Omaha Rapid Bus Transit (ORBT) 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.
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. +List of stationsStopsNotable places nearby and notesWestboundEastboundWestroads Transit CenterPark and ride, Westroads Mall90th St & Dodge St84th St & Dodge StChildren's Hospital & Medical Center77th St & Dodge StKeystone Trail72nd St & Dodge St62nd St & Dodge StUniversity of Nebraska Omaha49th St & Dodge St42nd St & Dodge StUniversity of Nebraska Medical Center33rd St & Dodge StMidtown CrossingPark Ave & Dodge StPark Ave & Douglas St24th St & Dodge St24th St & Douglas St20th St & Dodge St19th St & Douglas St15th St & Dodge St15th St & Douglas St12th St & Dodge St10th St & Douglas St8th St & Farnam StOld Market District, Heartland of America Park
Headways + Time4:30A 5A 6A 7A 8A 9A 10A 11A 12P 1P 2P 3P 4P 5P 6P 7P 8P 9P 10P 11:30P Weekdays20 10 1520 Saturday 201520Sunday colspan=2 201520 colspan=2
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.
See also Metro Transit (Omaha) Bus Rapid Transit
References
External links
ORBT Frequently Asked Questions