Omaha, Neb.’s Transit Authority of the City of Omaha's (Metro) transit data was recently published live on Google Maps. This product allows passengers to designate an origin and destination in the Omaha area, and receive detailed bus directions including route maps, bus stop locations, departure times, and trip duration.

Since the service was created at no cost to the agency, releasing Omaha’s transit data on Google Maps was an easy decision for Metro. “This partnership with Google represents our ongoing efforts to provide convenient, affordable, and efficient transportation in the Omaha area,” said Curt Simon, executive director of Metro Transit. “The ability to access transit information from a smartphone will be a major asset to our customers.”

Many Omaha residents have been anxiously awaiting the launch of Metro’s information on Google Maps. Ryan McClure, Transportation Chair for the Greater Omaha Young Professionals, views the technology upgrade as a vital step toward attracting and retaining young people.

“Public transportation is instrumental for the future of Omaha and Metro is ‘steering the bus’ in the right direction with Google Transit,” McClure said. As taking the bus becomes more user-friendly, McClure hopes more people will give transit a try. “If you are still looking for more New Year’s resolutions, commit to riding Metro and experiment with Google Transit throughout 2012.”