Omaha Streetcar Discussion

[stadsborgare]

From what I heard the UNMC extension was being held up over funding. Keep in mind the shortest path would be to extend the line down Farnam to 45th. They mentioned a number of times they wanted it to go through UNMC campus. This adds length to the line and more cost to build.

I would think taking it down 42nd to Emile St to Saddle Creek would be the easiest path. It depends how literal they are being by saying through campus. That could involve heading down 40th right past the green space and Hope Tower on its way to Saddle Creek. It would explain why they wanted the temporary terminus at 39th.

And yes....it would be a shame if we have to tear up the rails at 39th to extend it. A lot of wasted money to extend it in the future. Hopefully, they will work out the details soon so it can all be built at the same time.

Isn’t the hill on the east side of 42nd and Farnam being too steep one of the original reasons they held off building it past 39th to begin with?

The turn from Turner Boulevard up Harney Street is kind of steep, too.

[Zephyr]

The main priority is getting to 42nd Street, closer to the UNMC, and establishing a mobility hub there with bus and bikeshare connections... Past that, it's all gravy. I believe the hill grade issue can be creatively conquered by tying the extension in with new development.

[Busguy2010]

The old system turned north at 40th, so I'd assume that hill has presented a challenge. Not that it can't be figured out.

[Athomsfere]

I really liked that an ORBT / streetcar hub is under consideration near the new Children's Museum.

[ita]

Any idea on timing today?

I put this in the bicycle thread b/c I thought the protected bike lanes were the most fleshed out info, but it does say Front Porch Investments is going to partner with the city to provide financing for workforce and affordable housing. Says units for people up ot 120% of AMI and the goal is 3,000 units over 30 years so 100 a year as a goal I guess.

I don't see a lot in the way of specifics though.

https://planning.cityofomaha.org/images ... ust/13.pdf

Cindy's article is the most comprehensive article on the announcement.

https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/08/01 ... streetcar/

They are expecting 1900 units with the $40 million commitment to build affordable housing in the urban core. That will include new rental and for sale units and rehabbed properties.

[Dusty]

The show mentioned naming/branding of the streetcar. Based on the comments, I take it a name has been chosen? Or have they narrowed it down to a few where the public votes on?

Side note: Kansas City's track sweeper for snow was named Brushy McBrushface. I think Omaha can top this. LOL!

[Stan]

The show mentioned naming/branding of the streetcar. Based on the comments, I take it a name has been chosen? Or have they narrowed it down to a few where the public votes on?

Side note: Kansas City's track sweeper for snow was named Brushy McBrushface. I think Omaha can top this. LOL!

I think they should name each streetcar after notable Omaha people that still call or called Omaha home. The Warren, The Crawford, The Payne, The Beasley...The Siwa...scratch that last one.

[Athomsfere]

The show mentioned naming/branding of the streetcar. Based on the comments, I take it a name has been chosen? Or have they narrowed it down to a few where the public votes on?

Side note: Kansas City's track sweeper for snow was named Brushy McBrushface. I think Omaha can top this. LOL!

I think they should name each streetcar after notable Omaha people that still call or called Omaha home. The Warren, The Crawford, The Payne, The Beasley...The Siwa...scratch that last one.

But do people want to ride the Payne Train?

[almighty_tuna]

But do people want to ride the Payne Train?

Terry Tate has entered the chat....

[stadsborgare]

I think it would be neat to have one car decorated by Jun Kaneko, and it would be like a rolling art piece. Maybe call it the "Jun Bug."

[arch_RP_planner]

I like the idea of using Omaha/Nebraska icons as naming devices. For example, call one of the streetcar's Reuben. Maybe the track sweeper is named Brush Crawford (play on Bud). This one is sorta self-explanatory, but name the streetcars off of various UP train models.

Could even go really crazy and name the cars after cuts of Steaks. Otherwise, I am all for random a** names relative to Nebraska, like Reuben, TV Dinner, Dorothy Lynch, Blackbird (in ref. to Offutt/STRATCOM and SAC), Mav/Durango, Billy the BlueJay, etc. Could also continue with adding to the "Bob" family. We have Bob the bridge, Baby Bob the extension... variations like Bob 1, Aunt Bobbi, Bobette, etc.

