Omaha's new rapid bus transit is gearing up for its first riders.
Metro Area Transit says the first day of service for ORBT is set for Wednesday, November 18th. According to a media release from Metro, they say "ORBT unites smart technology and streamlined travel for faster, more frequent public transportation for Omaha metro residents."
Metro Area Transit CEO Lauren Cencic says ORBT is the biggest transit investment our region has seen in decades. “ORBT is a game-changer for our community and we are excited to be able to connect more people, more frequently.”
ORBT facts:
- ORBT will run from Westroads to downtown Omaha along Dodge and Douglas Streets
- ORBT will stop at 27 locations along with Dodge and Douglas
- ORBT stations feature raised platforms, canopies, audio and visual real-time arrival announcements, passenger seating, bike racks, pre-paid boarding and a snow melt system
- ORBT buses are more spacious than other Metro buses, and will allow riders to board through any of the three doors, bring bikes on board, and access raised station platforms
- A dedicated bus lane downtown will give Metro a priority lane to help preserve a clear path so ORBT buses can access stations more quickly
According to the release, in the weeks before launch, Metro will be offering socially distanced public training, instructional videos and rider guides. They say ORBT buses may also be spotted on Dodge and Douglas as operator training moves from the Metro office to the ORBT route.
Metro says for the first days of service, ORBT Ambassadors will be at many of the stations and stops along the route to answer questions and help guide passengers as they ride the new bus. Metro says they will also be offering a fare-free introductory period for ORBT until mid-March.
The last Route 2 bus will return to the garage on November 17th. They say "replacing Route 2 with ORBT will allow Metro to run more frequent service on Dodge, increasing daily round trips from 65 to 100 per weekday." Metro says notifications will be installed at bus stops in the weeks before opening day, and all bus stops signs will be removed when ORBT begins service.