Omaha Streetcar Discussion

[Louie]

I'm really looking forward to seeing the designs for the streets, I know my dream would be something like this for Farnam:

I dunno, that bulding design is pretty meh

LOL, it has flowers in the window. So +1,000 for a European Village vibe

Shitttt, urban design 101 right there ha!

[Garrett]

https://omaha.com/news/local/chambers-1 ... in-article

As listed in the 11 big moves article in the OWH today, here is the Council Bluffs streetcar map.

[Doctor Fate]

https://omaha.com/news/local/chambers-1 ... in-article

As listed in the 11 big moves article in the OWH today, here is the Council Bluffs streetcar map.

Awesome! That goes quite a bit furthur into CB than I was expecting. I'm also imagining the visual of the streetcar going across the river with all this development on either side. Pretty exciting to consider.

[Garrett]

On inspection it looks like the CB route is going to go along the mostly non-existent 1st avenue.

[Brad]

On inspection it looks like the CB route is going to go along the mostly non-existent 1st avenue.

First Ave is the brand new bike trail that replaced the railroad line that was torn out about 10 years ago. That said, there is room for both the bike trail and also the streetcar along there. Lots of under developed land along there.

[Athomsfere]

https://omaha.com/news/local/chambers-1 ... in-article

As listed in the 11 big moves article in the OWH today, here is the Council Bluffs streetcar map.

This looks wonderful! I wonder what commute time end to end is expected to look like?

[Garrett]

https://omaha.com/news/local/chambers-1 ... in-article

As listed in the 11 big moves article in the OWH today, here is the Council Bluffs streetcar map.

This looks wonderful! I wonder what commute time end to end is expected to look like?

Since it will be largely separated from traffic it might end up faster than the Omaha side.

[Athomsfere]

https://omaha.com/news/local/chambers-1 ... in-article

As listed in the 11 big moves article in the OWH today, here is the Council Bluffs streetcar map.

This looks wonderful! I wonder what commute time end to end is expected to look like?

Since it will be largely separated from traffic it might end up faster than the Omaha side.

I'd love to see that!

CB really should get a shot of building up a little. And this could end up one of the best developments of any city under 250k in the USA.

[Garrett]

https://omaha.com/news/local/chambers-1 ... in-article

As listed in the 11 big moves article in the OWH today, here is the Council Bluffs streetcar map.

This looks wonderful! I wonder what commute time end to end is expected to look like?

Since it will be largely separated from traffic it might end up faster than the Omaha side.

I'd love to see that!

CB really should get a shot of building up a little. And this could end up one of the best developments of any city under 250k in the USA.

Really assuming it gets built CB would end up being the smallest city in the US with a streetcar line, and I don’t know of any other interstate streetcar systems

[Athomsfere]

Really assuming it gets built CB would end up being the smallest city in the US with a streetcar line, and I don’t know of any other interstate streetcar systems

Agreed. I was using 250k because I think it would be the sportsball equivalent of a 300 game, but all homeruns... It would be a very fun microcosm of symbiosis between cities and states, and strong mass transit in larger towns and smaller cities.

[Garrett]

I’d love to see how much growth this could trigger in CB as well after so many years of stagnation. A streetcar line like this along a lot of basically blank slate land is rare.

[BRoss]

A little more info on the Council Bluffs side:

Plans call for another bridge to Council Bluffs, development on golf course land

Bluffs officials also want to extend a streetcar line through the city, stretching from the riverfront to Methodist Jennie Edmundson Hospital and CHI Health Mercy Hospital.

Walsh said plans have been in the works, but they were dependent on the City of Omaha introducing a plan for its streetcar line. Omaha’s proposed streetcar — which would be a 3-mile loop — was announced in late January, along with the announcement that Mutual of Omaha would move its headquarters downtown.

The Omaha line will be bookended by riverfront parks on the east and the University of Nebraska Medical Center’s Project NExT facility to the west.

A rough outline of the Council Bluffs line would extend from the riverfront over the bridge into Council Bluffs. A streetcar station would be located right off the bridge, in the newly redeveloped Dodge Park area. The route, situated between West Broadway and Second Avenue, then would run to the hospitals.

The route would be constructed in phases, working its way west to east, Garrett said.

The streetcar would run adjacent to a new trail running along the First Avenue corridor. The trail was constructed to leave enough room for a future streetcar line off to the side, Walsh said.

