The Nebraska Department of Transportation's (NDOT) Nebraska Public Transit is more than transportation—it’s a lifeline. It connects residents to healthcare, education, jobs and more while fostering independence, mobility and stronger community connections.
Benefits of Public Transit
Enhanced Mobility & Social Equity: No matter your age, income or ability, all Nebraskans deserve access to safe and reliable transportation. It's especially important for seniors, people with disabilities, and the 5.1% of Nebraskans without access to a personal vehicle. In 2024 alone, rural transit providers gave over 620,000 rides and traveled more than 5 million miles.
Cost-Effective & Eco-Friendly Travel: Public transit offers a budget-friendly alternative to vehicle ownership, especially if you don’t own a car. Riders save money on gas, repairs and insurance. In rural areas, Nebraska public transits "demand-response services" let travelers call ahead to schedule a ride, making it easier to get where they need to go. Fewer cars on the road also means less traffic and cleaner air.
Improved Quality of Life: Transit helps people stay connected—to family, friends, events and their communities. It gives people who can’t drive a way to stay active and involved. Getting out and about helps support mental and emotional health.
Smart Infrastructure Investment: Investing in transit helps communities grow in the right ways. It connects towns and cities, not just with roads but with real options for everyone. Nebraska public transit offers urban, rural and intercity services, including six agencies that offer scheduled trips between towns, so people can travel farther without a personal vehicle.
Economic Opportunities: Public transit drives economic growth by providing reliable transportation to jobs, training and local businesses. It also helps by reducing transportation barriers for both employees and businesses—making it easier for people to get to work and for employers to find reliable workers. Every $1 spent on transit brings back $4 in economic benefits. Public transit gives more people a chance to work and keeps communities moving.
The Faces of Transit in Nebraska video series highlights the real impact of transit services—where they go, who they serve and how they change lives.
Transit serves a wide range of Nebraskans—from seniors needing help getting to medical appointments to young children who ride daily between towns for school.
