RTC Transit
 | |
| Parent | Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada |
|---|---|
| Founded | December 5, 1992 (as Citizens Area Transit) |
| Headquarters | Las Vegas, Nevada |
| Locale | Clark County, Nevada |
| Service area | Southern Nevada: Las Vegas, North Las Vegas Henderson, Boulder City |
| Service type | Bus, Bus Rapid Transit, Paratransit |
| Routes | 51 |
| Stops | 3900+ |
| Stations | 4 |
| Fleet |
408 Fixed Route 300 Paratransit |
| Daily ridership | 178,390 (weekday) |
| Fuel type | Ultra Low-Sulfur Diesel, CNG. |
| Operator |
Keolis Transit America, MV Transportation, SNTC (fixed-route service), Transdev (ADA Paratransit) |
| Chief executive | Tina Quigley, General Manager |
| Website | rtcsnv.com |
RTC Transit is the name of the bus system in the Las Vegas metropolitan area of Clark County, Nevada. It is a subsidiary of the Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada. While it services most of Clark County with regularly scheduled routes, most of the service is in the immediate Las Vegas Valley; outlying places such as Mesquite and Laughlin provide transit services to their residents by way of the Southern Nevada Transit Coalition, which uses several vehicles acquired from RTC Transit.
History
Las Vegas Transit
The privately owned Las Vegas Transit System, Inc. ("LVT") provided bus service on the streets of Las Vegas for more than 40 years. LVT service mainly consisted of loop routes that made many turns throughout the city, sometimes doubling back on its own routes and making several "subloops" within a loop. At one point, LVT was named America's worst transit system. Under pressure by the county and state, and by order of the state court, the company was ordered to cease operations and relinquish all its equipment, land, and property to the Regional Transportation Commission of Clark County.
Citizens Area Transit era (1992-2008)
Citizens Area Transit was formed by the RTC to provide reliable bus service to the cities of Las Vegas, North Las Vegas, Henderson, Las Vegas Township, Mesquite, and Laughlin. The system began on December 5, 1992 under the direction of Kurt Weinrich, its general manager. The fleet consisted of mostly old vehicles such as Flxible Grummans, GMC RTSs, TMC RTSs and Gillig Phantoms. They had also purchased 90 new New Flyer D40HFs. Soon after starting operations, CAT began to catch on with the city and blossomed. In 1997, the American Public Transportation Association awarded CAT with their highest honor, Best Transit System in America (within its category). However, things began to change in the following years. In 2002, The Amalgamated Transit Union and the bus contractor, ATC, began contract renewal negotiations, but the two sides were unable to reach a compromise on operators' wages and in May of that year, CAT suffered its first strike. Several drivers walked off the job and onto the picket lines, and service had to be suspended on several routes. Coach operators from sister agencies were called in to drive the buses and serve the city before a settlement was reached.
In 2004, CAT received its first shipment of 10 BRT vehicles from Irisbus. These buses were placed on the new MAX Line that serves North Las Vegas Boulevard. A year later, CAT received its first shipment of 50 double decker buses from Alexander Dennis. As new vehicles arrived, the RTC started a vehicle replacement program and began to retire its older CAT fleet. In March 2007, CAT received its first shipment of 30 Diesel-Electric Hybrid vehicles from New Flyer. Later that year, an additional 40 double deck vehicles from Alexander Dennis arrived, and the RTC unveiled a new rapid transit system which uses the new Diesel-Hybrid RTV Streetcar from Wright Group. The first line was called the "Gold Line", which serviced the downtown and strip corridors.
RTC Transit era (2009-)
In late 2007, the RTC began to rebrand the Citizens Area Transit system as RTC Transit. The New Flyer 900 series coaches were the last to be purchased with the CAT logo, and the first to be purchased with the RTC logo. The CAT bus stop signs around the city were replaced by "Transit Stop" signs using the RTC logo. All rider alerts, bus announcements, bus books, and new NABI Hybrid, NABI Diesel and New Flyer CNG buses no longer use the CAT logo.
The RTC received 50 NABI vehicles and the final shipment of 40 42 ft "Deuce" double-deck buses in the summer of 2008. The RTC also began to receive 45 New Flyer CNG vehicles in the late fall of 2008. The rebranding was completed on January 1, 2009 when RTC vehicles started featuring "RTC TRANSIT" along with the normal route destination headers. All remaining CAT buses are in the process of retirement or being refurbished to the new RTC gold/blue livery.