[ita]

A little more info on the Council Bluffs side:

Plans call for another bridge to Council Bluffs, development on golf course land

Bluffs officials also want to extend a streetcar line through the city, stretching from the riverfront to Methodist Jennie Edmundson Hospital and CHI Health Mercy Hospital.

Walsh said plans have been in the works, but they were dependent on the City of Omaha introducing a plan for its streetcar line. Omaha’s proposed streetcar — which would be a 3-mile loop — was announced in late January, along with the announcement that Mutual of Omaha would move its headquarters downtown.

The Omaha line will be bookended by riverfront parks on the east and the University of Nebraska Medical Center’s Project NExT facility to the west.

A rough outline of the Council Bluffs line would extend from the riverfront over the bridge into Council Bluffs. A streetcar station would be located right off the bridge, in the newly redeveloped Dodge Park area. The route, situated between West Broadway and Second Avenue, then would run to the hospitals.

The route would be constructed in phases, working its way west to east, Garrett said.

The streetcar would run adjacent to a new trail running along the First Avenue corridor. The trail was constructed to leave enough room for a future streetcar line off to the side, Walsh said.

I love how all in CB is about this project and Dodge Park. The bridge has an estimated cost of $80-100 million. That's a lot of dough. If they are expecting federal dollars from the infrastructure bill, I wonder how quick they can secure funding.

[Original]

Since it is of course all about sports, I think it would be fantastic if Central and Thomas Jefferson could figure out some way to play each other (even if an exhibition) in a "Streetcar Series" at the Century Link. Volleyball, then Girls and Boys Basketball... Or do a football game at Central and basketball at Jefferson (do they play home games at Jefferson? Not from around here or really familiar with CB)...

[Garrett]

A little more info on the Council Bluffs side:

Plans call for another bridge to Council Bluffs, development on golf course land

Bluffs officials also want to extend a streetcar line through the city, stretching from the riverfront to Methodist Jennie Edmundson Hospital and CHI Health Mercy Hospital.

Walsh said plans have been in the works, but they were dependent on the City of Omaha introducing a plan for its streetcar line. Omaha’s proposed streetcar — which would be a 3-mile loop — was announced in late January, along with the announcement that Mutual of Omaha would move its headquarters downtown.

The Omaha line will be bookended by riverfront parks on the east and the University of Nebraska Medical Center’s Project NExT facility to the west.

A rough outline of the Council Bluffs line would extend from the riverfront over the bridge into Council Bluffs. A streetcar station would be located right off the bridge, in the newly redeveloped Dodge Park area. The route, situated between West Broadway and Second Avenue, then would run to the hospitals.

The route would be constructed in phases, working its way west to east, Garrett said.

The streetcar would run adjacent to a new trail running along the First Avenue corridor. The trail was constructed to leave enough room for a future streetcar line off to the side, Walsh said.

I love how all in CB is about this project and Dodge Park. The bridge has an estimated cost of $80-100 million. That's a lot of dough. If they are expecting federal dollars from the infrastructure bill, I wonder how quick they can secure funding.

I believe the original infrastructure bill intended all of the funds to be dispersed and spent within 5 years, so this could come pretty quick.

[ita]

A little more info on the Council Bluffs side:

Plans call for another bridge to Council Bluffs, development on golf course land

Bluffs officials also want to extend a streetcar line through the city, stretching from the riverfront to Methodist Jennie Edmundson Hospital and CHI Health Mercy Hospital.

Walsh said plans have been in the works, but they were dependent on the City of Omaha introducing a plan for its streetcar line. Omaha’s proposed streetcar — which would be a 3-mile loop — was announced in late January, along with the announcement that Mutual of Omaha would move its headquarters downtown.

The Omaha line will be bookended by riverfront parks on the east and the University of Nebraska Medical Center’s Project NExT facility to the west.

A rough outline of the Council Bluffs line would extend from the riverfront over the bridge into Council Bluffs. A streetcar station would be located right off the bridge, in the newly redeveloped Dodge Park area. The route, situated between West Broadway and Second Avenue, then would run to the hospitals.

The route would be constructed in phases, working its way west to east, Garrett said.

The streetcar would run adjacent to a new trail running along the First Avenue corridor. The trail was constructed to leave enough room for a future streetcar line off to the side, Walsh said.

I love how all in CB is about this project and Dodge Park. The bridge has an estimated cost of $80-100 million. That's a lot of dough. If they are expecting federal dollars from the infrastructure bill, I wonder how quick they can secure funding.

I believe the original infrastructure bill intended all of the funds to be dispersed and spent within 5 years, so this could come pretty quick.

