Beginning Aug. 24, residents of Bellevue will have improved commute times and new routing along Fort Crook Road on Express Route 95 to downtown Omaha.
Prior to the launch, the express route’s travel time to downtown was about 42 minutes from the start of the route into downtown Omaha. The travel time has been reduced to 27 minutes, making the service much more appealing to commuters currently driving the same path. The city of Bellevue has also added a third morning and afternoon departure to increase options for customers.
"The packed Kennedy Freeway proves there are plenty of people commuting from this area every day" says Metro Transit's Executive Director Curt Simon. “The improved schedule and more direct routing will offer a very competitive alternative to driving alone", Simon added.
To promote the new service, Metro Transit is partnering with the City of Bellevue to offer free rides during the route's opening week of service, Aug. 24-28.
The weekday rush hour service has three departure times thirty minutes apart in the morning with the same 30 minute spread for the three return trips in the afternoon. The revised 95 Express map and schedule are attached or can be downloaded at the Omaha Metro website.
Making the service even more attractive is the addition of a new Park and Ride lot at the Lied Activity Center. “This location is much more convenient for those that live in western Bellevue or even Plattsmouth”, said Simon.
Free Park and Ride Lots:
- Bellevue University 1000 Galvin Road, Bellevue, NE 68005
Please park in the lot south of the Durham Center near the intersection of Galvin Road and Lloyd Street. Buses will load southbound on Galvin at the Metro sign.
This location is currently under construction and is scheduled to open for free parking on Tuesday, September 15th. Buses will continue to pick up and drop off at this location for persons within walking distance, but lot parking will not open until construction is complete.
- Lied Activity Center 2700 Arboretum Drive, Bellevue, NE 68005
Please park in the southeast corner of the lot on the west side of Arboretum Drive. Buses will load northbound on Arboretum Drive at the Metro sign.
- No Frills 1510 Harlan Drive, Bellevue, NE 68005
Please park in the south end of the lot near Ludwig Drive. Buses will load westbound on Harlan Drive at the Metro sign.
- Marathon Ventures 901 Fort Crook Road, Bellevue, NE 68005
Please park in the lot north of Marathon Ventures near Childs Road. Buses will load northbound on Fort Crook Road at the Metro sign.
The city of Bellevue contracts with Metro to operate the express route. Metro has worked for several months with city staff to finalize the new routing and secure park & ride facilities along the corridor.
Officials hope the improvements will help bolster ridership and provide a better service to the community. According to Simon, the route enhancements and free rides should spark interest among residents who have never taken the bus to work. "