Just spit balling here, but want there to be some humor and local ties with the naming.

[almighty_tuna]

I think it would be neat to have one car decorated by Jun Kaneko, and it would be like a rolling art piece. Maybe call it the "Jun Bug."

I love the idea of a Kaneko-decorated car.

[nebugeater]

I like the idea of using Omaha/Nebraska icons as naming devices. For example, call one of the streetcar's Reuben. Maybe the track sweeper is named Brush Crawford (play on Bud). This one is sorta self-explanatory, but name the streetcars off of various UP train models.

Could even go really crazy and name the cars after cuts of Steaks. Otherwise, I am all for random a** names relative to Nebraska, like Reuben, TV Dinner, Dorothy Lynch, Blackbird (in ref. to Offutt/STRATCOM and SAC), Mav/Durango, Billy the BlueJay, etc. Could also continue with adding to the "Bob" family. We have Bob the bridge, Baby Bob the extension... variations like Bob 1, Aunt Bobbi, Bobette, etc.

Just spit balling here, but want there to be some humor and local ties with the naming.

Let's all ride the Vice Grip!

Or one named so, if you were late and trying to catch the train, you could yell " Hay Kool Aid!"

[Busguy2010]

I think we're obligated to name one "Mean Jean", given its "her" streetcar.

[arch_RP_planner]

I think it would be neat to have one car decorated by Jun Kaneko, and it would be like a rolling art piece. Maybe call it the "Jun Bug."

I love the idea of a Kaneko-decorated car.

Was going to say the same thing, also love the Vice Grip or Kool-Aid ones too!

[WorldStreet]

I'll be waiting for the Mannheim Steamroller car.

[GenX]

I'll be waiting for the Mannheim Steamroller car.

I think we have found our new track sweeper name.

“Can’t go anywhere until the Mannheim Steamroller comes through”

[WorldStreet]

I'll be waiting for the Mannheim Steamroller car.

I think we have found our new track sweeper name.

“Can’t go anywhere until the Mannheim Steamroller comes through”

With Chip Davis as the conductor. He certainly has enough conducting experience. (I'll see myself out now)

[almighty_tuna]

I'll be waiting for the Mannheim Steamroller car.

I think we have found our new track sweeper name.

“Can’t go anywhere until the Mannheim Steamroller comes through”

With Chip Davis as the conductor. He certainly has enough conducting experience. (I'll see myself out now)

This car would have windows that passengers could open so they, too, could get some...Fresh Aire?

[Dusty]

I will stand behind what I have said again and again. The streetcar needs to have a bold and sleek appearance. I prefer solid colors to tie in with the line to make it easy for navigation and branding. For example, solid red for red line, solid blue for blue line, etc. Of course, we can put wraps/skins on the trains for special events. College World Series, Food week showcasing restaurants, showcasing local attractions during Open Omaha event.

The creative aspect comes into play with transit stops. I have this element in my 25-year vision for Metro Transit. Making 25-30 bus/rail stops as a unique piece of artwork. This becomes a huge draw for people to ride transit.

I will use your examples from the discussion to make it fun. One station has the Kool-Aid man busting through the back wall of the station, a 12 foot bottle of Dorthy Lynch Dressing next to a platform, Bug-eater themed station, etc.

I say make the stations wacky and an expression of our history and quirkiness.

[WorldStreet]

I'll be waiting for the Mannheim Steamroller car.

I think we have found our new track sweeper name.

“Can’t go anywhere until the Mannheim Steamroller comes through”

With Chip Davis as the conductor. He certainly has enough conducting experience. (I'll see myself out now)

This car would have windows that passengers could open so they, too, could get some...Fresh Aire?

I guess you'll see yourself out as well.

[locoluke]

The latest column from Eric Miller on Grow Omaha mentions that the streetcar will have some form of transit signal priority at certain key intersections.

