Omaha Introduces ‘Oscar’: The City’s New Streetcar Identity
The city of Omaha recently unveiled its new streetcar system, affectionately named ‘Oscar,’ during an event at the Kiewit Luminarium. This exciting development follows extensive community involvement, with input from five focus groups and feedback from over 1,200 surveys shaping the final brand.
“We were receiving ideas from across the community — through emails, on the Mayor’s Hotline and on the street,” stated Mayor John Ewing. “And overwhelmingly, they all pointed in the same direction.”
Set to arrive in 2027, the six streetcar vehicles will mirror the design of Kansas City’s streetcar fleet. Mayor Ewing emphasized that the design is crafted to be adaptable, accommodating future expansions and sponsorships, and signifying “movement between a variety of places and spaces.”
Steve Jensen, interim director of the Omaha Streetcar Authority, mentioned that the streetcar will operate under the auspices of Omaha’s Parking and Mobility Division. This integrated system aims to enhance the mobility options for all city residents.
The streetcar’s official nickname, ‘Oscar,’ was chosen to promote a friendly and approachable identity for the system.
Currently, construction is progressing on a $26 million streetcar maintenance facility. Located east of Eighth Street along Riverfront Drive, this concrete edifice is set to become a central hub for the streetcar operations within the coming year.
The vehicles will be manufactured by Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles, a company based in Spain. Upon launch, these streetcars are scheduled to run every 10 minutes during peak hours, with daily services from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., and extended hours until 2 a.m. on weekends.
Each streetcar can accommodate up to 150 passengers. Notably, when the system becomes operational in 2028, rides will be offered free of charge.
