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Omaha's Metro Transit asking for public comment for proposed route increases

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Monday, October 20th 2025 at 12:27 GMT by WOWT.com
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Omaha Metro Transit Seeks Public Input on Proposed Route Expansions

In a move that could reshape daily commutes for thousands of Omahans, the city’s Metro Transit Authority has opened a public comment period on a series of proposed route increases slated for implementation later this year. The announcement, made in a detailed press release on October 19, 2025, calls on residents, businesses, and community groups to weigh in on the plan’s design, cost, and expected impact before the agency finalizes its service adjustments.

The Proposed Changes at a Glance

Metro Transit’s plan introduces three primary service changes:

1. Route 12 (Downtown–Midtown) Frequency Boost
   - The existing hourly service will be increased to every 30 minutes between 6 a.m. and 9 p.m.
   - New stops at the West Midtown Transit Center and the newly built “Riverfront Plaza” will be added.
   - The route’s total length will extend 2.5 miles north of its current terminus, linking the riverfront area to the downtown core.

2. Route 27 (South Omaha–Edison Road) Extension
   - The current 45‑minute service will be upgraded to 30 minutes, with additional midday trips added.
   - An overnight extension will connect the Edison Road terminal to the new “South Omaha Industrial Park” development.
   - The route will incorporate a dedicated bus lane on the east side of 42nd Street, improving speed and reliability.

3. New Route 45 (West Side Express)
   - A brand‑new rapid express line will run between the Westside Transit Hub and the downtown core, stopping only at major commercial nodes and the new “Westside Mall.”
   - Service will operate every 20 minutes during peak hours, providing a 15‑minute commute time compared with the current 35 minutes on the local route.
   - Route 45 will use electric buses to align with the city’s sustainability goals.

Each change is supported by projected ridership increases of between 12% and 18% over the next five years, according to Metro Transit’s ridership modeling. The board estimates total costs of $3.4 million for the full package, with $2.8 million covered by state and federal grants and the remainder financed through a proposed 2.5% increase in the county’s transit surcharge.

Why the Changes Matter

Metro Transit officials highlighted a few key drivers behind the proposal. “The rapid population growth in South Omaha and Westside, coupled with new employment centers such as the Edison Road Industrial Park and Westside Mall, is placing unprecedented demand on our existing network,” said Transit Superintendent Robert “Bob” Hayes during the announcement. “These route adjustments are designed to provide reliable, frequent service where it’s needed most.”

The new express route also reflects a strategic shift toward more sustainable, high‑density transit corridors. “By offering a faster, cleaner option along the Westside corridor, we hope to entice more commuters to leave their cars at home,” Hayes added. “The electric buses will reduce emissions and noise, improving quality of life for residents in those neighborhoods.”

How to Submit Comments

Metro Transit has set a 14‑day public comment window, running from 10 a.m. on October 20 to 10 p.m. on October 31. Comments can be submitted through several channels:

• Online Portal – A dedicated comment form is available on the Transit Authority’s website (link provided in the press release). The portal allows users to attach documents, upload photos of proposed stops, and add remarks.
• Mail – Written comments may be mailed to the Transit Authority’s public relations office, address: 1220 L Street, Omaha, NE 68102.
• In‑Person Hearing – A public hearing will be held on November 5 at the Westside Transit Hub. Metro Transit will provide a schedule and agenda on the same day.

During the hearing, representatives of the proposed routes—including route planners and community liaison officers—will present maps, ridership projections, and cost analyses. Attendees can ask questions, suggest alternative stop locations, or propose modifications to service frequency.

Additional Context from the Transit Master Plan

A key link in the press release led to a PDF version of the Transit Authority’s updated Master Plan, which outlines a 20‑year vision for the network. The Master Plan highlights several long‑term initiatives:

• Expansion of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) on the 6th Street corridor, with dedicated lanes and signal priority.
• Integration of real‑time data across all vehicles, enabling riders to track arrivals via a mobile app.
• Collaboration with the regional rail agency to enhance last‑mile connectivity at major hubs.

The Master Plan also outlines a phased approach to electrifying the fleet, with a goal of 50% electric buses by 2030. The proposed route increases, particularly Route 45, dovetail neatly with this electrification strategy by concentrating electric vehicles on high‑volume corridors.

Community Reactions and Concerns

Early community feedback, gathered through a pre‑announcement survey, indicated strong support for increased frequency along the downtown–midtown corridor but raised concerns about potential traffic congestion and parking availability near new stops. Business owners along 42nd Street voiced support for the dedicated bus lane but asked for assurances that freight movements would remain unhindered.

In addition, residents of the Westside community expressed enthusiasm for an express option that would cut their commute time to downtown by 20 minutes. A local advocacy group, “Westside Voices,” requested that the Transit Authority conduct a study on the environmental impact of new electric buses, ensuring that the environmental benefits truly outweigh the manufacturing footprint.

Next Steps

Metro Transit’s board will review all public comments and revise the proposals accordingly. A preliminary decision on the route increases is slated for the Board’s meeting on November 20, 2025. The final service plan, including exact schedules, will be published two weeks after that meeting, with implementation slated for early 2026.

Transit officials emphasize that community input remains crucial. “Our goal is to design a network that serves the needs of Omahans today while anticipating tomorrow’s demands,” Superintendent Hayes said. “We invite everyone to participate in shaping the future of our city’s transit.”

With the public comment period open, now is the time for Omahans to voice their priorities, concerns, and hopes for a faster, greener, and more connected city.