That's awesome. I wonder if this is something that Omaha philanthropists would throw money at? The article mentioned that Iowa West Foundation would likely to tapped for some funds, but I could see Omaha getting this off the ground as well. We would have to at least pay for the extension from 10th street to the River on Douglas. This spur could also help get that lot sandwiched between Douglas and I-480 developed. That would be neat.

[Athomsfere]

I'd also love if the bridge was another icon.

Either a span bridge or something like The Bridge Of Peace in Tbilisi to really frame the core from the CB side.

[Louie]

I'd also love if the bridge was another icon.

Either a span bridge or something like The Bridge Of Peace in Tbilisi to really frame the core from the CB side.

Honestly, bridges are a fantastic way to draw people to the river and make it more lively. This is another opportunity to capitalize on. I mean the river itself is kind of muddy and usually has a fair amount of debris in it. So I really hope this can become another icon like the Bob.

[Athomsfere]

I'd also love if the bridge was another icon.

Either a span bridge or something like The Bridge Of Peace in Tbilisi to really frame the core from the CB side.

Honestly, bridges are a fantastic way to draw people to the river and make it more lively. This is another opportunity to capitalize on. I mean the river itself is kind of muddy and usually has a fair amount of debris in it. So I really hope this can become another icon like the Bob.

Agreed.

Another sort of dream I've had: Water taxis to Bellevue, or South Omaha. Or even weekend cruises to KC / Sioux City. I don't know if it could ever really make sense, but for a bit of tourism it would be phenomenal to see Omaha celebrate some of the history of the river and get some traffic down there.

[ita]

I'd also love if the bridge was another icon.

Either a span bridge or something like The Bridge Of Peace in Tbilisi to really frame the core from the CB side.

Honestly, bridges are a fantastic way to draw people to the river and make it more lively. This is another opportunity to capitalize on. I mean the river itself is kind of muddy and usually has a fair amount of debris in it. So I really hope this can become another icon like the Bob.

Yes please. While I would like the multi-modal bridge in any form, one with some really nice design would be awesome. Would something like the one referenced in the strategy be good enough, ie. Tilikum Crossing? I think this and the Farnam Pier and River's Edge Pier are going to be great at getting people to the River. Big Bob's been holding down the fort solo for too long.

[Coyote]

Streetcar aims to draw people downtown



Streetcar aims to draw people downtown

[ita]

Omaha, Council Bluffs team up on streetcar plan

John Chapman
OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) - They’re hoping to replace bus traffic with a streetcar in Council Bluffs.

For years Bluffs officials have been traveling and looking at how streetcars work in other cities.

Now that Omaha has made its plans official, Council Bluffs is excited to be a part of the future streetcar system.

“It really doesn’t make sense for Council Bluffs to put in a streetcar system on Broadway without having it connect to somewhere else, about 19,000 people a day in Council Bluffs go to work in Omaha many of them down in that downtown area,” said Mayor Matt Walsh.

Council Bluffs Mayor Matt Walsh believes a streetcar moving traffic to and from downtown Omaha will help economic growth in his city. The mayor says Council Bluffs owns acres and acres of land along West Broadway.

And talk of a streetcar connecting to downtown Omaha is drawing the attention of people who want to be close to the line.

“We have developers currently looking at and many of them are interested in the streetcar as an amenity for their mixed use commercial residential development.”

[Garrett]

Updated my approximation of the streetcar with the new line and potential stops in CB

https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/edit? ... sp=sharing

[Louie]

Updated my approximation of the streetcar with the new line and potential stops in CB

https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/edit? ... sp=sharing

Odd to see more miles of route on the CB side than on the Omaha side...

[Garrett]

Updated my approximation of the streetcar with the new line and potential stops in CB

https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/edit? ... sp=sharing

Odd to see more miles of route on the CB side than on the Omaha side...

The CB line is intended to be built in phases whereas the Omaha line is just the starter line with the potential expansions being future phases.

[TransitOriented]

Updated my approximation of the streetcar with the new line and potential stops in CB

https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/edit? ... sp=sharing

Could you add the BRT on there please?

[omahahawk]

Wow, I agree completely that the Chamber's/City Leaders plan was incredibly ambitious and extremely impressive. I love all the projects mentioned but if I could only choose one to come to fruition it would have to be the creation of this street car line/pedestrian bridge into Council Bluffs. I can't think of a single project listed that would do more to enhance the overall health and synergy of the urban core for both Omaha and Council Bluffs. With the ridership I believe it would have between both cities, decreased need for parking space, creation of a riverfront loop, and the overall accompanying development it would bring, it would truly be the culmination of the Back to the River vision.

