METRO (Formerly Metro Area Transit - MAT)

mistergutierrez · Post by **mistergutierrez** » Sun Nov 10, 2024 12:31 pm

I received this newsletter from Restoring Dignity a couple weeks ago.
They were surprised that one of the major concerns mentioned by our refugee population is public transportation, so they did analyzed this issue.
Pretty good read with many explanatory maps.

https://mailchi.mp/76ef98becbae/meet-ou ... 3562b8c5c9

labguy · Post by **labguy** » Fri Jan 10, 2025 8:11 am

The new board was sworn in yesterday. Former Metro CEO Curt Simon was elected as board chair.

Also, Metro will be having four meetings to get public feedback on the upcoming Microtransit pilot program. Three in-person meetings and one online Zoom meeting. https://www.ometro.com/metro-news/metro ... t-program/

Busguy2010 · Post by **Busguy2010** » Fri Jan 10, 2025 8:51 am

I've been noticing new bus benches around town. They're not owned by Metro apparently, but whatever the advertising company is. I think the advertising company still decides where they go, but I wonder if there's any collaboration with Metro, cause I've seen them in new places. They're black metal benches and they look much nicer.

Post by **Brad** » Fri Jan 10, 2025 9:02 am

Busguy2010 wrote: Fri Jan 10, 2025 8:51 am I've been noticing new bus benches around town. They're not owned by Metro apparently, but whatever the advertising company is. I think the advertising company still decides where they go, but I wonder if there's any collaboration with Metro, cause I've seen them in new places. They're black metal benches and they look much nicer.

The last round was not owned by metro either, they were owned by a sign company. Can't remember the name at the moment.

labguy · Post by **labguy** » Fri Jan 10, 2025 9:17 am

Busguy2010 wrote: Fri Jan 10, 2025 8:51 am I've been noticing new bus benches around town. They're not owned by Metro apparently, but whatever the advertising company is. I think the advertising company still decides where they go, but I wonder if there's any collaboration with Metro, cause I've seen them in new places. They're black metal benches and they look much nicer.

The old benches were also owned by an advertising company, but the city signed a new contract last year with a new company called Creative Outdoor. They're supposed to replace all the old cement benches. The only downside is that new benches have to be bolted to a cement pad instead of sitting on the ground. I don't know how that works with property owners if they need an easement for cement pads. I've also noticed some of the benches are angled away from the direction the bus would be coming from which seems not ideal.

Post by **Brad** » Fri Jan 10, 2025 9:24 am

labguy wrote: Fri Jan 10, 2025 9:17 am
Busguy2010 wrote: Fri Jan 10, 2025 8:51 am I've been noticing new bus benches around town. They're not owned by Metro apparently, but whatever the advertising company is. I think the advertising company still decides where they go, but I wonder if there's any collaboration with Metro, cause I've seen them in new places. They're black metal benches and they look much nicer.
The old benches were also owned by an advertising company, but the city signed a new contract last year with a new company called Creative Outdoor. They're supposed to replace all the old cement benches. The only downside is that new benches have to be bolted to a cement pad instead of sitting on the ground. I don't know how that works with property owners if they need an easement for cement pads. I've also noticed some of the benches are angled away from the direction the bus would be coming from which seems not ideal.

Bolted or not, they would still need an easement if they are on private property. I don't really pay that close of attention to their placement, but I would guess benches are still in the Right of Way.

Busguy2010 · Post by **Busguy2010** » Fri Jan 10, 2025 11:20 am

It does kinda suck, the fact that the benches are about the advertisement, not the rider. Theres one near 72nd and Pacific that's probably a good 75 feet+ from where the bus actually picks up. That'd be awkward for the driver. I wouldn't drive into the turn lane to meet the rider at the bench, that's not where the stop is, that just makes the driver look like an arse.

Dusty · Post by **Dusty** » Mon Jan 13, 2025 12:52 pm

Busguy2010 wrote: Fri Jan 10, 2025 11:20 am It does kinda suck, the fact that the benches are about the advertisement, not the rider. Theres one near 72nd and Pacific that's probably a good 75 feet+ from where the bus actually picks up. That'd be awkward for the driver. I wouldn't drive into the turn lane to meet the rider at the bench, that's not where the stop is, that just makes the driver look like an arse.

I wouldn't be surprised if placement is based visibility for car drivers stuck at a traffic light. They are in the business to sell ads, not create a public service for riders. This is why Metro needs to be running it themselves. Proper placement and Metro branding. Besides, they make very little revenue by outsourcing it.

mistergutierrez · Post by **mistergutierrez** » Mon Jan 13, 2025 8:43 pm

Most transport advertising in Europe is dominated by JCDecaux, they get concessions from bus stops and they get all revenue from advertising. I saw their public furniture in SF. However they are a little more upscale than our garden benches.

labguy · Post by **labguy** » Thu Jan 23, 2025 8:15 am

labguy wrote: Fri Jan 10, 2025 8:11 am The new board was sworn in yesterday. Former Metro CEO Curt Simon was elected as board chair.