In 2007, nine RTC executives received pay raises which averaged 22%. The raises were based on the findings of a consultant, Peter Ronza, who was once employed by Clark County.
The RTC faced serious legal issues in 2008 after several car accidents involving bus shelters occurred. The public demanded that the RTC improve the safety of its shelters, while the RTC stated that there was only so much they could do. The RTC created a Bus Shelter Advisory Committee, and made studies concerning bus stop safety.
In 2009, the RTC raised bus fares despite public outcry. In 2009 and 2010, proposed bus fares increased from 62% for monthly passes to 100% for full day fare passes. The RTC argued that the fare hikes were due to higher fuel costs, however the largest increase in transit expenditures came from a tripling in capital outlays, rising from $54.5 million in 2007 to $162.9 million in 2009. The price for thirty-day bus passes increased 225% from 1999 to 2010. Ridership was at an all-time high in 2008 due to the very high gas prices, with many people deciding to try transit instead. Ridership numbers declined in 2009 when fuel prices dropped back to reasonable levels, and riders either returned to their own vehicles or began carpooling with co-workers and family.
In January 2010, RTC introduced the ACE branding for its bus rapid transit offerings. The first ACE route was the ACE Gold Line, connecting downtown Las Vegas, the Las Vegas Convention Center, the Strip, and the South Strip Transfer Terminal. In addition, ACEXpress was introduced as branding for its express bus service, with an express bus line connecting the Centennial Hills neighborhood northwest of the city with downtown Las Vegas, the Center Strip, and UNLV.[1] In May 2010, RTC rebranded its lines away from the "ACE" name due to a lawsuit from Ace Cab, a local Las Vegas taxi operator.[2]
Equipment
RTC currently operates mainly New Flyer, NABI and Alexander Dennis coaches for fixed routes, and mainly Ford Econoline vans for paratransit. RTC also operates Irisbus Civis diesel-electric vehicles on one route traversing North Las Vegas Boulevard, connecting Nellis Air Force Base to the Downtown Transportation Center (DTC). This service is known as MAX. The Civis vehicles operate in a dedicated lane and are self steering, with the driver controlling acceleration and braking. This is the first use of this type of vehicle in the United States.
On October 27, 2005, CAT added a fleet of double decker buses on The Strip Route. The route is now called The Deuce. On April 26, 2007, Coach 902 was the first 900 series coach to be placed into regular fixed-route service when it serviced Route 208 (Washington Ave.) that afternoon. In February 2008, The RTC received 50 brand new buses from NABI, of which 30 use hybrid technology and 20 use regular diesel power.
In 2016 the MAX busses outlived their lifespan because they were breaking down a lot and not functioning well as a result they purchased 20 60 footers 11 for Keolis and 9 for MV transportation
On February 21, 2016 the 60 footers on the 113 moved to Charleston because the MAX route was going away
Operations
RTC Transit is the largest outsourced transit operation in the United States, having overtaken the title from the now-defunct Metropolitan Transportation Authority's Long Island Bus service in late 2011. As of 2011, the contract is worth approximately $600 million over seven years.[3] The fixed route system had been operated by Veolia Transportation and its predecessors, ATC-Vancom and National Express, since inception. Bus operators, mechanics, and most other contractor employees are represented by Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1637. Paratransit and dial-a-ride services are operated by First Transit.
The fixed route contract was scheduled to expire September 25, 2011, and was awarded to First Transit, the apparent low bidder and highest scorer on the comprehensive review, however, Veolia has complained to the RTC board of bidding irregularities in the First Transit bid as well as an unfair emphasis on price in comparison to other technical factors. The RTC board approved the First Transit bid on a 4-3 vote, but after the Nevada Attorney General reprimanded the RTC for approving the contract without a majority of the eight members on the RTC board (as opposed to merely those present), which was determined by a district court judge that all 8 members were not required and the award was legitimate. However, in the fallout of the court decision, the RTC returned for a re-vote in which the board then deadlocked at 4-4 for multiple months. The RTC board decided that it was best to cancel the award and bring forward a new fresh proposal for bid, and gave Veolia a 1-year extension while the board found a means to obtain a majority to make a decision. First Transit subsequently sued the RTC to force them to make a decision.[4]
In November 2011 First Transit and the RTC settled their lawsuit. First Transit continued to operate the paratransit system and Veolia continued to operate the fixed route bus system until the end of 2012. The new fixed route transit contract will be split into two, to allow smaller vendors to bid. The two contract system is similar to that of Foothill Transit in the Los Angeles area, which is the third largest outsourced fixed route public transit system in the United States.[5]
In December 2012, the contractors for both yards submitted their 1st round proposals with Veolia, Keolis (no relation to Veolia), and MV Transportation advancing to round 2 and First Transit failing to advance. In January 2013, the remaining contractors submitted their final proposals to the board, and on February 14, 2013, the RTC voted to award the Sunset Maintenance Facility to Keolis, and the Simmons Maintenance Facility to MV, beating out the original two contractors. Keolis and MV began operations of RTC Transit on July 7, 2013 at 12:00am.