[omahahawk]

Anybody know how the Streetcar Authority vote turned out and what steps are next?

[ita]

City is having first Omaha Streetcar Authority meeting Monday, 5/16 at 1:30 PM. Agenda

[Athomsfere]

City is having first Omaha Streetcar Authority meeting Monday, 5/16 at 1:30 PM. Agenda

We aren't to discussing trains yet, it appears.


I'm hoping for something like the Flexity, personally. Although the S700 and the like is probably fine too. But imagine if the trains could support the highish speeds for linking some further away future stops!

[TransitOriented]

We aren't to discussing trains yet, it appears.


I'm hoping for something like the Flexity, personally. Although the S700 and the like is probably fine too. But imagine if the trains could support the highish speeds for linking some further away future stops!

100% low floor please

[Doctor Fate]

Omaha City Council approves agreement for $354 million TIF to fund streetcar

Council member Aimee Melton clarified before the vote that the bonds sold by the city would be purchased by private bond buyers who would assume the risk of purchasing the bonds.

Melton said she felt comfortable approving the redevelopment agreement because MuniCap is guaranteed to share a full analysis of the financial plan before the city can move to sell bonds for the project.

The city intends to work with investment banking firm D.A. Davidson to determine the structure of the bond-selling process.

Jay Noddle, a local developer and president of the Omaha Streetcar Authority, noted that the project wouldn't move forward until it could be fully funded by proceeds from the bond sales.

"Even though you may have voted to approve the sale of the bonds, unless sufficient proceeds are received from the sale of the bonds, the project can't go forward," Noddle said.

[Busguy2010]

I was always fascinated by this photo of the historic Omaha streetcar:

Because it is in Council Bluffs and there is zero documentation of what routes the streetcar took in CB. So every time I've seen this photo, I've done a quick look to see where this might have been taken, and today I finally found it:

[ita]

'It's what Omaha needs': A look at next steps for streetcar connecting Downtown and Midtown

During a Monday meeting of the Omaha Streetcar Authority, interim Executive Director Rick Gustafson made his first update.

Gustafson said it's essentially his first day on the job after the authority approved his hiring last month.

And he knows a thing to two about streetcars.

"I started believing in transit, and the value of transit for helping to shape how communities are developed. And actually ran for the legislature on the theme of bringing rail back to Oregon and got elected," Gustafson said, "and we actually got the first line approved in 1978."

He went on to help bring streetcars to cities around the country, including Midwestern spots like Kansas City, Milwaukee and Detroit.

Gustafson said next steps include finalizing route details -- like looking at what's under the street and which side of the road the tracks should go on. He also said they'll work to develop a full financial plan, research the right vehicles for the system and find a contractor.

[Coyote]

Next steps for streetcar connecting downtown and midtown

[Coyote]

Interim director of Omaha's Streetcar Authority hopes project is a 'fun ride'

The newly appointed interim director of Omaha’s Streetcar Authority met with authority board members Monday for the first time. Rick Gustafson made the trip to Omaha from Portland, Oregon, after he was hired last month as interim director. Board members hope his expertise will help move the ambitious streetcar project forward. The Greater Omaha Chamber is providing the money for Gustafson’s pay. By creating a streetcar board that incorporates Metro, Omaha’s transit agency, Gustafson said the streetcar board already has completed a critical step. “Often, between development interests and the transit interests, you can have different points of view,” Gustafson said. “You’ve created this cooperative board with the real opportunity to work together to advance the agenda for transit and the agenda for Omaha’s (development).”

The transit consultant also shared next steps to be taken by the board, including the finalization of designs, determining the location of a vehicle maintenance facility and developing a public communication strategy. “It’s very important to establish how you’re going to manage the affairs to get started,” Gustafson said. “It’s going to be an interesting and, hopefully, a fun ride for you to go through the process of putting together a project like this.” Gustafson previously was a partner of Shiels Obletz Johnsen, a project management consultancy based in Seattle and Portland, Oregon. He has experience leading streetcar operations in Portland and has consulted on streetcar projects across the country.

As announced by Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert in January, the streetcar is proposed to operate along a 3-mile route using 5.5 track miles. The line is planned to travel along Farnam and Harney Streets from 10th Street to 42nd Street and along 10th Street between Harney and Cass Streets. The cost of building and launching the system is estimated at $225 million, but because federal guidelines call for a 35% contingency in case of unexpected costs, the city would need to raise $306 million. The city plans to issue special revenue bonds and private placement bonds to pay for the system’s construction. The buyers of those bonds will be repaid using money generated by a tax-increment financing district that will run along the streetcar route.

