Planning a trip to Omaha, Nebraska? With so many transportation options available, it can be difficult to decide which one is the best for you. From taxis and buses to rental cars and shuttles, there are plenty of ways to get around the city. However, the most convenient and cost-effective way to get to your destination is by car, most likely on Dodge Street, the main street from east to west of Omaha. MyRideoma is an online platform that can help you plan your trip.
You can also contact their Customer Service team for assistance in finding the best directions. Additionally, you can view the entire Metro bus network at a glance with their interactive system map. Select routes, car parks, or fare vendor locations to get started. The City of Omaha and the Metropolitan Public Service District (MUD) recently reached an agreement that will allow the Omaha Streetcar Authority (OAS) to consider partnering with Portland, Oregon, to purchase streetcar vehicles. The president of the OAS board, Tanya Cook, negotiated the agreement.
Two other cities may also be interested in partnering with Omaha and Portland. The OAS president, Jay Noddle, suggested that an acquisition partnership could generate both economic and operational benefits. The Omaha City Council will vote on two ordinances that authorize the sale of bonds to pay for the construction of the streetcar. The remodeling bonds and lease and purchase bonds would be paid in full with revenues from the Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district. Supporters of the streetcar project testified at a public hearing, including former mayor Hal Daub and representatives from various organizations. The Metropolitan Public Service District (MUD) will increase gas and water rates to pay for the transfer of water and gas lines along the streetcar route during construction.
Many of these lines are more than 100 years old and must be replaced regardless of whether or not a tramway is built. The City would issue bonds for the rest of the costs and MUD would reimburse them over a period of time that would be mutually agreed upon. Repayment of the bonds would not begin before 2025, which would eliminate the need for fare increases specifically for the tramway and allow MUD to accelerate its replacement program in the urban core. Mayor Stothert has asked MUD to work together to reach an agreement that will not result in a rate increase. The financial health of Omaha depends on continued growth, and the streetcar is another tool to support that strong development portfolio. Four domestic firms have analyzed current and future economic strengths as well as projected TIF revenues derived from development of a streetcar.
Moody's Investors Services and S&P Global have reaffirmed Omaha's high bond ratings due to its solid business growth and “strong development portfolio”.Lease and purchase bonds won't increase taxes and would save money for the city. Investing in our community instead of paying tens of millions of dollars in interest to out-of-town investors can help fund other priorities in the urban core such as affordable housing, parking lots, bicycle paths, and seed capital for federal funds. The data has been analyzed and verified by municipal staff and independent firms. The City Council has had ample opportunity to review all documents related to this project. Now is the time for them to make an informed decision about investing in our community's future.