The new Multi-modal Transportation Center (MMTC) will provide a more efficient, safer, and inclusive public transportation system in Lincoln.
For nearly two decades, Lincoln has envisioned a multi-modal transportation center to bring transit riders, bicyclists, pedestrians, and others together for an easier, safer and more inclusive way to travel the city that moves us towards our sustainability goals. Now is the time to bring this vision to life!
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View of the MMTC at the preferred location
The concept of a MMTC was first explored in 2004 as part of a City Multi-Modal Transportation Study. The need for an improved MMTC was confirmed through a variety of community engagement efforts and strategic plans. In 2020, an in-depth feasibility study helped identify a preferred location for the center located on the south side of the County-City Building at 555 South 10th Street. This area is currently a surface parking lot for City and County employees.
Over the last 20 years, numerous studies and public outreach efforts consistently emphasized the significance of a multi-modal transportation center to community members, shaping the current project.
Today, the bus transfer center located near 11th and “L” streets offers limited amenities for riders which a new MMTC facility will be able to provide.
- The current location has limited room to only accommodate six buses at a time, which is less than half of the buses in service at any given time. This means longer waiting times for passengers, sometimes making them late for work, school or appointments.
- The ability to expand this location is limited because of the lack of space available.
- This location also lacks critical features like proper shelters, restrooms, and indoor waiting areas.
- Access to other transportation options are limited, like bicycle share programs, scooter rentals, Uber/Lyft, or a future regional/intercity bus service.
- Office space for StarTran administration at a separate location means inefficiencies in bus management, ticket sales, customer service, and no space available for staff to provide safety and other assistance to passengers.
The new MMTC is a two-level building with essential features for both the public and StarTran administration. Inside the first level will be a climate-controlled waiting area, restrooms, security and ticket sales. The second level will house StarTran’s administrative office and public meeting space. Outside of the building will be 18 bus bays, protected passenger boarding, lighted areas, covered walkways, and wayfinding signage.
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View from 10th Street looking west
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Bus bay area from the southeast corner of the lot looking northwest
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Bus bays from the corner of 9th and “G” streets looking northeast
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View from 9th Street looking southeast at the MMTC and bus bays at dusk
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Covered walkways and other bus bays from inside a bus parked in the bus bay area
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Covered waiting area and wayfinding signage
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Bus bays with covered waiting area and wayfinding signage
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Covered walkway with seating areas and wayfinding signage
StarTran, in collaboration with the community, has pinpointed essential amenities desired by riders for incorporation into the project. These amenities include:
- Comfortable indoor and outdoor waiting areas
- Indoor restrooms
- Covered walkways
- Passenger safety improvements
- Area lighting
- Improved access to essential services
- Convenient transfer between all routes from the same location at the same time to reduce waiting times for transfers
- Access for multiple modes of transportation – buses, bikes, scooters, pedestrians, and others
- Centralized and more efficient StarTran operations
- Economic growth opportunities in downtown and South Haymarket areas
- Alignment of social equity goals by spending funds within an Area of Persistent Poverty
The MMTC will bring transit riders, and users together for an easier, safer and more inclusive way to travel the city that moves us towards our sustainability goals.
The preferred MMTC is located between 9th and 10th streets and between “H” and “G” streets, currently serving as a surface parking lot.
The location’s proximity to City Hall and the Police Department increases safety and provides easier access to government resources, making it an ideal hub to combine multi-modal transportation and government services.
The City was awarded a $23.6 million federal RAISE grant for the development of the MMTC. A roughly $900,000 NET grant was also received to go towards the MMTC. The remainder of the costs will be funded through local funds and additional federal formula funds.
| MMTC Feasibility & Concept Design Study |
2020 |
| Secure Funding for Design & Construction |
2021-2022 |
| Initial Design & Planning |
Mid 2023 |
| Study of Environmental Resources & Public Outreach |
Early - Mid 2024 |
| Final Design |
Mid 2024 - Late 2025 |
| Anticipated Construction |
2026-2027 |
The MMTC represents an extremely important step toward a more efficient, safe, sustainable, and inclusive public transportation system. By addressing current challenges and creating a centralized, accessible hub, the MMTC will improve urban mobility, foster economic development, and enhance the quality of life for our entire community.