Public transportation in Nebraska is a vital part of the solution to the state’s economic, energy, and health care challenges through providing an alternative in congested urban areas and serving as a lifeline to rural communities. Every $1 invested in public transportation generates approximately $4 in economic returns.
Nebraska Public Transit is a program administered by the Nebraska Department of Transportation. NDOT’s Local Assistance Division is responsible for coordinating public transportation activities in Nebraska’s 93 counties and provides technical assistance as requested. NDOT receives money from the Federal Transit Administration and state transportation funds to fulfill requirements set forth by Nebraska Revised Statute 13-1204.
In 2013, NDOT and the University of Nebraska developed a project called Advance to assist with improving and promoting public transit across Nebraska. NDOT sponsors the project collaborating with the Nebraska Safety Center at the University of Nebraska at Kearney College of Business & Technology and the Center for Public Affairs Research at the University of Nebraska at Omaha College of Public Affairs and Community Service.
The Advance team combines experts in the fields of business, safety, technology, research, and public policy to work diligently toward a safer, more efficient, and more reliable public transportation system for everyone. In particular, Advance focuses on the unique mobility challenges faced by our state’s rural residents, many of whom rely on public transportation as a critical point of access to social and economic resources.
The current, five-year portfolio of projects includes:
MOBILITY MATTERS - Transit Challenges, Nebraska Solutions
Mobility Matters is a quarterly newsletter that covers transit topics from NDOT, Advance, and agencies. See how important mobility is in Nebraska below.
STAFF DIRECTORY
| NAME | TITLE | PHONE | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jodi Gibson | Highway Local Assistance Division Manager | 402-479-4337 | jodi.gibson@nebraska.gov |
| Kari Ruse | Transit Liaison Manager | 402-479-4694 | kari.ruse@nebraska.gov |
| George Gallardo | Transportation Planner III | 402-479-4368 | george.gallardo@nebraska.gov |
| Wayne Masek | Transportation Planner III | 402-479-4369 | wayne.masek@nebraska.gov |
| Ken Rouch | Federal Aid Administrator III | 402-479-3185 | ken.rouch@nebraska.gov |
| Marisue Wagner | Federal Aid Administrator III | 402-479-3127 | marisue.wagner@nebraska.gov |
| Linda Langdale | Federal Aid Administrator I | 402-479-4786 | linda.langdale@nebraska.gov |
| NAME | TITLE | PHONE | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mick Anderson | NSC Special Projects | 308-865-8258 | andersonmd@unk.edu |
| Kaitlyn Richardson | Rural Transit Manager | 402-480-6859 | richardsonke@unk.edu |
| Mitchell Locken | Rural Transit Lead Trainer | 402-817-2013 | lockenm@unk.edu |
| Carrie Bartholomew | Program Assistant/Event Outreach Planner | 402-480-6857 | bartholomewc@unk.edu |
| Darla Morris | Co-Interim Operations Manager | Business Manager | 308-865-8276 | morrisd@unk.edu |
| Erin Howard | Co-Interim Operations Manager | Transportation Safety and Marketing Manager | 308-865-1550 | howarder@unk.edu |
| Marshall Barth | Fleet and Office Manager | 308-865-8755 | barthmj@unk.edu |
| Elizabeth Mendyk | Customer Service Specialist | 308-865-8256 | mendyke@unk.edu |
STAFF
| NAME | TITLE | PHONE | |
|---|---|---|---|
| William Bivin | Statewide Mobility Manager, Center for Public Affairs Research | 402-570-0491 | bbivin@unomaha.edu |
| Tara Grell | Graphic Designer, Center for Public Affairs Research | 402-554-5963 | tgrell@unomaha.edu |
| Matt Harrington | Communications Specialist, Center for Public Affairs Research | 402-554-5976 | mgharrington@unomaha.edu |
| Chethan Miriyala | Software Developer, Center for Public Affairs Research | cmiriyala@unomaha.edu |
RESEARCH AND ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT
| NAME | TITLE | PHONE | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Josie Schafer | Director, Center for Public Affairs Research | 402-554-2134 | jgschafer@unomaha.edu |
| Yu-Che Chen | Director, Global Digital Governance Lab | 402-554-2058 | ychen@unomaha.edu |
| Jooho Lee | Associate Director, Global Digital Governance Lab | 402-554-2756 | jooholee@unomaha.edu |
| Melanie Kiper | Community Service Specialist, Center for Public Affairs Research | 402-554-2133 | mkiper@unomaha.edu |
