Metro is set to unveil a new twist to your local travels.
On Sunday, January 20th, watch for the opening of the Aksarben Transit Center at 68th & Mercy Road. The new location will replace the Bergan Mercy Transit Center and offer riders better connections to destinations such as Aksarben Village, College of Saint Mary, the University of Nebraska at Omaha, Stinson Park, and the Keystone Trail.
In recent years, the area has become a growing center for major employers such as Pacific Life, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska, and the recently opened HDR global headquarters that has brought nearly 1,000 commuters to the area. Bus routes from all directions will now give employees new options for their daily commute.
Metro’s Executive Director Curt Simon says it's a great location because Aksarben Village has become such a thriving district. “We’re hoping that even as the area grows, people will take advantage of active transportation so that car traffic doesn’t detract from the area’s appeal.”
UNO Parking and Transit Manager Vanessa Rath say the new transit center will also provide better access for college students headed to and from class. "Because it’s just a short walk from our Scott Campus, we expect to see UNO students taking advantage of the new Aksarben Transit Center. It should be a great complement to our MavRide bus pass program.”
The MavRide program, now in its eighth year, has provided more than 600,000 bus rides to students, faculty, and staff. College of Saint Mary also initiated a pass program in the fall of 2018 to improve access to campus, especially for those without a vehicle.
The Aksarben Transit Center will feature upgraded bus shelters, benches, and bike racks. The move will shift connection points for Routes 11, 13, 15, 18, and 55, which will improve timing and reliability for riders. CHI Health Creighton University Medical Center – Bergan Mercy will continue to be served by Routes 15 and 55.
Riders can learn more by calling customer service at 402.341.0800 or visiting ometro.com.