MV operates routes 101, 102, 105, 106, 110, 111, 113, 115, 120/121, 203, 206, 207, 208, 209, 210, 214, 215, 218, 219, MAX, CX, WAX, & DVX. X These routes are primarily in the northern portion of the service area.[6] MV also operates the 700 series (Silver Star) routes. Keolis operates routes 103, 104, 108, 109, 117, 119, 201, 202, 212, 217, The Deuce on The Strip, SX Shuttle, SDX, BHX, & SX. These routes are primarily in the southern portion of the service area.[7] SNTC operates HDX from Boulder City. Transdev operates RTC Paratransit operations as of August 2014.
Color schemes
The first livery used was a white base with a teal and magenta mix, black lining around the windows, and the CAT logo in the midsection body, front, and rear. This livery was used from 1992 to 2001.
In 2001, the second livery came in three variants, with the second one being the primary livery. The RTC decided to abandon their teal and magenta, and adopted blue stripes with a cat running on a white base, white around the windows, and moved the CAT logo to just above the first window on either side, under the windshield, and on the engine door (with the exception of the Neoplans which had the logo placed above the rear header). Prior to the arrival of the 2001 New Flyer CNGs and Neoplans, the RTC began repainting the fleet with the blue stripe livery. Once they arrived, the RTC approved a variant to the livery and instead of having just blue stripes, it became blue and gold alternating stripes with the logos in the same positions. The RTC then started repainting coaches with this new variant, leaving the already painted coaches with the 1st variant. This livery was used from 2001 to 2005 on the fixed-route fleet. It is the current livery for the RTC paratransit fleet, using the 2nd variant. Since 2008, a 3rd variant has been used by removing the running cat, having the stripes extend around the vehicle, and replacing the CAT logo with the RTC logo.
In 2004, 10 Irisbus Civis coaches arrived for service on the new BRT line, complete with a new MAX Line livery. It consisted of a blue base, with a white line that stretched the length of the coach, and with gold stars on the rear quarterpanels of each side. This is the current BRT system livery.
In 2005, the RTC again changed the livery and revived the first livery design using the new color scheme and extended the shapes to the bottom of the vehicle. This livery was only used on the 800 series coaches and on coach 654, and it was only used in 2005. A variant of this livery has the CAT logos replaced with RTC fleet logos on the sides of the coach.
Later in 2005, the RTC received its shipment of 50 double deck vehicles, with yet another new livery. This one consisted of an all gold base, with a blue trim around the bottom, and the transit logo between both decks, under the windshield, and under the engine door. Originally to only be used as the livery for the double deckers, the RTC decided it was time to change the livery again, and adopted the livery in 2006. For non-double deck vehicles, the CAT logo remained above the windows, but the RTC logo was added to the position where the CAT logo was in 1992. To date, only 2 vehicles that were already part of the fleet have been repainted in this livery variant (buses 571 and 725). The New Flyer 900 series vehicles were the last vehicles with this livery. In 2008, the RTC made a variant of the livery which had the CAT logo removed and replaced by a special RTC logo only used on these buses. Coach 702 has been repainted with this livery variant. In 2009, RTC commissioned another variant of the livery by replacing the special RTC logo with an "RTC Transit" logo on the sides and front of the coach. "Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada" was placed near the bottom of the coach. New "No Right Turn On Red" and "This Bus Stops At All Railroad Crossings" stickers were placed on the rear. The numbers were moved to the right of the front and rear of each coach, and "www.rtcsnv.com" is placed on the rear either on the destination sign just under the screen or on one of the engine doors.
