Omaha Exploration

Microtransit will be coming to Omaha soon. The flexible, on-demand service acts as a hybrid between buses and rideshare and will address gaps in mass transportation for those who don’t have a car or live too far from a bus stop.

Microtransit services are gaining in popularity and currently operate in over 100 cities including nearby such as Sioux Falls, Kansas City and Des Moines. In Omaha it is named Metro Flex and it will allow riders to request a ride via a mobile app or by phone.

In the works since at least 2022, it will integrate with the bus system and extend bus lines by offering rides for those within one of three zones located in North, South and West Omaha. Vans will arrive and pickup riders and either take them to a destination within the same zone or a bus line that can take them to a location outside of the zone. All zones will connect to Metro transit centers. The proposed fare is $3 per ride.

• The North Omaha zone includes I-680 on the north to Cuming Street on the south, 52nd Street on the west and 11th Street on the east. It also includes connections to Eppley Airfield, Open Door Mission and ORBT station at 33rd and Dodge.
• The South Omaha zone includes I-80 on the north, Harrison Street on the south, 72nd Street on the west and 13th Street on the east.
• The West Omaha zone includes West Maple Road on the north, West Center Road on the south, 144th Street on the west and 102nd Street on the east. It also includes a connection to Applied Parkway between West Center and Dodge Streets.

Metro Flex may also help fill the thousands of jobs where there aren’t enough workers and that are out of reach to many people due to not having a car or not being located near a bus route. One example cited in the Omaha World-Herald were factory and warehouse jobs northwest of Florence where the nearest bus stop is more than a mile away. Walking there is also a challenge as you due to high capacity roads with fast traffic and no sidewalks or shoulders.

Omaha Metro Transit contracted with River North Transit LLC, a subsidiary of Via Transportation which operates microtransit and ride sharing programs in 650 cities and 35 countries. The private company will provide both the vehicles and drivers.

The three year-pilot program is funded by philanthropic donors including Sherwood Foundation with an expected annual cost of $2M-$4M. If the program continues after the pilot period, the cost could be split between Metro and other funding sources such as public-private partnership.

The launch date is targeting mid-August. See infographic for opportunities to share your feedback.

Content written by Omaha Exploration. Feel free to leave a comment or a suggestion. Until then, keep exploring!

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