You might call it an “entertainment shuttle” to downtown Omaha. And it’s free.
On Friday and Saturday nights starting next month, people can park in Midtown Crossing’s two garages at about 33rd, Farnam and Harney Streets and catch a ride — to Qwest Center Omaha, the north downtown entertainment area, and the restaurants, shops and galleries in the Old Market.
Midtown Crossing parking garages can accommodate about 3,000 vehicles. The first three hours are free, with each hour after that costing $1. There’s a $6 daily maximum.
“The intent is to link key places for entertainment,” said Molly Skold, marketing director for Midtown Crossing, a complex of condominiums and apartments, restaurants, a park, shops and a movie theater.
Mutual of Omaha, which invested $325 million in the mixed-use development, also budgeted about $60,000 a year for the shuttle service, Skold said.
It was part of their vision from the beginning, she said.
“We want to make Midtown not just a stop but a place people can enjoy, a place people can live, work, eat a meal, do errands.”
The shuttle service will begin operating two loops per hour on Friday, July 2. Runs start at 5 p.m. and shut down about 2 a.m.
Additional days will be added during the week to accommodate special events, such as Jazz on the Green, which begins July 8 at Midtown’s Turner Park.
The service also could be expanded to other nights and other stops, depending on demand, Skold said.
She said the shuttle service was planned independently of any plans for an Omaha streetcar or trolley service for which Mayor Jim Suttle has been lobbying. Suttle was aware of the shuttle, Skold said.
The mayor has touted the benefits of such a transportation system to connect downtown and Creighton University to Henry Doorly Zoo to the south. The Mayor’s Office has estimated the cost at between $200 million and $250 million but says it could result in $1 billion in development.
Critics say a trolley or streetcar would be too expensive.
The Midtown Crossing shuttle probably will be a 10- to 15-passenger van, said Jerry Kelly of the Lund Co., which helps manage the development.
Precise stops on the downtown runs still are being worked out, he said. A ride to the zoo also is under consideration, he said, and public demand could play a role in the decision.
“We’re looking at other locations. The zoo is certainly one of the options.”
Contact the writer:
444-1117, joe.ruff@owh.com
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