In 2010, a new livery was commissioned for the BRT system which consists of a gold base with a blue stripe and a white stripe.
Fares
The RTC raised its fares in 2009, blaming higher fuel costs experienced in 2008 and the bad economy of 2009. With ridership falling some in 2009, together with the loss in revenue from both the fare box recovery and the state sales tax, the RTC raised fares for a second time. In 2010, the RTC approved another rate hike for the premium service routes only which became effective on January 10, 2010. In 2011, the RTC eliminated purchasing reduced fare passes on The Deuce on The Strip & Strip & Downtown Express (SDX) due to fares being already discounted for locals which became effective on September 11, 2011. Residential 3 day passes were eliminated on September 18, 2011 due to low volume of sales. Residential 5 day passes were eliminated on September 30, 2012 to favor the new 15 day pass. In 2013, the RTC implemented a college pass program, called UPass, with University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV), Nevada State College (NSC), & College Of Southern Nevada (CSN) exclusively for the students, faculty, & staff.
Fares effective as of 26 August, 2013 (no fare to kids under 6 with fare-paying rider; limit 3). A G
General Market Routes
| Fare Type | Regular | Reduced C |
|---|---|---|
| One-Way Fare/One-Trip Ride Card/One-Hour Pass: B | $2 | $1 |
| 2 Hour All Access Pass: | $3 | $1.50 |
| 24 Hour General Market Pass: | $5 | $2.50 |
| 15 Day All Access Pass: | $34 | $17 |
| 30-Day All Access Pass: | $65 | $32.50 |
| Silver Star One-Way Fare: | $.50 | $.50 |
| Transit Guide: | $1 | $1 |
| Paratransit Card Holder: D | FREE | FREE |
Premium Service Routes
| Fare Type | Regular E |
|---|---|
| 2 Hour All Access Pass: | $6 |
| 24 Hour All Access Pass: | $8 |
| 3 Day All Access Pass: | $20 |
UPass: UNLV, NSC, & CSN Student, Faculty, & Staff
| Fare Type | Regular F |
|---|---|
| Monthly Pass: | $32.50 |
| Semester Pass: | $104 |
NOTES
A The Strip & Downtown Express (SDX) & The Deuce on The Strip are known as "Premium Service Routes" & premium fares only apply to these routes. All other routes are known as "General Market Routes" & utilize the general market prices.
B One-Hour passes only available on routes 113 (between 5am & 10pm) & MAX to show proof of payment.
C To be able to purchase reduced rides and passes, the RTC requires passengers to show an RTC Reduced ID card, any reduced fare ID card from any US transit agency, a Medicare card, or a current Clark County School District issued school ID. The RTC does not have a program for low-income workers.
D All Paratransit card holders and children under 6 ride for no charge on all routes.
E Locals must show a local ID to ride the Strip & Downtown Express (SDX) & The Deuce on The Strip using any general market pass. Reduced fare prices eliminated for premium routes on September 11, 2011.
F UNLV/NSC/CSN UPass Monthly & Semester Passes are accepted on all RTC routes & students must show their UNLV, NSC, or CSN student ID's when boarding.
G ADA Paratransit & RTC Mobility Trained passengers must swipe their RTC issued ID through the farebox when boarding. Mobility Trained passengers must pay fare after swiping ID card.
Route numbers
Current routes
- 100s: Local North/South routes.
- 200s: Local East/West routes.
- 300s: "The Deuce" Strip Corridor routes.
- 400s: Connector/Circulator/Limited routes.
- 500s: Surface Street Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) routes.
- 600s: Special Shuttle routes.
- 700s: Silver STAR routes.
- 800s: Reserved for future use.
- 900s: Freeway Commuter Express routes.
- FDRs: Flexible Demand Response routes.
Former routes
- 1 - Maryland Pkwy.
- 2 - West Flamingo Rd./East Tropicana Ave.
- 3 - Spring Mountain Rd./East Sahara Ave.
- 4 - West Sahara Ave./East Desert Inn Rd.
- 5 - West Oakey Blvd./Stewart Ave.
- 6 - West Charleston Blvd./East Lake Mead Blvd.
- 7 - West Vegas Dr./East Charleston Blvd.
- 8 - Smoke Ranch Rd./East Bonanza Rd.
