Omaha’s public transportation system got a significant upgrade on Wednesday, August 13. Metro Omaha launched Metro Flex, a new on-demand microtransit service that conveniently links Omaha’s transit services and makes it more convenient for Omahans to move around the city.
In addition to the new buses added earlier this summer, Metro Flex adds 18 vans to Omaha’s public transportation fleet, many of which are wheelchair accessible and have bike racks. The Metro Flex system divides Omaha into three zones: North, South, and West.
As with a ride share service, passengers use an app (Metro Flex OMA) to share their location and intended destination. A Metro Flex van picks them up and, if their destination is in the same zone, drops them off. If the passenger is traveling to a different zone, Metro Flex calculates the quickest route and takes them to a bus station to complete the journey.
All rides, regardless of duration or distance, cost $3, and there are no fees for the first 60 days (until October 14). Unlike ride share services, there are no surge charges. Rides are available any day of the week. Payments are made through through the app using Umo. Cash is not accepted.
“It’s going to fill in the first and last mile between where you’re living and the bus stop,” Curt Simon, the Board Chair of Regional Metropolitan Transit Authority of Omaha, said. “It’s something we’ve never had here before. It’s been successful in other cities. It’s just another enhancement in the public transit system in Omaha.”
Metro Flex aims to be a convenient blending of the traditional bus system and ride share services. Using smart routing, it helps Omaha residents efficiently get to their destination with the fewest stops possible. Riders from multiple parties may share rides if heading in the same direction. The Metro Flex vehicles can carry up to five passengers.
“I’m most excited to be able to serve people that we’re currently not serving and being able to introduce them to public transit, maybe for the first time,” Simon said. “‘Hey, it’s not like it was when you were growing up.’ Now it’s pretty cool to get on public transit!”
0 Comments