StarTran highlights new design of Multi-Modal Transportation Center, new transit technology

Lincoln, Neb., hosted the fourth "Grow the Great Life Week" event, where Lincoln Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird and Liz Elliott, Lincoln Transportation and Utilities Director announced design updates for StarTran’s planned Multi-Modal Transportation Center.

Transportation officials also highlightedvnew transit technology designed to enhance StarTran riders’ navigation throughout the community.

“Public transportation plays a crucial role in growing the great life by supporting economic opportunity and well-being within our community,” said Baird. “By providing affordable, accessible and efficient options, our public transportation system helps get people where they need to go – whether that’s work, school, the doctor’s office or the grocery store.”

The proposed transportation center at the city’s preferred location bordered by 9th, 10th, “H” and “G” streets will feature 19 covered outdoor bus bays and be the permanent home of the StarTran transit system administrative offices. The new location improves StarTran operational efficiency, enhances rider comfort, customer service and provides room for future growth, Elliott said. Rider amenities include indoor and outdoor waiting areas, electric scooters, BikeLNK bikes, indoor restrooms and more.

“As we roll out the center’s design and move forward with construction, our team is committed to engaging our community members every step of the way. This includes ongoing efforts such as door-to-door outreach, neighborhood association engagement and an upcoming public open house,” Elliott said.

Joining Mayor Gaylor Baird and Elliott at the news conference were Carla Cosier, Lincoln Transportation and Utilities Assistant Director of Transit; Emily Deeker, StarTran Advisory Board Chair and rider; and City Councilperson Bennie Shobe.

Cosier announced StarTran technology upgrades that include 48 new solar-powered touch screens at bus stops throughout Lincoln which offer the RideLNK application and 67 video screens now available on StarTran fixed-route buses. The kiosks and on-bus screens provide updates on bus arrival times, route changes and other helpful information that can also be found on the RideLNK mobile app.

“With these innovations along with the planned multi-modal transportation center, we're not just improving your transit experience – we're transforming it,” Cosier said.

Deeker said the amenities offered by the transportation center and bus stop upgrades, which include 40 new benches, may boost interest in public transportation.

“We appreciate LTU’s ongoing efforts through the years to develop a central hub for all things transit that ensures the growing success of this sustainable transportation option,” Deeker said. “I have no doubt the planned amenities and advanced technology already being incorporated will continue to elevate the bus system as more and more people choose transit.”

Members of the StarTran team held an open house to answer questions and offer information related to the Multi-modal Transportation Center schedule. 

The city expects to select a contractor in late 2024 and anticipates construction to be complete in 2027. The new center will cost about $32.2 million. In 2022, StarTran received a $23.6 million federal Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) grant. The cost of the facility includes the federal grant of $23.6 million, the value of the land estimated at $8.3 million and an additional $841,963 in local funding – a combination of general funds and StarTran reappropriated and Capital Improvement Program funds.