- 9 - Cheyenne Ave./East Owens Ave.
- 10 - Jones Blvd./Valley View Blvd.
- 11 - Decatur Blvd.
- 12 - Eastern Ave.
- 13 - Pecos Rd.
- 14 - Salt Lake Hwy.
- 15 - Boulder Hwy.
- 16 - Las Vegas Strip
- 17 - Las Vegas Strip Express
- 18 - Las Vegas Strip Shuttle
- 19 - Las Vegas Blvd. South/East Flamingo Rd.
- 20 - Rainbow Blvd./West Tropicana Ave.
- 21 - Carey Ave./H St.
- 22 - Mall Hopper
- 107 - Boulder Hwy./Boulder City (1st use); Boulder Hwy. (2nd use)
- 109B - Maryland Pkwy. (w/double decker buses)
- 112 - Desert Inn Rd./Lamb Blvd.
- 114 - Green Valley Circulator (1st Use); Mountain Vista St./Green Valley (2nd Use)
- 116 - Boulder City(1st use); Industrial Rd./Koval Ln.(2nd use)
- 118 - Fort Apache Rd./Rampart Blvd.
- 119B - Rancho Dr./Losee Rd.
- 204 - Sahara Ave.
- 205 - Oakey Blvd.
- 211 - Smoke Ranch Rd./Carey Ave.
- 213 - Harmon Ave./Koval Ln. (1st use); Harmon Ave./The Lakes (2nd use); Desert Inn Rd./Lamb Blvd. (3rd use)
- 216 - Henderson
- 302 - Las Vegas Strip Express
- 303 - Mall Circulator/The Deuce Outlet Mall Circulator
- 401 - Downtown Connector
- 402 - Mall Hopper (1st use); Crosstown Express (2nd use), Crosstown Limited (3rd use), Crosstown Connector/Boulder City (5th use), Henderson Connector/Boulder City (6th use), Sunset Rd./Boulder City (7th use)
- 403 - DTC-Craig Connector(1st use); North Las Vegas Connector(2nd use)
- 404 - Summerlin Circulator(1st use); East Downtown Henderson(2nd use)
- 405 - Northwest Circulator
- 406 - West Downtown Henderson
- 407 - Boulder Hwy. Limited
- 408 - Southwest Business Loop
- 409 - Industrial Rd./Main St.
- 501- Metropliticam Area Express
- 551 - Monorail Downtown Connector
- 601 - Laughlin(1st use)
- 602 - Mesquite/Bunkerville/Virgin Valley(1st use)
- 603 - Laughlin
- 701 - CAT-CAR [Citizens Area Transit Community Access Route]
- 702 - CAT-CAR Henderson
- 707 - Silver Star - Railroad Pass
- 710 - Silver Star - Winchester/Paradise
- 713 - Silver Star - Summerlin
- 801 - Blue Line Express: Las Vegas Blvd. North
- 802 - Red Line Express: Rancho Dr.
- 803 - Green Line Express: West Tropicana Ave.
- 804 - Gold Line Express: East Tropicana Ave.
- 805 - Rose Line Express: Sahara Ave.
- 806 - Orange Line Express: Eastern Ave.
- 807 - Bronze Line Express: Flamingo Rd.
- 808 - Coral Line Express: Charleston Blvd.
Bus fleet
Active
All vehicles are wheelchair accessible.
