ORBT FAQs

What will ORBT do?
  • ORBT will use enhanced stations and buses, upgraded technology, vehicle priority at traffic lights, and semi-dedicated bus lanes to provide faster and more reliable transit. 
Where will ORBT go?
  • ORBT will run from Westroads to downtown Omaha along Dodge and Douglas. 
When will we be able to ride ORBT?
  • ORBT will begin operating on Wednesday, November 18, 2020.
What's the difference between an ORBT Station and an ORBT Stop?
  • ORBT Stations have raised platforms, canopies, bike racks, and a variety of technology amenities to provide an enhanced, stellar transit experience.
  • ORBT Stops are locations where a stop is needed, but stations cannot be built because of various site constraints. ORBT Stops will be identified with branded ORBT bus stop signs, and are located at:
    • 33rd & Dodge eastbound
    • Park Avenue & Dodge westbound
    • Both sides of 77th Street (connecting ORBT with the Keystone Trail).
  • Upgraded shelters will be installed in the coming months at all ORBT Stops except Park Avenue.
Who is constructing ORBT platforms?
  • Metro’s construction team, led by The Weitz Company, will lay the foundation for each station, which includes raised platforms, roadway improvements, and travel upgrades.
How long will lanes be closed?
  • Lane closure will vary by site. The lanes will reopen as soon as construction and station installation is completed at each location. 
Will sidewalks be closed?
  • Sidewalk access may be limited due to space constraints and safety considerations, so pedestrians will be encouraged to use alternate routes until construction at each site is completed. 
My bus stop has been moved. Is this permanent?
  • Bus stops near future ORBT stations have been relocated for pedestrian and rider safety during construction. They will remain in the relocated location until ORBT begins operation. 
How will ORBT impact other Metro routes?
  • Metro regularly evaluates the network of bus routes to look for ways to better serve our community.  Some routes have been modified in preparation for ORBT to ensure rapid transit and facilitate better connections. ORBT will also replace Route 2 when it launches this fall, increasing daily round trips from 65 to 100 buses during the week. Find out more here. 
Who is building the ORBT station canopies?
  • Dimensional Innovations is manufacturing station canopies off site to limit road construction. They will be transported from the Dimensional warehouse in Overland Park, Kansas to Omaha and lifted into place by crane. 
What will happen to stations between installation and operation?
  • As construction at an ORBT station is completed, any previously closed sidewalks will reopen. Metro will install and test technology and any remaining station features. 
Will the stations be safe?
  • Yes! The stations have been designed for safety, and will include many security features such as cameras and an emergency line to the Omaha Police Department.
Who is manufacturing ORBT vehicles?
How much will it cost to ride ORBT?
  • Rides on ORBT will be fare-free for the first four months of service. After that, a ride on ORBT will cost the same as a regular bus ride.
How does ORBT fit into our long-term transportation plan?
  • ORBT was designed along the spine of Omaha’s regional transportation network to lay a solid foundation of rapid transit. Metro hopes to build future ORBT routes to provide a framework of rapid transit across the region that connects with Metro’s regular bus routes.
How will the bus lanes affect me?
  • Bus lanes will replace some on-street parking. Other traffic will be allowed to make right turns, and are being asked to:
    • Signal turns
    • Yield to buses
    • Check twice before entering the lane
    • Change lanes at the dashed line in the block before their turn
What will happen to Route 2?
  • This fall, Route 2 will be replaced by ORBT, which means that some bus stops will no longer be served. This transition is meant to serve our riders more efficiently along Dodge Street. Find out more here. The last Route 2 bus will return to the garage on November 17th. 
Why is Route 2 being replaced?
  • This transition will also allow ORBT to run more frequently than Route 2, increasing daily round trips from 65 to 100 during the week. More frequent service will give riders a new level of reliability and flexibility in their travel. Find out more here. 
Will this happen to future ORBT lines?
  • As no future ORBT line has been set, it is unknown how routes will be affected at this time. 
What does it mean for my stop?
  • By replacing Route 2 with ORBT, bus stops for 9 out of 10 riders will change by 3 blocks or less. Our transition plan includes strategies to mitigate the impacts at the Route 2 stops that won’t be near an ORBT station. Until ORBT launches, current stops on Route 2 will continue to be served, including those relocated for ORBT station construction. 
How will riders with bikes board?
  • Riders will bring bikes on ORBT buses through the rear door, which is closest to the bike racks inside. When they’re ready to exit, they will wheel it off the bus through the same door.
Where will wheelchair users board?
  • Wheelchair users will board through the front door of ORBT buses like they would a regular Metro bus. This will provide consistency between ORBT Stops and Stations, as well as the rest of the Metro system, and help facilitate the wheelchair securement process with operators.
What will happen to MOBY paratransit service?
  • MOBY boundaries along Dodge Street will not change with this transition. MOBY service hours will reflect ORBT service. For more information about MOBY, click here.