John Beverage

The committee revised the agenda and postponed the approval of the January 2026 meeting minutes to March. New business included noting there were no paratransit appeals, a report on public feedback concerning ongoing issues with the MyRide OMA app and driver assistance for MOBY riders, and a committee report on Metro Board activities, including service changes and high service interruptions in January due to operator sickness. A presentation on the MOBY appeals process occurred, raising public concern regarding HIPAA and application content, which will be a future agenda item. Updates were provided regarding public meetings for proposed service changes, Nebraska Public Transit Week, ongoing outreach efforts, and participation in the Ames Avenue Safe Mobility Recovery Plan and the We Make Omaha Comprehensive Plan panel discussion. Open comments covered the potential relocation of the downtown layover, clarification on Route 30 proposal, ORBT stop boarding/alighting issues, federal infrastructure funding applications by the City of Omaha, and concerns about ADA transportation alternatives in surrounding cities, leading to a discussion about potential collaboration between Metro and the city.

The agenda for this meeting included a public comment period, a discussion regarding proposed April service changes, and an update on Metro activities and upcoming events. New business items covered paratransit appeals (none reported), committee reports on public feedback and the Metro Board, and review of service changes. Upcoming events mentioned included Nebraska Public Transit Week, Plug related thank yous and events, a press conference on an age-friendly city and transit, and updates on customer service transitions and conference presentations.

Key discussion topics for the meeting included administrative reports covering ridership data, planned service improvements for April, and results from rider feedback surveys on Routes 15 and 30. Several resolutions were presented for approval, such as awarding contracts for fire remediation services following a bus garage fire, approving a task order with AECOM for the Park Ave and Dodge Street ORBT Station Design Services, and approving a change order for bus inspections due to delays. The Board also considered a resolution to recognize Nebraska Public Transit Week, March 15th-21st. Additionally, committee assignments for Finance/Procurement, Planning & Policy, and Operations were confirmed, and annual elections for Board Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson were conducted.

Key discussions included public comments regarding confusing information for Route 4 service to Regency. New business covered reports on paratransit appeals (none), an overview of new committee member responsibilities, and reports on public feedback. Public feedback highlighted issues with missed Route 15 connections, concerns about driver procedure when a passenger refuses to leave a bus, and a timeline inquiry regarding Center Street construction. Committee reports related to the Metro Board included updates on a $4.9 million grant for new buses (phasing in 7 at a time), the approval of a new 3-year customer service contract with agents moving to fully remote status in 2025, lower Kids Ride Free numbers, and data collection for cyclist use. The MOBY appeals process was delayed, but accessibility concerns related to downtown construction were raised. Metro also provided updates on staff training and upcoming route planning meetings concerning long-term solutions for Routes 15 and 30, including proposed changes to Route 30 service to Aksarben TC.

The Board Planning Retreat included a discussion on MetroNEXT, which was adopted in April 2022, focusing on its five goals: addressing equity, improving and expanding connections, providing an excellent travel experience, promoting environmental stewardship, and leading responsibly and collaboratively. Staff reported a 15.4% service increase since adoption. The Board discussed the Transit Suitability Index and the critical link between transportation, land use, and economic development, with a specific focus on walkability. Status updates were provided on several MetroNEXT projects, including service to McKinley Road (pending sidewalk infrastructure), a feasibility study for Fort Crook Road, the hold on the Future Fort Street Express Route due to city construction, and a planned 24th Street feasibility study for early 2026. Other initiatives reviewed included the K-12 Rides Free program, shelters and signage, and the microtransit pilot project, noting that a digital kiosk will be installed at the airport. The meeting concluded with no formal actions taken.