| Fleet Numbers (Total ordered) | Year | Model | Image | Length | Fuel type | Engine/ Transmission | Farebox | Headsign | Garage | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| M01-M10 (10 buses) |
2003 | Irisbus Civis | |
60 ft | Diesel-electric | SPX Genfare Odyssey | Luminator Horizon (amber) | Simmons (MV) |
| |
| 011-061 (51 buses) |
2008- 2009 |
Wright StreetCar RTV |  |
62 ft | Diesel-electric |
|
SPX Genfare Odyssey | Luminator Horizon (amber) | Sunset (Keolis) |
|
| 101-141 (41 buses) |
2007 | Alexander Dennis Enviro500 | |
40 ft | Diesel |
|
GFI Genfare Odyssey | Luminator Horizon (amber) |
|
|
| 151-190 (40 buses) |
2008 | Alexander Dennis Enviro500 |  |
42 ft | Diesel |
|
GFI Genfare Odyssey | Luminator Horizon (amber) | Sunset (Keolis) | |
| 200-249 (50 buses) |
2005 | Alexander Dennis Enviro500 | |
40 ft | Diesel |
|
GFI Genfare Odyssey & GFI Genfare CENTSaBILL |
Luminator Horizon (amber) | Simmons (MV) |
|
| 300-344 (45 buses) |
2008 | New Flyer C40LFR |  |
40 ft | CNG |
|
GFI Genfare Odyssey | Luminator Horizon (amber) | Simmons (MV) | |
| 350-379 (30 buses) |
2013 | New Flyer C40LFR |  |
40 ft | CNG |
|
SPX Genfare Odyssey | Luminator Horizon (white) | Simmons (MV) | |
| 800-829 (30 buses) |
2004- 2005 |
New Flyer D60LF | |
60 ft | Diesel |
|
GFI Genfare Odyssey |
Luminator Horizon (amber) | Sunset (Keolis) | Coaches have been refitted with a grill on the engine door to allow cool air to enter, thus avoiding engine fires. |
| 830-865 (36 buses) |
2013- 2014 |
New Flyer XN60 |  |
60 ft | CNG |
|
SPX Genfare Odyssey |
Hanover Systems (white) |
|
|
| 900-929 (30 buses) |
2007 | New Flyer DE41LFR |  |
41 ft | Diesel-electric |
|
GFI Genfare Odyssey |
Luminator Horizon (amber) | Simmons (MV) | 902 is equipped with a Hanover Systems headsign. |
| 949-978 (30 buses) |
2008 | NABI 40-LFW Hybrid (2nd Gen) |  |
40 ft | Diesel-electric |
|
GFI Genfare Odyssey |
Luminator Horizon (amber) | Sunset (Keolis) |
|
| 979-998 (20 buses) |
2008 | NABI 40-LFW (2nd Gen) |  |
40 ft | Diesel | GFI Genfare Odyssey |
Luminator Horizon (amber) | |||
| 15600-15635 (36 buses) |
2016 | New Flyer XN40 | 40 ft | CNG | ||||||
| 15701-15720 (20 buses) |
2016 | New Flyer XN60 | 60 ft | CNG |
|
|
| |||
Bus terminals
Downtown Transportation Center
The Downtown Transportation Center (or "DTC") was the main transit center for the RTC systems in downtown Las Vegas. The DTC had 30 numbered bays, and 4 unnumbered bays that serviced 14 RTC routes, and a private Primm employee shuttle route. The DTC was opened in the late 1980s to serve as the main terminal for the Las Vegas City Trolley, and for the private Las Vegas Transit System, Inc. In 1992, it became the terminal for Citizens Area Transit, once Las Vegas Transit ceased operations. Originally, the DTC only had 23 bays, with two of them unnumbered. In 1999, the city expanded the terminal by building a northern plaza which required closing down Mesquite Ave. in the area. The DTC remained under ownership of the City of Las Vegas until July 31, 2009 when the city discontinued their CityRide transit system and transferred control of the terminal to the RTC. The RTC closed the aging terminal on November 7, 2010, with the grand opening of the Bonneville Transit Center.
DTC amenities
- 34 transit bays
- restrooms
- security offices
- customer service windows
- waiting room
- ticket vending machines
- 1-hour visitor parking
South Strip Transfer Terminal
The South Strip Transfer Terminal (or "SSTT"), owned by the RTC, is located just south of McCarran Airport on Sunset Rd. and Gilespie St. The SSTT was opened in 2003 after the Vacation Village hotel and casino was closed, which was the southern terminus for many CAT routes. The SSTT has 18 transit bays that are serviced by 8 RTC routes & Megabus, which began on December 12, 2012, providing service from the SSTT to Los Angeles via Riverside. In 2008 the Park & Ride lot was expanded, doubling the amount of spaces available in response to the overwhelming use of the lot by commuters heading to the airport.