[skinzfan23]

That was a nice piece that he wrote, comparing different extensions that other cities have done. Sometimes, I don't think people are realistic with the streetcar. There are so many against it, yet a lot of those people are the ones saying that we need an extension to the zoo and airport. Both of which are probably not feasible (at least not any time in the near future) It is very expensive and time consuming, as we are seeing. I found it interesting that a lot of the extensions that Eric mentioned were only a few tenths of a mile. Similar to the extension that will probably get done to UNMC.

It was also surprising to see that there are only 21 cities in the US that have a streetcar, so for Omaha, that is ranked 55th in metro population to be in the top 20 or so that is good. (for streetcar history people, keep in mind, in 1890, Omaha had the 2nd most streetcar routes, only behind Boston)

[nebport5]

That was a nice piece that he wrote, comparing different extensions that other cities have done. Sometimes, I don't think people are realistic with the streetcar. There are so many against it, yet a lot of those people are the ones saying that we need an extension to the zoo and airport. Both of which are probably not feasible (at least not any time in the near future) It is very expensive and time consuming, as we are seeing. I found it interesting that a lot of the extensions that Eric mentioned were only a few tenths of a mile. Similar to the extension that will probably get done to UNMC.

Yeah, but…

One, wasn’t the zoo extension one of the possibilities being discussed with Eric on G.O.? Two, Obviously Miller has not been a proponent of going to the airport but is the federal grant not looking(partly) at doing just that? I can’t imagine it was only Stothert advocating for this connection but likely some of the very same people now in Ewing’s Administration. Now, as referenced, with his new role, I wonder how these details will coalesce? Obviously the general public(particularly the opponents)don’t understand the problems with a slow moving streetcar with multiple stops to the airport. One interesting detail Eric mentions in this article is how Tacoma’s system was built to “light rail standards”. Begs the question, is any of Omaha’s? Or could a more light rail like airport connection with minimal stops from North Downtown be a solution? Of course, in an area generally thought to be unsuitable for T.O.D., such a hypothetical line is particularly cost prohibitive. I still believe Stothert was banking on federal funding to make some sort of airport connection work. It’ll be interesting to see what comes out of the North O study.

[Busguy2010]

No, no, no. You cannot effectively mix streetcar characteristics with light rail or BRT characteristics. The streetcar is not a transportation solution like it was 75 years ago. It would make zero sense for an extension to the airport, because the distance is practically the same, whether its cut up 19th or Abbott drive, and either way, it'll take forever. Nobody's going to choose that hypothetical streetcar to get to the airport.

Shoot, nobody even takes the bus to the airport, and it would move faster and cover more ground than a streetcar.

Really, if we want to find out how much demand there is for public transit to the airport, take any one of our busier bus routes that cover a nice amount of our town, i.e. the 4, make it enhanced, keep it running 15 minutes. Westroads to the Airport in an hour, vs UNMC to the airport in 45(?) minutes?

Streetcar just doesnt serve the purpose of speed. Access? Yes. Speed? No. Therefore, an extension to the airport would do nothing to shift anybody from just driving.

[Busguy2010]

If anybodys ever been on the 106 (former 16), it's main purpose is to get people in north Omaha and Downtown to and from the Open Door Mission. Sometimes for people who work at the airport. But you never see anybody with a luggage bag using the 106. Guessing because it only serves Downtown and North Omaha.

What I'm getting at is, in order to draw ridership, you have to cover more distance, and faster. Streetcar isnt the way to do that.

[stadsborgare]

What I'm getting at is, in order to draw ridership, you have to cover more distance, and faster. Streetcar isnt the way to do that.

I read somewhere that many people use the KC Streetcar to 'go to the next stop.' In that sense, speed is not as important as accessibility.

So someone living in Blackstone area feels like going to Jazz on the Green, well, no need to drive there.

Someone living downtown wishes to pay visit to the Joslyn for a secial event, well, take the streetcar. Or take it the other way to go to a concert at the Steelhouse.

That's a lot of cars off the road.

[stadsborgare]

A streetcar is much faster than going back to your car to drive it 8 blocks and re-park it again if you want to go to multiple places in the downtown area in the same evening.

