ORBT to increase Dodge Street trips; public invited to meetings on route changes

Omaha Metro announced this week that ORBT will replace Route 2 later this year to increase daily round trips

from 65 to 100.

The

is the city's first

connecting Westroads and downtown.

“As with any route change, we’ve been intentional about the processes and data we used to make the decision," said Curt Simon,

executive director.

Metro researched patterns and trends of riders to

where the activity is highest.

More than half of Dodge Street riders currently board less than a block away from an ORBT station.

Metro Transit Planner Evan Schweitz said the change will provide an improvement to the majority of riders.

“The nearest stop may shift for a few riders, so we’ve identified solutions to help fill those gaps.”

That includes a Route 4 extension to serve Whole Foods and Regency Shopping Center, along with two ORBT stops at 77th and Dodge Streets to connect to the Keystone Trail.

Schweitz said nine out of 10 riders will have the distance to their nearest station change by three blocks or less.

ORBT riders, with bus arrivals every 10 minutes from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., will have reduced wait time on weekdays.

The public is invited to an open house about the Route 2 replacement:

Attendees will have the chance to view maps of existing and planned stops, learn how the changes may impact their travel plans and speak with Metro staff. They will also receive a free bus pass.