SSTT amenities
- 18 transit bays
- payphones
- restrooms
- security offices
- transit vault
- customer service windows
- waiting room
- vending machines
- ticket vending machines
- "Park & Ride" lot
- "Kiss & Ride" passenger drop-off and pick-up area
SSTT Bays
- 1 - 109 / Deuce on The Strip AM Route / SDX (unloading only)
- 2 - 109 / Deuce on The Strip AM Route / SDX (unloading only)
- 3 - 109 / Deuce on The Strip AM Route / SDX (unloading only)
- 4 - 109 / Deuce on The Strip AM Route / SDX (unloading only)
- 5 - Silver Rider/Paratransit
- 6 - 212 EB
- 7 - 117 SB
- 8 - Not Used
- 9 - Megabus to Riverside and Los Angeles[8] / Amtrak California
- 10 - Not Used
- 11 - Not Used
- 12 - 104 NB
- 13 - Not Used
- 14 - SDX NB / Deuce on The Strip AM Route NB (loading only)
- 15 - 217 WB
- 16 - 217 EB
- 17 - 109 NB (loading only)
- 18 - 109 NB (loading only)
Bonneville Transit Center
The Bonneville Transit Center (or "BTC") is a transit terminal that was built to replace the aging Downtown Transportation Center as the main downtown terminal for local fixed route service. It opened on November 7, 2010 and is located on the corner of Bonneville Ave. and Casino Center Blvd. It has 16 internal bays, 4 external bays, and an air-conditioned lobby for transit riders. The Bonneville Transit Center is served by Deuce On The Strip, MAX, Strip & Downtown Express (SDX), Boulder Highway Express (BHX), Centennial Express (CX), Westcliff Airport Express (WAX), Henderson & Downtown Express (HDX) and Downtown & Veterans Medical Center Express (DVX). The BoltBus route to Los Angeles Union Station also serves a nearby stop on S 1st Street between E Bonneville Ave & E Clark Ave.
BTC amenities
- 20 transit bays
- restrooms
- security offices
- customer service windows
- waiting room
- ticket vending machines
- bicycle racks and lockers
- cyclist showers
- bike repair shop
- RTC Transit Administration offices
BTC Bays
- 1 - 105 NB
- 2 - DVX NB
- 3 - HDX SB
- 4 - 214 EB/214 WB
- 5 - 207 EB/207 WB
- 6 - 206 WB
- 7 - 109 SB
- 8 - 109 SB
- 9 - Not Used
- 10 - 215 EB
- 11 - 106 NB [106A/106B]
- 12 - 206 EB
- 13 - BHX SB
- 14 - BHX SB
- 15 - 113 NB
- 16 - 113 NB
- 17 - 208 EB, CX NB, & WAX NB
- 18 - 108 SB, CX SB, & WAX SB
- 19 - Deuce on The Strip SB
- 20 - 208 WB
- Transitway on Casino Center Blvd. (NB) – SDX NB & Deuce on The Strip NB
- Transitway on Casino Center Blvd. (SB) – SDX SB
- On Garces Ave. - Primm Employee Shuttle & Silver State Trailways
Centennial Hills Transit Center Park & Ride
The Centennial Hills Transit Center is a transit terminal operated by the RTC to serve the northwest valley and its residents. It includes 900 parking spaces, park & ride, indoor waiting facility, next arrival information and restrooms. Construction began in July 2009, and it opened March 28, 2010 in conjunction with the launch of the ACExpress C-Line (renamed to C-Line Express in May 2010 & Centennial Express in November 2010). The facility is located at Grand Montecito Pkwy. & Elkhorn Rd. Routes that currently serve the Centennial Hills Transit Center are: 106A, 106B, and the Centennial Express (CX).
CHTC amenities
- 4 transit stops
- restrooms
- security offices
- waiting room
- ticket vending machines
- 900 Park & Ride parking spots
- Park & Ride
CHTC Bays
- Lot 1 - 106B SB, CX SB
- Lot 2 - Not Used
- Lot 3 - Not Used
- Ace Blvd. @ Grand Montecito Pkwy. - 106A SB
Westcliff Transit Center
The Westcliff Transit Center is a transit terminal built in the valley's west side community of Summerlin. This terminal is the park & ride for the residents of Summerlin and officially opened on December 12, 2010 in conjunction with the launch of the Westcliff Airport Express (WAX) connecting passengers to McCarran Airport & downtown Las Vegas from the valley's west side. Routes 207, 208 & 209 began service here on November 7, 2010. Route 120 began service here on March 2, 2014.
