Omaha Streetcar Set to Revolutionize the City of Omaha 

Summarized Rendition:  

• A quick description of what the Omaha Streetcar Project is and what it means for Omaha residents.  

• mention the parameters of each of Omaha’s redlining areas and how the current streetcar route doesn’t affect “C” and “D” area residents.  

• Showcase the planned streetcar expansion north and south of the initial track through quotes.  

• Discuss the current timeline of the streetcar project and crunching numbers, including total cost and other important dates.  

The Omaha Streetcar Project was proposed by the Omaha Streetcar Authority (OSA) and approved by the Omaha City Council in April of 2022. The proposal is for the implementation of a streetcar into the heart of Omaha. The initial plans showcase the streetcar system being implemented on Harney St. and Farnam St. Additionally, the streetcar would stretch from Capitol District and the Riverfront all the way to Blackstone District. According to the City of Omaha website, an agreement was made between Metro Transit (bus system incorporated throughout Omaha) and the city of Omaha to oversee and design the project. The initial projected cost for the entire project (development process, materials, etc.) was approximately $306 million. 

Understanding the Omaha Streetcar Project

 The Omaha Streetcar Project’s current plans are only present in Omaha’s “A” and “B” areas, found on Omaha’s redlining map layout. Redlining occurs when specific areas of a town or city are restricted from financial services based on their racial or ethnic population. “A” and “B” areas are depicted as more desirable areas, whereas “C” and “D” areas are considered to be of higher risk. In Omaha, “A” and “B” redlining areas cover a majority of Midtown Crossing and the Blackstone District. “C” and “D” areas venture towards North Omaha and South Omaha. “C” area is the properties surrounding and near Eppley Airfield and “D” area is specifically north of Cuming St., venturing into North Omaha. Harney St. and Farnam St. only cover the “A” and “B” areas, leaving the current proposed streetcar route without any direct affect on “C” and “D” areas. 

However, Bob Stubbe, public works director and former OSA board member, says that the OSA has plans to expand the streetcar system north and south of its current projected mapping route.  

“Currently, there’s a grant that’s from the federal government that they’re going to look at an extension both north and south,” said Stubbe.

An expansion of the streetcar system north and south of its proposed route would mean that residents of “C” and “D” areas would be able to utilize the streetcar system more often in their daily lives, rather than venturing downtown or towards the Blackstone District or Midtown Crossing. The implementation of the streetcar in severely redlined areas would increase economic opportunities in said areas and give residents a more efficient way to traverse throughout the city compared to driving their vehicle or walking/biking.

Stubbe also prefaced that the city of Council Bluffs, Iowa has voiced that they would be open to expanding the streetcar system across the Missouri River and into Council Bluffs’ city limits.  

The Streetcar's Impact on Redlined Areas

 The Omaha Streetcar Project opens up tons of possibilities for Omaha’s redlined areas. Clarice Dombeck, newly appointed member of the Metro Transit Board, thinks that the streetcar can allow “C” and “D” area residents to expand their connections, revolutionize their travel, and maximize their economic developments. She also envisions that the overall role of public transportation will evolve in the near future.  

“In the next 5-10 years, as more development occurs in the urban core, North Omaha’s density will increase and neighborhoods will become more walkable, more bikeable, and more accessible for transit,” Dombeck stated. “From there, I imagine forms of active mobility becoming more normalized and ultimately serving a greater number of people.”  

Omaha Streetcar Project Timeline

 The Omaha Streetcar Project is currently in effect. Construction is being done to prepare for the implementation of the streetcar. Many people have voiced their support for the project, including Omaha mayor Jean Stothert. The project is scheduled to be completed in 2026, so the process will be drawn out, yet the result will be highly anticipated.

Learn more about the Omaha Streetcar Project at OmahaStreetcar.org - PublicInput.

https://www.cityofomaha.org/omaha-streetcar