OmahaStreetcar.org
OmahaStreetcar.org
The Omaha streetcar is a transportation infrastructure project that will spur growth and economic development in Omaha’s downtown and midtown areas. The Omaha streetcar is a joint effort of the City of Omaha and the Omaha Streetcar Authority. This new transit system is expected to be operational in late 2026.
We are building momentum in Omaha.
The arrival of a modern streetcar in our community signals that we are on track to becoming a world-class city. Omaha is growing toward something special, a community that is accessible, equitable and sustainable. A city that attracts new businesses and young professionals. A vibrant, active place where we work, learn, play and grow alongside our neighbors.
We're on our way.
The Omaha streetcar project continues to make progress. The Omaha Streetcar Authority and the City of Omaha are here to provide accurate and timely information about the project. For updates and news, please sign up for the monthly On Track email newsletter.
Nov. 7, 2023, media event
On Nov. 7, 2023 Mayor Stothert held a media event at City Hall to provide updates on the Omaha streetcar project. She was accompanied by city officials, project experts and supportive partners. They discussed the following topics:
- The 30% design aesthetics presentation that will be given to the Urban Design Review Board on Nov. 16.
- Vehicle bid document process.
- The new “Future Boarding Zone” signs that are scheduled to be installed along the route.
- Funding for studies about potential future streetcar line extensions.
Event handouts are available here.
Future boarding zones
In November, future boarding zone signs were installed along the streetcar route.
These signs are placed along the route to identify the approximate locations of the 16 streetcar stops when operation begins in 2027.
Stations will be located roadside (when the station serves riders only traveling one direction) or in some areas, in the median (when the station serves riders traveling east or west).
Station locations were chosen based on considerable analysis and input by residents and business owners along the route. The stations will help connect 13 separate districts and destinations such as major medical facilities, universities, cultural centers and entertainment amenities, along with development opportunities.
As currently designed, the streetcar route will run east on Harney Street and west on Farnam Street, connecting the Blackstone neighborhood to downtown Omaha.
More details about the design of stations and crosswalks can be found in this 30% design aesthetics document.
March 7, 2023: Preliminary Design Public Open House
The Omaha Streetcar Authority hosted an open house to share preliminary design information, including proposed streetcar stop locations along the route. Participants had the opportunity to learn about the project, visit with and ask questions of the design team, and provide input.
Download Meeting Materials
Incredible Economic Impact
Millions in tax revenue, tens of thousands of new jobs, billions in development...the streetcar will have a staggering amount of impact in Omaha. Read more about the direct and indirect impacts of the streetcar, both on the route and throughout the city.
Download the Report
View the Streetcar Presentation
If you've been unable to attend one of our many presentations out in the community, you can now view it virtually. Steve Jensen, planning and urban design consultant with the City of Omaha, explains all the important information to know about the project. You'll learn about the financing, economic impacts, route specifics and more. If there's a question not covered, you can always submit one right here on our website and we'll get back to you with an answer.
Where we're going.
According to the Urban Core Strategic Plan and the Urban Core Housing and Mobility Redevelopment Plan, the urban core has:
- 21 active, vibrant districts and neighborhoods
- 17 cultural, entertainment and sports venues
- 21 major companies and institutions
- 7 K-12 schools
And yet vacant properties and empty lots still exist. The urban core is the heart of our city, and by ensuring its growth and vibrancy, our entire city benefits.
“It's the right time in Omaha to support a streetcar. A streetcar will lead to additional development of our core which benefits the entire city. The momentum we have to forever change our urban core is undeniable. The financial health of our city relies on continued growth and the streetcar is another tool to support our strong development pipeline.”
– Jean Stothert, Mayor of Omaha
Stay On Track with the streetcar.
The On Track email newsletter has timely project updates, the latest news and useful information about Omaha’s streetcar.
The Omaha streetcar project is a joint effort of the City of Omaha and the Omaha Streetcar Authority.