Omaha Rapid Bus Transit

Omaha Rapid Bus Transit is a bus rapid transit service in Omaha, Nebraska, United States. It is operated by Metro Transit and serves of Dodge Street between Omaha's Old Market entertainment district and the transit center at Westroads Mall. Construction began in late 2018, with full service beginning in the fall of 2020. The system uses articulated buses powered by compressed natural gas. The route features dedicated lanes, signal priority for ORBT vehicles, and a park and ride lot at Westroads Mall.

WWW Official Site

History

Planning for a bus rapid transit system in Omaha was listed as a priority by Regional Transit Vision as early as 2013. Work began after a $15 million TIGER grant was awarded to Omaha by the Federal Transit Administration. Metro Transit unveiled the ORBT brand in August 2017. Construction commenced in late 2018 and ORBT service began in fall 2020.
At launch, ORBT was free for all riders. However, in September 2021, a contactless payment system was added to the system. In 2024, plans were announced to extend service to Council Bluffs, Iowa.

Operations

Stations

The route runs east–west along Dodge Street. ORBT's twenty three stops are between four and twelve blocks apart, further apart than most Metro Transit bus routes. Stations include fully covered platforms, with floors of conductive concrete for better grip during winter months. Each Station has a ticketing kiosk, arrival signage, free WiFi, and bike racks. Select Stations also have B-Cycle bicycle sharing.

Buses

The ORBT system uses ten 2020 New Flyer XN60 articulated buses powered by compressed natural gas. At long, buses used on the ORBT line are longer than the typical 30-, 35-, and 40-foot buses operated by Metro Transit. They feature on-board bicycle racks, free Wi-Fi, and accessibility features including level boarding and navigation aids. The first vehicle was displayed to the press in 2017.