The Streetcar Authority was created this spring to oversee the design, construction and eventual operation of the streetcar. The board is made up of seven members: three appointed by the mayor and approved by the City Council, three appointed by Metro transit’s CEO and one community member appointed by the Greater Omaha Chamber.



A view of what Omaha’s planned streetcar might look like as it travels along Farnam Street.

[skinzfan23]

There was a short story on KETV about the streetcar, but I can't find anything on it now.

It basically stated that they are looking at possibly expanding the route into the new park towards the riverfront more.

It also mentioned that they are going to release their recommendation on Sept 12.

[ita]

There was a short story on KETV about the streetcar, but I can't find anything on it now.

It basically stated that they are looking at possibly expanding the route into the new park towards the riverfront more.

It also mentioned that they are going to release their recommendation on Sept 12.

Yeah, nothing is up on their website.

Does that mean extending a station into HOA? It kind of sounds like they are trying to lay the groundwork for the CB extension into the Dodge Park Golf Course.

Nice update. Another date to look forward to.

Also, OWH ran a recent article about the project that kind of flew under the radar (can this Gustafson fellow just stick around; he says all the right things about the streetcar project):

Interim director of Omaha Streetcar Authority sees project as 'catalyst' for urban core

From Detroit to Los Angeles, Rick Gustafson has had a role in constructing modern streetcar lines across the United States. Now, he will help steer Omaha’s efforts as the city embarks on its own ambitious streetcar project.

Through a contract approved by Omaha’s Streetcar Authority in June, Gustafson will serve as the interim director of the authority and will help guide the streetcar design process until a permanent, local director is appointed. The Greater Omaha Chamber is providing the money for Gustafson’s pay.

...

Despite the unpredictable variables that come with construction, he believes Omaha is on the right path to successfully launch the project as a “catalyst” for growth in the urban core.

The city is currently in the design phase with Omaha-based HDR, a “very important step in the process,” according to Gustafson. For the city to stay on its proposed timeline, the design will have to be completed this year and the vehicles ordered by next summer, he said.

Construction would happen in 2024 through 2025, with the streetcar open and functioning sometime in 2026. The 3-mile route would travel along Farnam and Harney Streets from 10th Street to 42nd Street and along 10th Street between Harney and Cass Streets.
...
In many cities, the planning philosophy for the past 50 years was to separate all uses of development, Gustafson said. Industrial development, apartments, retail and subdivisions were isolated from one another, and the notion of mixed-use development was almost entirely left out of traditional planning.

There’s been a shift from that tradition in recent years. And for cities like Omaha, growth will rely on mixed-use and dense development as the city runs into limits on outward expansion.
...
While a streetcar system might begin as a development tool, its use as a public transit asset will likely become more apparent a few years after it’s built, according to Gustafson.

“Streetcar, public transit, bicycles and all the alternatives are part of that component,” Gustafson said. “In mixed use they all become better modes of transportation than a car.”

And few things can “shape urban forms” like public transportation, Gustafson said.

[skinzfan23]

Noddle was in the story saying that they are going to research feasibility of a small extension into the park, but he didn't know if the costs would be great or even if they might need another car to do so.

Great to hear of the forward thinking.

I can't wait to hear more next month.

[nativeomahan]

We had our first experience with urban streetcars/light rail (outside of Kansas City) in quite a few years this past week in Denver. We took the light rail from Denver International Airport to Union Station, as well as another line in the CBD. The lines were well utilized, with lots of passengers. The airport line runs every 15 minutes and the CBD line every few minutes. I noticed that lots and lots of large apartment developments have recently been built/ are being constructed near rail stops.
We also used regular city busses, and only had to walk a block or two from our hotel to access 3 bus lines, which during the daytime ran about every 10-15 minutes. The busses were clean and the rides smooth. Many people with physical disabilities used them, as they dipped and extended platforms for those customers not able to walk on board. Typically 10-20 people were on each bus.
I think the three keys to a successful streetcar system are (1) frequency — busses or rail cars running at least every 10-15 minutes; (2) clean interiors; and (3) routes that go where people live and where they need to go. We took busses to within a few blocks of the big museums, the botanical center and the zoo. All public transit lines in Colorado are free of charge to all users for the entire month of August. It saved us close to $100 versus using Uber, where rides were quite expensive, averaging more than $1 per city block!