Implementation Steps Lead Agency 1 Presentation of Study to MAPA Board MAPA 2 Review of Immediate Projects MAPA 3 Approval of Initial Studies MAPA 4 Seek Funding for Initial Studies MAPA/Partner MAPA members 5 Prepare Scope of Work for Studies MAPA 6 Continue Chamber/Major Employer Coordination MAPA/Metro/Working

Group/Chamber/Major Employers

7 Coordinate with NDOT for Statewide Rideshare Program

MAPA/Working Group/NDOT

8 Coordinate Governance Study Partners MAPA/Metro/Partner MAPA members

9 Assist Metro with TDP Study MAPA/Working Group/Metro 10 Continue Regional Call Center Development MAPA/Metro/Sarpy Providers 11 Begin Coordination of County and City ITS/Traffic

Departments to Discuss High Capacity Corridors MAPA/Transit Study Working Group Members/County/Cities

Study Background

Sarpy County is the fastest growing county in the State of Nebraska. Located immediately south of Omaha (Nebraska’s largest city), Sarpy County and its local municipalities are faced with increasing development pressure brought on by a strong economy and close proximity to major employment and entertainment centers. As population continues to increase, so too will demand for public transportation services. This project identifies the existing and future demand for transit service in Sarpy County, and strategies to improve existing services, target new services, and identify a deployment schedule to meet the changing needs of the residents of Sarpy County. The result of this study is the recommendation of a preferred service option, a discussion of the specific characteristics and cost considerations of the service, and an implementation plan.

Sarpy County

Transit Feasibility Study

August 22, 2017 Executive Summary

Omaha-Council Bluffs Metropolitan Area Planning Agency 2222 Cuming Street Omaha, NE 68102 402.444.6866 www.mapa.org

Final Report Transit Vision

Implement public transportation to help build healthy,

connected, sustainable communities in Sarpy County

through affordable service, innovative strategies, transit

supportive land use strategies along high capacity transit corridors, and cooperation

among the County and local municipalities.

The Omaha-Council Bluffs Metropolitan Area Planning Agency (MAPA) retained the Olsson Associates team, and worked closely with stakeholders from Sarpy County, Bellevue, Papillion, La Vista, Gretna, Springfield and Metro (Omaha’s transit provider). The Final Report includes a review of existing transit operations in the study area and identifies underserved and unserved transit markets. A review of potential transit service options and identification of potential solutions for new and enhanced service in Sarpy County is also included in this report.

The project included a multi-level data collection effort, evaluation of current conditions and operational structures, a review of peer communities, and the development of alternative scenarios for short-, medium- and long-term service. Based on public and stakeholder involvement specific system improvements are recommended. The study approach concluded by defining financial efforts and organizational structures that should be implemented to provide the most effective service for Sarpy County.

Implementation Plan The implementation plan includes specific projects identified within the study to continue the momentum of enhancing public transit in Sarpy County. In the Near-term time frame, many transit projects are planned, which will set the stage for the next phases of the study in which the transit infrastructure will begin to be in place for enhanced transit for Sarpy County. Below are the next steps for the study team.

Multiple opportunities provided for public engagement and activity participation throughout

the study process.

Three alternatives were developed for Sarpy County. • Package A: Minimum Impact • Package B: Low Density Network • Package C: Higher Density Network The selection of the Preferred Transit Package was the final step in the Transit Feasibility Study to determine the most appropriate means of addressing future mobility and public transit in Sarpy County. The Preferred Transit Package represents the conclusion to an in-depth process that included technical analysis, as well as input provided by the general public, community leaders, and agencies important to the successful implementation of future transit in Sarpy County. Summary of Transit Feasibility Study Projects

Preferred Transit Alternative Public Engagement

Many opportunities for public engagement were available throughout the study, including: • Public open houses • Stakeholder meetings • Mobile meetings • Coordination with the Long Range

Transportation Plan • Online community survey • Social media outreach on Facebook

and Twitter • Coordinated Transportation

Committee meetings • Transit provider interviews • E-publications