August 13, 2025 (OMAHA, NE) — The Regional Metropolitan Transit Authority of Omaha (Metro Transit) is taking another step in removing barriers and empowering the Omaha community to flex their transportation options. Wednesday, August 13th marked the start of service for Metro Flex, an on-demand, app-based public transit pilot service in partnership with Via, a global leader in microtransit service.
Metro Flex is a link to all of Omaha’s transit services. It works in tandem with Metro’s buses, ORBT (Omaha Rapid Bus Transit) and MOBY, Metro Transit’s paratransit service. Metro Flex is the personal connection to and from a bus stop, a transit center, or a certain destination. Metro Flex will allow anyone within one of three designated service zones to book an on-demand ride through the Metro Flex OMA app (available in the App Store and Google Play) or by calling 402-341-0800.
“Every day, we make a promise to our community,” said Lauren Cencic, Metro Transit CEO. “Metro Flex builds on that promise and furthers our commitment to connecting people to opportunity by meeting riders where they are.”
Once a rider has booked a trip, Via’s intelligent algorithms match riders headed in the same direction in one shared vehicle to create quick, efficient trips. This creates a flexible option that extends Metro Transit’s bus service, allowing people to get farther and quicker. It provides a great first and last mile option for neighborhoods where big bus service may not function well.
“Via is proud to partner with Metro and integrate our flexible tech and operations with Omaha’s transit network,” said Dan Berkovits, Senior Vice President of Strategy and Planning at Via, “With Metro Flex, residents can conveniently reach the entire transit network, and in turn, connect more easily with the exciting and important opportunities that Omaha has to offer.
Metro Transit’s services and Metro Flex work together to make getting around easier.
“There's a lot to love about Metro Flex, starting with real-time, on-demand service. This is an innovative and important response to getting around Omaha. Transportation should not be a barrier to our residents, and I'm grateful to Metro Transit for seeing a need and responding,” said Omaha Mayor John Ewing, Jr.
Metro Flex will operate in three zones: the North Zone, South Zone, and West Zone. Each zone has access to between seven and 11 of Metro Transit’s bus routes. Each zone also has at least one transit center, providing access to key connections across Omaha.
“Metro Flex takes the best of the tech world and melds it with the promises public transit provides to deliver a flexible service that will help Omaha and the overall metro region grow into the future,” said Curt Simon, Board Chair for the Regional Metropolitan Transit Authority of Omaha. “It fills important gaps, making it easier for people to reach jobs, school, healthcare, and more.”
Riders will be able to request on-demand rides when they’re within one of the three zones and go anywhere within the zone they requested the ride in. If they want to get to another zone, they can connect to a bus route to finish the trip. The North Zone also includes three additional destinations to better connect riders: 33rd & Dodge ORBT station, Open Door Mission Campus, and Eppley Airfield. Detailed maps showing the zones and where Metro Transit’s routes interconnect can be found here.
"The Chamber joins Metro Transit in celebrating the launch of their new microtransit pilot service, a first for Omaha. This service will be transformational for many, providing greater mobility and enhancing transportation options for Omaha residents. In Omaha, we are working every day to create a more connected and accessible community and public-private partnership efforts like this take us even closer to our ultimate goal," said Heath Mello, President & CEO of the Greater Omaha Chamber.
The Metro Flex pilot launched with a two-month free introductory period. Starting on October 15th, rides will cost $3. The fare includes the cost to transfer to a fixed bus. Metro Transit’s pass programs, including half-fare and K-12 Rides Free, will not apply. Metro Flex will be available Monday – Friday from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. The fleet includes wheelchair accessible vehicles and vehicles with bike racks.
Metro Flex is a two-year pilot project with a possibility of running up to five years. It was made possible through several generous philanthropic organizations.
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About Metro Transit
Metro offers fixed route, express/commuter, circulator and origin-to-destination paratransit bus services throughout the Omaha metro, serving a territory of approximately 100 square miles.
Contracted commuter services are offered to four other contiguous cities in Nebraska — Bellevue, Ralston, La Vista, and Papillion — as well as Council Bluffs, Iowa. Metro Transit’s fleet is 100% ADA accessible and consists of 60-foot articulated buses for Bus Rapid Transit, small, medium, and large buses for fixed route, express, and connector routes, and cutaway vans for paratransit service. As a public agency, Metro Transit is driven to serve the diverse needs of the Omaha, Nebraska metropolitan area by providing safe, affordable, accessible, efficient and reliable public transportation to the fast-growing community. Metro Transit is dedicated to increasing connections across the city, streamlining service and innovating passengers’ experience.
About Via
Via is the technology backbone of a modern transportation network. We transform public transportation systems into dynamic networks, based on data and demand. Cities and transit agencies around the world adopt Via’s suite of software and technology enabled services to replace fragmented legacy systems and consolidate operations. As a result, Via lowers the cost of providing transit, improves the passenger experience, and brings more riders on board. Today, the Via platform is utilized by hundreds of cities across more than 30 countries to create public transportation systems that connect people with jobs, healthcare, and education.