Also, Metro will be having four meetings to get public feedback on the upcoming Microtransit pilot program. Three in-person meetings and one online Zoom meeting. https://www.ometro.com/metro-news/metro ... t-program/

If anyone is interested, Metro has posted the video of the Microtransit Zoom meeting at the link above.

Busguy2010 · Post by **Busguy2010** » Sat Apr 19, 2025 10:45 pm

Just saw an ad about tomorrow's Chronicle on KETV at 10am. It's about transit in Omaha, sounds like it'll be a good watch.

Dusty · Post by **Dusty** » Mon Apr 21, 2025 10:02 am

Busguy2010 wrote: Sat Apr 19, 2025 10:45 pm Just saw an ad about tomorrow's Chronicle on KETV at 10am. It's about transit in Omaha, sounds like it'll be a good watch.

It was just a segment to push Micro Transit. Big eye roll from me. LOL!

Busguy2010 · Post by **Busguy2010** » Mon Apr 21, 2025 3:09 pm

Dusty wrote: Mon Apr 21, 2025 10:02 am
Busguy2010 wrote: Sat Apr 19, 2025 10:45 pm Just saw an ad about tomorrow's Chronicle on KETV at 10am. It's about transit in Omaha, sounds like it'll be a good watch.
It was just a segment to push Micro Transit. Big eye roll from me. LOL!

Yeah, same. Pretty unimpressed myself.

Though I guess there's nothing wrong with the concept : use mini vans to transport people from their place of residence to the nearest bus stop. It'll help the people who already use the system.

But yeah, don't know why I thought it'd be something exciting

Busguy2010 · Post by **Busguy2010** » Mon Jul 07, 2025 4:07 pm

I just noticed within the last couple months, Metro quietly made some adjustments to service :

Route 15 - since the pandemic ended, they restored 15 minute service between Downtown and Aksarben. However, they recently reduced it back to 30 minutes. This stretch always had 15 minute service, outside of the pandemic, and apparently now.

Same with Route 13. It had 15 minute service between Downtown and MCC South, and thus 30 minute frequency between MCC and Aksarben during rush hour. Both stretches were reduced to 30 minutes, and one hour all day, respectively.

Lastly, nearly every route that touches Downtown was "permanently" adjusted to have a meeting point of 14th & Dodge (instead of just an indefinite rider alert) due to the construction of the Mutual tower. I sort of like this, as the block between 14th and 15th & Dodge is now a defacto "transit center" (remember 76th between Dodge and Cass? Like that). The drawback is that the routes are cut a bit short of touching all of Downtown, as they used to under their normal routes. I'd bet they'll go back to their old routes once construction is done, but I see this as an opportunity to finally have that Downtown transit center they wanted since the 16th street mall. Since its just a grass block, and has been for nearly 20 years, I see no reason not to make the linear block between 14th and 15th at least a temporary (if not permanent) Tansit center with cutouts and at least some shelters.

ProgKingHughesker · Post by **ProgKingHughesker** » Tue Jul 08, 2025 11:28 pm

Just get with a developer and put a big arse underground bus station like Denver has imo

labguy · Post by **labguy** » Wed Jul 09, 2025 8:54 am

Those cuts to the 15 and 13 actually happened in May of last year. They said it was to help limit cancelations due to lack of drivers or buses.

Reading through the May board minutes, there was a discussion about the number of drivers. Apparently, Metro has 175 drivers and needs 126 on any given day to run a full schedule. The overage should allow for people to be out sick or on vacation and yet there are still almost daily service interruptions.

Busguy2010 · Post by **Busguy2010** » Wed Jul 09, 2025 11:29 am

ProgKingHughesker wrote: Tue Jul 08, 2025 11:28 pm Just get with a developer and put a big arse underground bus station like Denver has imo

I'm just glad they were able to find a definitive transfer and layover point, instead of being under a constant rider alert. I went down there the other night just to see if they did add any amenities, and that was a no. Looked like they at least removed the street parking for a reserved bus layover point.

Through its not 100% necessary, my picky brain likes how they all meet in one place, rather than one route here, another route three blocks over, etc. Though like I said, that comes at the cost of covering all of Downtown. I.e. the 4 terminates at 14th & Dodge now, where it used to go down to 8th & Farnam and back around to 13th & Farnam.

