[Todd4]

Omaha.com Metro/Region Section

I say it would be a great investment for Omaha's future.

[kdbrich]

I love the idea. I just hope they don't try to do it with glorified MAT buses that look like streetcars.

I look at a city like St. Louis--their light rail system is very nice. I think it would benefit us to have that. Imagine also the idea of getting on a train in Omaha and being dropped off at the stadium in Lincoln for a football game.

Or even the idea of using it commute for school between UNO and UNL, or between Omaha and Lincoln for a job.

[JeffreySH]

I don't think it's feasible. Omaha is not densely-enough populated.

There's no doubt that Omaha needs desperately to improve our public transportation system, but I'm doubtful that this would fill the bill.

[Todd4]

Originally Posted by JeffreySH

I don't think it's feasible. Omaha is not densely-enough populated.

There's no doubt that Omaha needs desperately to improve our public transportation system, but I'm doubtful that this would fill the bill.

agreed on the improvement part, but a lightrail system can increase density by encouraging large, residential infill projects near the stations.

it all starts somewhere. if you look at denver, it was, about 10 years ago, referred to as Denvoid. Now, it is much denser than it was in part due to the lightrail system and excellent bus system that has helped infill skyrocket.

i think you mentioned you are from minnesota, so you are probably aware of a similar situation starting to occur in the twin cities.

[JeffreySH]

Originally Posted by Todd4

agreed on the improvement part, but a lightrail system can increase density by encouraging large, residential infill projects near the stations.

Yeah that's true. But I don't think that's the kind of city Omaha is. And I don't think it ever will be.

I'm more inclined to think that the rapid building and filling of condos, town-houses and upper-end down-town apartments is going to impact Omaha far more than any light-rail system could.

It's great to see so many people realizing that it actually makes great sense to live within easy walking distance of where you work.

[Todd4]

Originally Posted by Todd4

agreed on the improvement part, but a lightrail system can increase density by encouraging large, residential infill projects near the stations.

it all starts somewhere. if you look at denver, it was, about 10 years ago, referred to as Denvoid. Now, it is much denser than it was in part due to the lightrail system and excellent bus system that has helped infill skyrocket.

i think you mentioned you are from minnesota, so you are probably aware of a similar situation starting to occur in the twin cities.

.

[JeffreySH]

i think you mentioned you are from minnesota, so you are probably aware of a similar situation starting to occur in the twin cities.

Actually, the benefits of the LightRail system in the Twin Cities area are pretty debatable. Those who love it will find every fact to support their love of it, and those who hate it do essentially the same thing. Somewhere around $550 million to build a system that's only 11 miles long, and that doesn't even begin to touch what the annual cost is.

I do think it's important to remember that the Twin Cities metro area is 3-4 times the population of the Omaha metro area.


For what it's worth, here's an article by a guy who doesn't think Light Rail is the way to go. Take it for what it's worth.

Light Rail Doesn't Work

[Todd4]

Originally Posted by JeffreySH

Actually, the benefits of the LightRail system in the Twin Cities area are pretty debatable. Those who love it will find every fact to support their love of it, and those who hate it do essentially the same thing. Somewhere around $550 million to build a system that's only 11 miles long, and that doesn't even begin to touch what the annual cost is.

I do think it's important to remember that the Twin Cities metro area is 3-4 times the population of the Omaha metro area.


For what it's worth, here's an article by a guy who doesn't think Light Rail is the way to go. Take it for what it's worth.

Light Rail Doesn't Work

yeah, the Cato institute loves, loves, loves, Houston TX

i would argue that the quality of life, weather aside, is better in Boston, MA in part because of the transportation network. (a similar sized city)

but, you are right, there are many arguments against that, including housing cost.

[DTO Luv]

Originally Posted by JeffreySH

I don't think it's feasible. Omaha is not densely-enough populated.

There's no doubt that Omaha needs desperately to improve our public transportation system, but I'm doubtful that this would fill the bill.

Omaha is actually one of the denser cities in the country. I can't remember the report but Omaha is one of the least sprawling cities even in the suburbs. Midtown around Mutual alone has a population density of 8,000 people per sq. mi. For comparison Boston averages 11,000.

Omaha used to have a very extensive street car system. Once the ball gets rolling on the streetcars DT it will be the beginning of getting more city-wide public transportation.

[thatguy1]

[quote=JeffreySH;6243340]Yeah that's true. But I don't think that's the kind of city Omaha is. And I don't think it ever will be.

Omaha is consistently rated in the top ten (usually 6 or above) for being a least sprawling city. Other cities, large and small, take Omaha's planning tactics and adapt it within their own cities.

You mentioned condos, that would only increase density therefore increase light rail demand. Is Omaha ready for it right now? That's debatable. The earlier you install the infrastructure the less capital it’s going to take down the road, though.

My opinion, the shear nature of Omaha would support such a system. At the very least I could see a line looping around downtown/old market then to Creighton and further to the Med Center.

Further down the road another line along Abbott Drive to the Airport and down 13th or whatever to the zoo.

Actually, if a track should meet up at Creighton and go north along 24th st. I could see that being quite busy, as well.

The “experts” paid to do studies by the city of Omaha have presently said a light rail or street car system similar to Portland’s is very feasible.