Omaha, NE — New Transit Study to Include Streetcars

Rail Transit Online, June 2011

A proposed $1.2-million study into upgrading public transit in downtown and midtown Omaha will include "a range of alternatives" including streetcars and improved bus service.

At a city council hearing, one lawmaker said development in the central area has created a need for better transportation without using a car. A $700,000 federal grant combined with contributions from the city ($205,000), the University of Nebraska Medical Center ($100,000) and the insurance company Mutual of Omaha ($100,000) will fund the study. Smaller amounts will come from three other public agencies.

Possible routes would serve downtown, Midtown Crossing, the medical center and a planned new development at Crossroads Mall. Four previous streetcar studies suggested various short circulator routes through downtown but no action was ever taken.