Streetcars in Omaha

By: Mr. Wilson on January 11, 2006
Omaha, like Lincoln, is considering streetcars for its downtown.
Streetcars ride on rails embedded in existing streets and are usually powered by overhead electric wires. They move with the traffic flow. Streetcar systems tend to cost less to construct and require less disruption than light-rail projects.
Well, yes, but you know what costs even less? A bus, or any other vehicle that doesn't require substantial changes to the downtown infrastructure. If Omaha goes with streetcars, I fear that Lincoln will feel even more compelled to get streetcars of its own. But Omaha has a lot more money and opportunities for economic expansion than we do. I hope we don't follow suit just to keep up with big brother.

Comments

See what your friends and neighbors have to say about this.

D.M.B.
January 11, 2006 at 5:13PM

why the hell does Lincoln need street cars?  I can spit halfway across downtown.

Here’s an idea Omaha and Lincoln.  Build a transit system between Lincoln and Omaha.  You know that 8 lane highway you’re building between here and there…it’ll last a whole heck of a lot longer if you build a transit system.

foxspit
January 11, 2006 at 11:18PM

I like the idea of regular shuttles to move people around downtown and the Haymarket but the street car sounds like an unnecessary complication.

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