[Busguy2010]

What I'm getting at is, in order to draw ridership, you have to cover more distance, and faster. Streetcar isnt the way to do that.

I read somewhere that many people use the KC Streetcar to 'go to the next stop.' In that sense, speed is not as important as accessibility.

So someone living in Blackstone area feels like going to Jazz on the Green, well, no need to drive there.

Someone living downtown wishes to pay visit to the Joslyn for a secial event, well, take the streetcar. Or take it the other way to go to a concert at the Steelhouse.

That's a lot of cars off the road.

Right, and I totally agree. But speed would be a factor in the stretch between Downtown and the airport. There's nothing to see or do in that stretch, so a streetcar would not be a fitting solution, to, frankly, problem that doesnt exist. So I'm saying forget that airport idea, and allocate those resources toward other extensions, or other modes that make more sense.

[nebport5]

No, no, no. You cannot effectively mix streetcar characteristics with light rail or BRT characteristics. The streetcar is not a transportation solution like it was 75 years ago. It would make zero sense for an extension to the airport, because the distance is practically the same, whether its cut up 19th or Abbott drive, and either way, it'll take forever. Nobody's going to choose that hypothetical streetcar to get to the airport.

Shoot, nobody even takes the bus to the airport, and it would move faster and cover more ground than a streetcar.

Really, if we want to find out how much demand there is for public transit to the airport, take any one of our busier bus routes that cover a nice amount of our town, i.e. the 4, make it enhanced, keep it running 15 minutes. Westroads to the Airport in an hour, vs UNMC to the airport in 45(?) minutes?

Streetcar just doesnt serve the purpose of speed. Access? Yes. Speed? No. Therefore, an extension to the airport would do nothing to shift anybody from just driving.

Never mind.

This isn’t another beat a dead horse debate or advocation for streetcar to the airport. I was trying to figure out what was up Stothert sleeve besides seeking federal funding.

[halgy]

I'll repeat my opinion that most obvious extension is adding a half-mile up 10th street to better connect the convention center, baseball field, and Millwork Commons. It could either come back south the same way, or maybe loop around to the west through the builder's district, catch the edge of Creighton campus, and then back to 10th via Mike Fahey St.

Millwork Commons is really expanding, but it is just a bit too far for walking from downtown and would really benefit from being connected. This route would also support development of lot B/D, which I really hope happens soon. Not to mention connecting the long-rumored soccer stadium (it is my personal theory that the north extension was put on hold until the stadium location was finalized).

[nebport5]

I'll repeat my opinion that most obvious extension is adding a half-mile up 10th street to better connect the convention center, baseball field, and Millwork Commons. It could either come back south the same way, or maybe loop around to the west through the builder's district, catch the edge of Creighton campus, and then back to 10th via Mike Fahey St.

Millwork Commons is really expanding, but it is just a bit too far for walking from downtown and would really benefit from being connected. This route would also support development of lot B/D, which I really hope happens soon. Not to mention connecting the long-rumored soccer stadium (it is my personal theory that the north extension was put on hold until the stadium location was finalized).

Yes, going to Millwork would be ideal, especially if the soccer stadium is a go with the “entertainment village”. Even if one is ok with the walking distance, it’s a bit dicey for pedestrians around Millwork already.

[Louie]

I'll repeat my opinion that most obvious extension is adding a half-mile up 10th street to better connect the convention center, baseball field, and Millwork Commons. It could either come back south the same way, or maybe loop around to the west through the builder's district, catch the edge of Creighton campus, and then back to 10th via Mike Fahey St.

Millwork Commons is really expanding, but it is just a bit too far for walking from downtown and would really benefit from being connected. This route would also support development of lot B/D, which I really hope happens soon. Not to mention connecting the long-rumored soccer stadium (it is my personal theory that the north extension was put on hold until the stadium location was finalized).

Yes, going to Millwork would be ideal, especially if the soccer stadium is a go with the “entertainment village”. Even if one is ok with the walking distance, it’s a bit dicey for pedestrians around Millwork already.

