by Jason Rose and Joy Hottovy Willoughby
Omaha is following the lead of cities worldwide that use bus rapid transit to move thousands every day. Omaha Rapid Bus Transit (ORBT) unites smart technology with streamlined travel for fast, frequent, and reliable public transportation. It is comprised of upgraded stations and buses, enhanced boarding, roadway priority, real-time data sharing, dedicated parking, bike facilities, and free Wi-Fi. ORBT will serve major destinations along Dodge Street between Westroads and downtown, intersect with most Metro bus routes, and expand to other ORBT lines in the future. It will improve connections between people and places, and accelerate investment in the space around stations. People will gravitate to the stations, the service, the city. It will bolster the value, safety, access, and attention around our public spaces and support all travel in the region. We will see more travel options, longer-lasting roads, and a healthier Omaha.