I personally wouldn't mind if they made this permanent. Looks like some of the buses layover on 14th and some on Dodge, so there could be a couple bays on 14th, and a few on Dodge. It would be cool to see a more permanent sort of transit center, at least with shelters for each route and for each bay to be labeled for each route number.

locoluke · Post by **locoluke** » Mon Aug 04, 2025 9:30 pm

Metro announced the details of their microtransit pilot today. It will begin on August 13, and the first two months of the program will be fare-free.

https://www.ometro.com/rider-guide/metro-flex/

Busguy2010 · Post by **Busguy2010** » Mon Aug 04, 2025 10:45 pm

locoluke wrote: Mon Aug 04, 2025 9:30 pm Metro announced the details of their microtransit pilot today. It will begin on August 13, and the first two months of the program will be fare-free.

https://www.ometro.com/rider-guide/metro-flex/

It's interesting. I noticed there's a special destination at 33rd & Dodge for the North Omaha zone.

I understand the concept is to get riders to and from their nearest bus stop. It'll be interesting to see how that works out and impacts ridership on the routes affected by it.

I only question it a little because North Omaha is probably already the best served area, and now there'll be a special drop off at 33rd and Dodge. So, what's wrong with the 35? Will they pick up anybody who would normally ride the 30 or 35, and drop the ridership of both?

I just don't want to see our bus system become a taxi service.

locoluke · Post by **locoluke** » Tue Aug 05, 2025 12:19 am

Busguy2010 wrote: Mon Aug 04, 2025 10:45 pm
locoluke wrote: Mon Aug 04, 2025 9:30 pm Metro announced the details of their microtransit pilot today. It will begin on August 13, and the first two months of the program will be fare-free.

https://www.ometro.com/rider-guide/metro-flex/
It's interesting. I noticed there's a special destination at 33rd & Dodge for the North Omaha zone.

I understand the concept is to get riders to and from their nearest bus stop. It'll be interesting to see how that works out and impacts ridership on the routes affected by it.

I only question it a little because North Omaha is probably already the best served area, and now there'll be a special drop off at 33rd and Dodge. So, what's wrong with the 35? Will they pick up anybody who would normally ride the 30 or 35, and drop the ridership of both?

I just don't want to see our bus system become a taxi service.

This is just a hunch, but because it’s a pilot program, I think Metro is trying figure out how micro transit can work in different situations/contexts. A part of the pilot program is probably finding the answers to the questions you posed. I’m definitely with you on not wanting Metro to become a glorified taxi service.

Busguy2010 · Post by **Busguy2010** » Tue Aug 05, 2025 3:17 am

Okay, I didn't recognize it was a trial period.

It seems to me the zone to benefit from this the most would be the West zone. Not necessarily based on anticipated ridership, but the fact its the least served area. On the other hand, 99% of people in that zone probably won't even know it exists.

Going back over the last 30 or so years, West Omaha had much better service during different periods of time than it does now, for reason of course.

Dusty · Post by **Dusty** » Tue Aug 05, 2025 9:35 am

The pilot program is costing 7 million dollars for 2 years. Most of this was paid for by donations. They will be able to extend the contract in one year increments for a maximum of 3 additional years.

locoluke · Post by **locoluke** » Fri Aug 08, 2025 10:38 am

Brand new bus making the rounds on Route 18 today.

Busguy2010 · Post by **Busguy2010** » Fri Aug 08, 2025 1:57 pm

I always preferred the thought of the buses being blue instead of white. The font and logo look different, so it'll probably bug me to an extent. I wonder if they're fixing to rebrand across the board.

It looks good though!

Good to see them get back to New Flyer instead of that bogus Alexander Dennis experiment.

locoluke · Post by **locoluke** » Fri Aug 08, 2025 5:07 pm

I’m personally not a fan of the logo over the windows, but otherwise it looks good. I also think the logo would look better with just the bottom three color stripes instead of four. Regardless, it is fun to see a rebrand. I wonder if it’s related to the streetcar branding in any way?

Also, +1 on ditching Alexander Dennis

Busguy2010 · Post by **Busguy2010** » Fri Aug 08, 2025 6:06 pm

I'll say it looks a little more "legit".

But if it was me, I'd eliminate the gray stripe at the bottom of the bus and make it blue. And if they're still going with the candy stripe theme of the first rebrand (which I always liked a lot), I don't like that they changed the logo, especially not since they included off-colors of gray, black, and... PINK? I'm a big fan of simplicity in design, so straight blue and white would be the route I'd go.

You can tell by changing the font, they're trying to convey a message of legitimacy, reliability, and seriousness, but including the other colors that have never fit in Metro's branding undermine that message. Somewhat.

It looks good, just picking it apart.

Busguy2010 · Post by **Busguy2010** » Fri Aug 08, 2025 7:05 pm

I also wonder if its just one of a few, if not all by itself of the 26 to have that livery.

BuildTaller · Post by **BuildTaller** » Mon Aug 11, 2025 9:14 am

locoluke wrote: Fri Aug 08, 2025 10:38 am Brand new bus making the rounds on Route 18 today.

