And the Oscar goes to…the Omaha Streetcar Authority (OSA).
City officials shared the logos, colors, and vehicle design for its 2028 streetcar launch during a press conference at the Kiewit Luminarium on Aug. 28, according to Nebraska Public Media’s The Reader. They also unveiled the new “organic shorthand” for the service: Oscar.
The OSA finalized the nickname, a portmanteau of the project’s official name, Omaha Streetcar, after considering input and feedback gleaned from years of community outreach and engagement involving more than 1,300 residents.
“Oscar’s personality will shine as the streetcar becomes part of our daily lives,” read a Sept. 1 newsletter announcing the name and showing off the branding.
The six streetcars will be designed identically to those used on the Kansas City Streetcar system, according to The Reader, though the branding will look different. Omaha is using a mix of orange, white, light blue, and navy blue.
“Designed to stand out in traffic and represent movement, the colors align with the City of Omaha – Parking & Mobility Division brand,” reads a Facebook Reel that presents the new branding. “Together, they are part of the City’s integrated mobility system.”
Research and planning for the Omaha Streetcar began in 2016, and the line is expected to open in 2028.
That timeline was threatened in June when construction led to the collapse of a foundational wall at a building near the Colonial Hotel in the Blackstone District.
On Sept. 10, the city offered a $700,000 settlement to the owners of the Blackstone building. Property owners Trey and Lallaya Lalley, who operated the Brothers Lounge in the building until 2021, accepted the settlement, according to Midlands Business Journal.
The city will take over ownership of the property, and construction along the Oscar line will continue as planned.
Stay updated on the Omaha Streetcar project at the official website.
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