May 28: Metro Transit reports record April ridership, prepares expanded service for major events

The Regional Metropolitan Transit Authority of Omaha Board of Directors received updates on ridership, operations and upcoming service changes during its latest meeting. CEO Lauren Cencic reported 315,938 fixed-route trips in April, marking the highest April fixed-route ridership since 2015, including more than 57,000 ORBT rides, more than 60,000 K-12 student trips and more than 1,000 micro-flex trips. Cencic also highlighted Metro Transit’s recognition as Partner of the Year for its role in the Community Transportation Association of America Expo, updates on federal transportation funding discussions and planned service adjustments for College World Series visitors, including extended ORBT service and expanded transportation options near the stadium.

The board also heard public comments about accessibility, driver recognition and transit center design before receiving updates on staffing, operations and community outreach. Officials reported new hires, improved customer service call response times and more than 25,000 hours of fixed-route service in April. Board members discussed microtransit performance, fuel costs and grant-supported service expansion, while staff outlined upcoming communication efforts connected to the College World Series, Juneteenth events and a teen bus art initiative.

Meeting documented by Debbi Breeling

Read full meeting notes here

By Omaha Documenters

Omaha Documenters is a program that empowers citizens to actively participate in local governance by documenting public meetings. This initiative enhances transparency and accountability by making critical information accessible to the community, fostering informed public discourse, and promoting civic engagement. Through its network of dedicated Documenters, the program bridges the gap between government entities and the public, ensuring that decisions affecting the community are transparent and inclusive. For more information and to get involved, visit flatwaterfreepress.org/documenters.

By Leah Keinama

Leah Wambui Keinama boasts a robust professional journey, commencing as a systems engineer and integrator within the software industry. In this capacity, she excelled in the conception, design, construction, and deployment of software systems, adeptly managing projects from inception to completion. Transitioning into the nonprofit realm, Leah directed her expertise towards enhancing food systems, with a particular emphasis on soil health, regenerative agriculture, and bolstering food accessibility while fostering resilient communities. Her repertoire includes comprehensive program design skills coupled with a profound commitment to community engagement. Leah's fervor for cultivating networks and forging meaningful connections underscores her dedication to advancing organizational goals.

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