Omaha, NE — Definitive Study Launched

January 2012

After years of discussion about the possibility of a streetcar system in Omaha, an 18-month feasibility study will examine the benefit of such a system from downtown to the University of Nebraska Medical Center. The World Herald reports that the $1.3 million study sponsored by the Metro transit agency will look at expanded bus service and bus rapid transit in addition to streetcars. Consulting firm HDR will undertake the study to determine the locally preferred options for the area, including extensions to university campuses and a major mall in plus some other neighborhoods.

There have been four other studies involving streetcars since 1995, but this one is intended to be the definitive study on where the mode should be employed.

Funding for the study comes in large part from a $700,000 federal grant to Metro, with contributions from the city, the university, Mutual of Omaha, the Omaha Public Power District, the Metropolitan Utilities District, and a mall developer.