# Metro Transit posts record April ridership, prepares for major summer events  
**Published:** 2026-06-02T17:18:50.000Z  
**Source:** [Flatwater Free Press](https://flatwaterfreepress.org/may-28-metro-transit-reports-record-april-ridership-prepares-expanded-service-for-major-events/)  
**AI-generated:** yes (claude-haiku-4-5-20251001)  
**Canonical:** https://lincolne.news/article/metro-transit-posts-record-april-ridership-prepares-for-major-summer-events

The Regional Metropolitan Transit Authority of Omaha reported record ridership numbers and announced expanded service plans during its latest board meeting, signaling the agency's readiness for a busy summer season highlighted by the College World Series and Juneteenth celebrations.

The board heard that [Metro Transit recorded 315,938 fixed-route trips in April](https://flatwaterfreepress.org/may-28-metro-transit-reports-record-april-ridership-prepares-expanded-service-for-major-events/), marking the highest April ridership on fixed routes since 2015, according to CEO Lauren Cencic. The April figures included more than 57,000 rides on ORBT, the agency's rapid transit line, over 60,000 K-12 student trips, and more than 1,000 micro-flex trips through the new on-demand service launched last summer.

The strong ridership comes as [ORBT connects downtown Omaha to Westroads along an eight-mile route](https://www.ometro.com/rider-guide/orbt/), providing service every 10 minutes during weekdays. The agency reported more than 25,000 hours of fixed-route service in April and highlighted improved customer service call response times and successful recruitment of new staff members.

Looking ahead to summer, Metro Transit staff outlined plans to accommodate expected crowds from two major events. The [College World Series, which returns to Omaha on June 12](https://www.wowt.com/2026/05/13/college-world-series-generated-record-1476m-omaha-metro/), will bring extended ORBT service and expanded transportation options near Charles Schwab Field. Officials also announced communication efforts connected to [Juneteenth events planned for June 13](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/omaha-freedom-festival-2026-tickets-1977134694093/), as well as a teen bus art initiative.

The board also discussed staffing, operations, and community outreach, hearing public comments about accessibility, driver recognition and transit center design. Board members reviewed microtransit performance, fuel costs and grant-supported service expansion initiatives.

Metro Transit was recognized as Partner of the Year for its role in the Community Transportation Association of America Expo and received updates on federal transportation funding discussions during the meeting.

## Sources

- [Flatwater Free Press](https://flatwaterfreepress.org/may-28-metro-transit-reports-record-april-ridership-prepares-expanded-service-for-major-events/)
- [Metro Transit ORBT rapid bus transit service information](https://www.ometro.com/rider-guide/orbt/)
- [College World Series 2026 returning to Omaha June 12](https://www.wowt.com/2026/05/13/college-world-series-generated-record-1476m-omaha-metro/)
- [Omaha Freedom Festival Juneteenth celebration June 13, 2026](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/omaha-freedom-festival-2026-tickets-1977134694093/)

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This article was generated by AI (claude-haiku-4-5-20251001) based on source material from Flatwater Free Press, enriched with 3 web searches. The original source is available at https://flatwaterfreepress.org/may-28-metro-transit-reports-record-april-ridership-prepares-expanded-service-for-major-events/.