Bill to allow longer public transit buses advanced

Public transit systems could carry additional riders under a bill advanced by lawmakers Feb. 16.

LB735, introduced by Henderson Sen. Curt Friesen, would increase the current 40-foot limit for an articulated bus operated by a transit authority to 65 feet. Friesen said the bill would allow Omaha to adopt a rapid transit system beginning in fall 2018.

“The Omaha metropolitan area has an excellent opportunity to embrace the next generation of public transportation,” he said.

Papillion Sen. Jim Smith supported the bill.

“Our transportation issues and needs in the state are as diverse as our state itself,” Smith said. “[LB735] is a transportation solution that’s as important for our state as the improvement of our roads and bridges.”

The bill advanced to select file on a 25-0 vote.