Omaha By Design: Omaha, Only Better

by Ken Mayer

“All the forces in the world are not so powerful as an idea whose time has come.”—Victor Hugo

As the global economy grows ever more stressed, it seems to me we all have a greater responsibility to carefully consider each other and the future. Beyond making sure that our neighbors don’t want for life’s basics, we have the opportunity to correct some mistakes of the past and build a better future.

I think mass transit is one of those opportunities.

The history of American mass transportation has been a drama of intrigue, double dealing and even alleged conspiracy. In the early days of electric streetcars, the “traction magnates” were known to bribe local governments, take on enormous corporate debts, water stocks and overload cars with riders who had no other choice.

After World War II, streetcar systems were dismantled and replaced with buses allegedly because of the illegal actions by a number of prominent companies acting through National City Lines, among others. National was a holding company financed by General Motors, Firestone Tire, Standard Oil of California, Phillips Petroleum, Mack and Federal Engineering Corporation.

On April 9, 1947, nine corporations – including National City Lines – were indicted in the Federal District Court of Southern California on two counts under the Sherman Antitrust Act. In 1949, the defendants were acquitted on the first count of conspiring to monopolize transportation services, but were found guilty on the second count of conspiring to monopolize the provision of parts and supplies to their subsidiary companies.

Of course, the construction of improved streets, the Interstate Highway System and urban sprawl creating low density housing all contributed to the decline of public transit.

Fast forward to the present.

In Omaha these days, according to the Census Bureau’s American Community Survey, an estimated average of 186,651 people 16 and older commuted to work each year in the period from 2005 to 2007. Census data estimated that only 2,676 Omahans, or about 1.4%, use public transportation, excluding taxicabs, to get to work. Surprisingly, 4,701 – or 2.5% of us – reported walking to work.

Seems to me there must be a lot of low hanging fruit here who might be persuaded back to using public transport, particularly when money is tight and as fuel costs gyrate, as they almost certainly will.

So, I began a little thought experiment. Since I occasionally use public transportation, what would it take to get me using the system more often? Here’s a modest proposal for getting me to ride:

• Give me information and transparency:
  • Why not publish on-time performance as the airlines are required to do?
  • Solicit and publish reviews of service quality to encourage and reward improvement.
  • Provide information about the system in real time online. I’d like to see where things are before I walk down to the corner to get on board.

• Make my trip productive:
  • Since I won’t be doing the driving, how about on-board Wi-Fi so I can answer emails, shop, maybe look for a new job?
  • And while we’re at it, maybe some on-board power to use or charge my cell phone, iPod, laptop or whatever?
  • Maybe even a cell phone booster to keep me in contact.

• Make my ride comfortable:
  • Food service at transfer stations or on board so that I’m ready for my day.
  • Two words – cup holders.
  • Tables or trays so I can get my snack on while I talk or type.

• And just for fun:
  • Some tunes to groove on, like cars and airplanes have.
  • Maybe even some short movies or TV shows.

Many of these ideas hold the possibility of advertising or sponsorships that could help fund them. Admittedly, this is something of a chicken and egg problem because more prospects that advertisers want need to be riding, but they won’t necessarily ride if the amenities aren’t there.

That said, I think public transportation is an idea whose time has come. Again.