

https://www.govtech.com/fs/is-it-still- ... -cars.html

They've known for some time that while the DC streecar has likely been helpful in revitalizing H Street, being a single line that doesn't connect well with other transit options has always been a problem since the start.

I've never ridden the DC streetcar or studied it that closely, but it certainly seem that being a streetcar in and of itself was not the problem. It was connectivity to the greater system that was a large problem. Operating in mixed DC traffic likely wasn't great either. They decided to just shut it down instead of address the issues.

[Garrett]

Yeah DC was one of the least successful lines in the country, but it could be interesting over the next few years to see what different cities with less successful lines decide to do once they hit the end of their equipment’s life cycles, and serves as a warning that Omaha shouldn’t get complacent

[Dusty]

DC is going through a massive overhaul right now. Reforming their fare system and cutting the bus network in nearly half. Removing their streetcar and replacing it with a bus won't make a difference.

Milwaukee also went through a ton of disputes over breaking their contract and ending their streetcar too. I don't know if they are still fighting it, but I wouldn't be surprised if they follow suit to abandon the line to a bus in the future. Last time I checked Milwaukee's ridership was second to dead last. Of course, Atlanta being lowest ridership.

At least we are not Jacksonville, FL. LOL! Removing their elevated people mover train and replacing it with autonomous cars.
Like I said before...Omaha is going in the right direction.

[joleo]

Anybody know when the results of the Eppley Street Car extension study will be done?

[skinzfan23]

Wow, it does sound like Milwaukee is having funding issues. They were using TIF to finance it, but the state gov't says they are no longer allowed to use that. I was last there 2 years ago and it didn't appear that a ton of people were riding it. I am headed there in July, I am curious to see if its the same.

[Athomsfere]

I saw a KETV article where Ewing said he has learned about the benefits of the streetcar and is now leaning towards being a strong supporter!

I certainly hope he speeds up some extensions.

[PWL73316]

Was down in KC this weekend for a wedding. Our hotel was two blocks from the streetcar line, so even with kids we left our car valeted and took the streetcar down to Crown Center (they have a Thomas the Tank Engine thing going on) and then back to the hotel.

What struck me is how low friction it is. All the stations have zero height boarding at least in the middle for strollers, wheelchairs etc. It's free and there are no tickets. And the cars are flat and open so you just walk on and off without worrying about loading into a row of seats. Completely different experience than a bus in all those regards.

And all seats were full with people standing all the time - but to be fair, this is a moderate weather late spring weekend.

Another observation is that there is visible and consistent enforcement constantly. Ticketing/towing cars that are parked too close, policing so people don't leave cars on the tracks, enforcing rules on the cars (no smoking, no soliciting etc). This is absolutely essential, especially for free transit.

Anyway it was very nice and convenient, can't wait to get this experience in Omaha.

[stadsborgare]

I'm going to try and visit every restaurant and bar along the streetcar route.

Today, it's "HomeGrown", a breakfast/lunch place on the ground floor of Blackstone Plaza. The streetcar stop at 37th & Farnam a block west would be your jumping-off point.

Today, the 4th of July, they are open - and the dining room is crowded with patrons. Just outside, the street is all torn up, but that didn't stop anybody from coming. That is good to see.

Looking out the window, visions of streetcars going back and forth are dancing in my head. I can't wait.

I should compile a list of all the many establishments already existing along the planned route, not to mention all the available spots there are left for future development. The more I visit this area, the more essential it feels for us to have this streetcar. Neighborhoods will be connected like never before.

[Louie]

I'm going to try and visit every restaurant and bar along the streetcar route.

Today, it's "HomeGrown", a breakfast/lunch place on the ground floor of Blackstone Plaza. The streetcar stop at 37th & Farnam a block west would be your jumping-off point.

Today, the 4th of July, they are open - and the dining room is crowded with patrons. Just outside, the street is all torn up, but that didn't stop anybody from coming. That is good to see.

Looking out the window, visions of streetcars going back and forth are dancing in my head. I can't wait.

I should compile a list of all the many establishments already existing along the planned route, not to mention all the available spots there are left for future development. The more I visit this area, the more essential it feels for us to have this streetcar. Neighborhoods will be connected like never before.

How was HomeGrown? Been meaning to stop in for brunch.

[stadsborgare]

I'm going to try and visit every restaurant and bar along the streetcar route.

Today, it's "HomeGrown", a breakfast/lunch place on the ground floor of Blackstone Plaza. The streetcar stop at 37th & Farnam a block west would be your jumping-off point.

Today, the 4th of July, they are open - and the dining room is crowded with patrons. Just outside, the street is all torn up, but that didn't stop anybody from coming. That is good to see.

Looking out the window, visions of streetcars going back and forth are dancing in my head. I can't wait.

I should compile a list of all the many establishments already existing along the planned route, not to mention all the available spots there are left for future development. The more I visit this area, the more essential it feels for us to have this streetcar. Neighborhoods will be connected like never before.

How was HomeGrown? Been meaning to stop in for brunch.

I thought it was really good. And prices are comparable to many restaurants, and the wait staff is super nice. An overall warm atmosphere. I'd go again.

[Louie]

I'm going to try and visit every restaurant and bar along the streetcar route.

Today, it's "HomeGrown", a breakfast/lunch place on the ground floor of Blackstone Plaza. The streetcar stop at 37th & Farnam a block west would be your jumping-off point.

Today, the 4th of July, they are open - and the dining room is crowded with patrons. Just outside, the street is all torn up, but that didn't stop anybody from coming. That is good to see.

Looking out the window, visions of streetcars going back and forth are dancing in my head. I can't wait.

I should compile a list of all the many establishments already existing along the planned route, not to mention all the available spots there are left for future development. The more I visit this area, the more essential it feels for us to have this streetcar. Neighborhoods will be connected like never before.

How was HomeGrown? Been meaning to stop in for brunch.

I thought it was really good. And prices are comparable to many restaurants, and the wait staff is super nice. An overall warm atmosphere. I'd go again.

Good to hear, I'll be making a point to get in there

[skinzfan23]

In Ewing's press conference about the streetcar, the expected cost is now $421 Million, which is still under the approved $440 million from the city council.

Says completion is scheduled for 2028. Hopefully that is everything fully operational (I thought it was supposed to be operating by 2027)

[Garrett]

Yeah it kinda sounds like a lot of the MUD drama has been the main slowdown?