What fuel does it use? Any new/better amenities?

remline · Post by **remline** » Mon Aug 11, 2025 10:02 am

BuildTaller wrote: Mon Aug 11, 2025 9:14 am What fuel does it use? Any new/better amenities?

The Metro press release is here: New Wheels, New look: Metro rolls out distinct look with first of 26 new buses. I don't see any mention of different fuels or amenities.

Metro Flex (microtransit) starts Wednesday, August 13th. I'm looking forward to some rider reports.

labguy · Post by **labguy** » Mon Aug 11, 2025 3:50 pm

remline wrote: Mon Aug 11, 2025 10:02 am
BuildTaller wrote: Mon Aug 11, 2025 9:14 am What fuel does it use? Any new/better amenities?
The Metro press release is here: New Wheels, New look: Metro rolls out distinct look with first of 26 new buses. I don't see any mention of different fuels or amenities.

Metro Flex (microtransit) starts Wednesday, August 13th. I'm looking forward to some rider reports.

The order was for 17 CNG and 9 diesel buses.

BuildTaller · Post by **BuildTaller** » Wed Aug 20, 2025 4:04 pm

labguy wrote: Mon Aug 11, 2025 3:50 pm
remline wrote: Mon Aug 11, 2025 10:02 am
BuildTaller wrote: Mon Aug 11, 2025 9:14 am What fuel does it use? Any new/better amenities?
The Metro press release is here: New Wheels, New look: Metro rolls out distinct look with first of 26 new buses. I don't see any mention of different fuels or amenities.

Metro Flex (microtransit) starts Wednesday, August 13th. I'm looking forward to some rider reports.
The order was for 17 CNG and 9 diesel buses.

Thanks for answering my question.

locoluke · Post by **locoluke** » Fri Sep 12, 2025 10:38 pm

Metro posted the packet for the September 2026 RMTA board meeting today, and included in it is Metro’s 2026 budget. The most noteworthy items in it are a planned ~10% increase in service and $1.6 million for “24th Street Project Planning” (Up from $700k in 2025).

Gobears27 · Post by **Gobears27** » Mon Sep 15, 2025 9:20 pm

Does that mean the 24 transit improvements could be happening soon?

locoluke · Post by **locoluke** » Mon Sep 15, 2025 10:42 pm

Gobears27 wrote: Mon Sep 15, 2025 9:20 pm Does that mean the 24 transit improvements could be happening soon?

I imagine it depends on the scope of the improvements. If they opt for BRT, I think it would *optimistically* be 5-6 years out. If they settle on just enhanced bus service, I’d think it could happen in the next 2-3 years. All just guessing though. With the lack of any sort of public announcement/conversations, I wouldn’t expect anything for a while.

labguy · Post by **labguy** » Tue Oct 21, 2025 4:31 pm

Metro is proposing some service changes that would go into effect in December. There would be an extension of weekday evening service on the 4 and 13 and some schedule adjustments to route 5.

The biggest change would be the de-coupling of the 15 and 55. Right now the 55 turns into a 15 at Aksarben and continues downtown (and every other 15 becomes a 55 heading west). Now they will be completely separate lines. So, riders will have to get off the 55 or 15 at Aksarben to get the other bus. The one upside is that they will bring the 55 back to 30-minute frequency for the morning and evening commute, which is how it was pre-Covid cuts.

https://www.ometro.com/metro-news/octob ... -meetings/

labguy · Post by **labguy** » Wed Dec 03, 2025 3:36 pm

The new service changes go into effect Monday, December 15th. The updated schedules will be posted on December 8th.
Curious how they will try to time the connections between the 15 and 55 now that they won't be interlined anymore.

Service change announcement

Gobears27 · Post by **Gobears27** » Thu Dec 04, 2025 8:09 pm

I love to see service improvements.

Busguy2010 · Post by **Busguy2010** » Fri Dec 05, 2025 1:13 am

I don't understand why they go to the trouble to ask for public input when its an improvement. Its more of a restoration of service.

locoluke · Post by **locoluke** » Fri Dec 05, 2025 9:30 am

Busguy2010 wrote: Fri Dec 05, 2025 1:13 am I don't understand why they go to the trouble to ask for public input when its an improvement. Its more of a restoration of service.

I think it’s required by federal law.

Busguy2010 · Post by **Busguy2010** » Tue Dec 09, 2025 9:29 pm

They announced the service changes. I guess I don't really see the point of separating the 15 and 55 if they aren't increasing the frequency between Aksarben and Downtown, nor between Aksarben and their respective destinations.

I still have a physical schedule of the 15/55 from 2004, and the 15/55 worked great running together, every 15 minutes between 84th & Center, and Downtown. Buses were darn near full on both the 15 and 55.

I guess the advantage I see is transferring to the 55 to loop around to Walmart. Not much of an advantage, but one.