Crossing Cuming St is a huge deterrent.

[Brad]

I'll repeat my opinion that most obvious extension is adding a half-mile up 10th street to better connect the convention center, baseball field, and Millwork Commons. It could either come back south the same way, or maybe loop around to the west through the builder's district, catch the edge of Creighton campus, and then back to 10th via Mike Fahey St.

Millwork Commons is really expanding, but it is just a bit too far for walking from downtown and would really benefit from being connected. This route would also support development of lot B/D, which I really hope happens soon. Not to mention connecting the long-rumored soccer stadium (it is my personal theory that the north extension was put on hold until the stadium location was finalized).

Yes, going to Millwork would be ideal, especially if the soccer stadium is a go with the “entertainment village”. Even if one is ok with the walking distance, it’s a bit dicey for pedestrians around Millwork already.

Crossing Cuming St is a huge deterrent.

The need to get that 11th Street connection in (Which was added to the city master plan several years ago) and then the streetcar would have a straight shot from 10th street to the Millwork Commons. Connecting to Millwork should be a no brainer...

[BRoss]

The need to get that 11th Street connection in (Which was added to the city master plan several years ago)

The latest CIP has that slated for next year.

[Louie]

I'll repeat my opinion that most obvious extension is adding a half-mile up 10th street to better connect the convention center, baseball field, and Millwork Commons. It could either come back south the same way, or maybe loop around to the west through the builder's district, catch the edge of Creighton campus, and then back to 10th via Mike Fahey St.

Millwork Commons is really expanding, but it is just a bit too far for walking from downtown and would really benefit from being connected. This route would also support development of lot B/D, which I really hope happens soon. Not to mention connecting the long-rumored soccer stadium (it is my personal theory that the north extension was put on hold until the stadium location was finalized).

Yes, going to Millwork would be ideal, especially if the soccer stadium is a go with the “entertainment village”. Even if one is ok with the walking distance, it’s a bit dicey for pedestrians around Millwork already.

Crossing Cuming St is a huge deterrent.

The need to get that 11th Street connection in (Which was added to the city master plan several years ago) and then the streetcar would have a straight shot from 10th street to the Millwork Commons. Connecting to Millwork should be a no brainer...

Agreed, I was more talking about crossing Cuming from the pedestrian perspective.

[nebport5]

I wonder if there’s a plan for the streetcar getting overloaded by demand from large events(CWS,etc.)?

So, I’ll say it again. I want a pedestrian bridge over Cuming. I don’t care if “most people” won’t use it. Most people are idiots.

[locoluke]

There was mention on Grow Omaha of possibly pushing an extra streetcar into service during special events.

As for an airport line, I think it could be a good service if it had limited stops and ran adjacent to Abbot Drive. It might end up looking closer to conventional/heavy rail. Abbot Drive has the luxury of having way more open space than most typical light rail ROWs that close to an urban core would generally have.

[stadsborgare]

Benson would be an ideal future extension. There's a lot of concentration of bars and restaurants and entertainment venues surrounded by increasing number of housing units, with limited parking available.

Aksarben Village by contrast has more than adequate parking, but still would be a good destination for otherwise all the same reasons as Benson.

[Dusty]

I'll repeat my opinion that most obvious extension is adding a half-mile up 10th street to better connect the convention center, baseball field, and Millwork Commons. It could either come back south the same way, or maybe loop around to the west through the builder's district, catch the edge of Creighton campus, and then back to 10th via Mike Fahey St.

Millwork Commons is really expanding, but it is just a bit too far for walking from downtown and would really benefit from being connected. This route would also support development of lot B/D, which I really hope happens soon. Not to mention connecting the long-rumored soccer stadium (it is my personal theory that the north extension was put on hold until the stadium location was finalized).

I brought this up a while ago for a 10th street line. Like I mentioned before, build the North segment as soon as possible. The South segment to the zoo can be built later. This will give us the additional time to decide the proper Southern extension. (10th ST only, cut over on Pacific or Williams to 13th to zoo, or couplet than encompasses both 10th/13th.)