Omaha, Nebraska is a bustling city with plenty of public transportation options. Subway buses run through the Omaha subway, serving Ralston, La Vista, Bellevue, Papillion and Council Bluffs. Metro buses are not in service on most major holidays, but K-12 students can ride the bus for free. Students attending UNO, Creighton or Metro may be eligible for bus passes.
MAT also offers park and amusement services. Additionally, there are 27 ORBT bus stops along the route, 23 full ORBT stations and 4 ORBT bus stops. The Westroads Transit Center (1099 N 102nd Street) is a parking and attraction point for ORBT buses, which are free of charge. For those who prefer to ride a bike, it is possible to take it with you or place it in the back of the bus. There are also car-sharing services available in some parts of the city, although they come at a cost.
The MOBY bus system is a “complementary ADA paratransit service” for people with disabilities or health problems that prevent them from using conventional fixed-route buses. In addition to local public transportation, Omaha has several interurban public transportation companies. Amtrak provides passenger rail service to residents with a daily train between Chicago and Emeryville, California on the California Zephyr. Intercity bus service is provided by Burlington Trailways, Express Arrow and Jefferson Lines. The Omaha Transit Company ceased operations in 1972 when the city of Omaha took over the public transportation authority. Public transportation in Nebraska is an important part of the state's economic, energy and health solutions.
It offers an alternative to congested urban areas and provides a livelihood for rural communities. During its pioneering period, Omaha was an equipment center for Colorado gold prospectors heading to Pikes Peak in 1859. Between March and November of that year, 268 steamboats arrived in Omaha.
