Business View Magazine - January 2024

responsibility that we take very seriously.” Nicole Ebat, Senior Manager of Communications and Community Relations, is complimenting her leadership, bridging Metro with the community to further underline the organization’s commitment to serving and enhancing the city of Omaha. ROUTE EXPANSION PLANS Recent legislative developments have provided the green light to expand operations beyond the city’s borders. This expansion will allow Metro’s services to extend into the surrounding suburban areas and push toward a more inclusive and far-reaching public transit system that aligns with their broader community engagement and service goal. Metro’s 26 routes primarily serve Omaha’s core while extending its reach to nearby communities, including Council Bluffs, Bellevue, Papillion, La Vista, and Ralston, through contract services.This coverage is supported by the dedicated efforts of nearly 350 employees and a diverse team that forms the means of Metro’s operations. These professionals, many of whom have long tenures with Metro, are distributed across various roles encompassing drivers, maintenance staff, and administrative personnel, ensuring the smooth functioning of the transit system. A “GREEN” ROUTE FORWARD Metro recently moved toward including electric buses in its fleet as a promise to keep sustainability in mind. Three bright green electric buses make their way around Omaha roads. With approximately a third of its fleet now consisting of alternative fuels, Metro stands at the forefront of environmental stewardship. Its fleet, a mix of clean diesel, CNG, and electric buses, reflects a commitment to fostering a greener future moving forward. Although this transition to more sustainable 221 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 11, ISSUE 01 METRO TRANSI T OMAHA