WTC amenities
- 9 transit bays
- restrooms
- waiting room
- ticket vending machines
- Park & Ride
WTC Bays
- 1 - WAX EB/SB
- 2 - Not Used
- 3 - Not Used
- 4 - 120 NB
- 5 - Not Used
- 6 - 207 EB
- 7 - 208 EB
- 8 - 209 EB
- Durango Dr. @ Westcliff Dr. - 120 SB & WAX NB/WB
UNLV Transit Center
The UNLV Transit Center is a transit terminal built on the UNLV campus in Central Las Vegas. It is located near Maryland Pkwy. & University Rd. & officially opened on September 4, 2013. Route 602 (special event service during UNLV football games only) & Centennial Express (CX) began service here on September 5, 2013.
UNLVTC amenities
- 6 transit bays
- ticket vending machines
- UNLV
- In & Out Burger
UNLVTC Bays
- 1 - 602 WB (UNLV football games only)
- 2 - CX SB
- 3 - Not Used
- 4 - 602 EB (UNLV football games only)
- 5 - CX NB
- 6 - Not Used
Accidents and incidents
March 9, 2004 (continued to 2010)
On the afternoon of March 9, 2004 Lorraine Macdonald was cycling towards the Fashion Show Mall alongside a CAT Bus. The bus driver failed to look in her rear view mirror and side-swiped Lorraine Macdonald twice, which did not kill her but left her wheelchair-bound with on-going injuries. March 2007, Miss Macdonald took the bus company to court and won the case, however the bus company appealed and the verdict was reversed in the Nevada Supreme Court and another trial ordered. In March 2010, Miss Macdonald went back to court and won the case again which the bus company has again appealed & won.
July 19, 2006
On the night of July 19, 2006, an Alexander Dennis coach on the "Deuce" service was traveling north on Interstate 15. A tire failed and the bus went through an opening in the median barrier rail that had been removed for construction access. The coach continued through the median and over a barrier on the southbound side of the Interstate. The coach was spinning clockwise when it was hit by a tractor trailer, which caused the bus to spin the other way and collide again with the trailer before coming to a rest. Due to the size of the cleanup, and the need to investigate the accident, the road was not reopened until approximately 10:00 am the following morning. The driver of tractor trailer was killed in the accident. The passenger in the tractor trailer was unrestrained at the time of the accident, and was severely injured. The driver of the coach was severely injured, and partially disabled.
Following the accident, the coach was retained at the RTC Tompkins yard, covered by a giant tarp to preserve it for inspection during the ongoing investigation and litigation. Upon closure of the RTC Tompkins facility, the bus was taken from the facility and moved to an off-site storage location. In 2011, with the investigation over, the bus was moved to the RTC Simmons facility where the bus was finally dismantled for any usable parts & eventually scrapped.
Initial investigation revealed concerns about problems with the tire were reported a few times by drivers prior to the accident. Maintenance records show that each time a problem was reported it was inspected and evaluated by the mechanics. Additionally, the companies involved in the removal of the barrier were also investigated for contributing to the accident.
January 3, 2008
On the night of January 3, 2008, a CAT bus collided through two brick walls before finally hitting a house. Around 9:30 pm, CAT bus 915 on route 207 was heading south on Christy Lane and turning left onto Mabel Road, when the bus hit a Ford Mustang car. This sent the bus out of control and into the brick walls and the house. There were three minor injuries on the bus, and unconfirmed injuries in the Mustang. The bus was not taken off the property until the next morning, because officials were concerned that the bus might have made the house structurally unsafe. Support columns were placed in the house and the bus was removed.
March 17, 2008
On the night of March 17, 2008, CAT bus number 653 struck and killed a pedestrian at the intersection of Washington and Rancho.
July 7, 2008
On the morning of July 7, 2008, A red truck hit the CAT bus stop on Boulder Highway and Flamingo Road, killing 1 woman and seriously injuring another woman. The driver was arrested and officers said he was under the influence of prescription painkillers.
8 July 2008
The day following a deadly crash at a CAT bus stop, another incident occurred with a naked man stealing a bus. At around 07:30 hours, Charles Sell was near Washington Ave. and Lamb Blvd, when Metro police reported that, while naked, he stole beers from a 7-11, and then proceeded to steal CAT paratransit vehicle 1792. He punched the door glass, boarded, and took control while the bus driver jumped off for safety. A few hundred metres away, he jumped off while the bus continued in motion. A Metro officer boarded and stopped the vehicle where the suspect Charles Sell was arrested by Metro that landed him for booking into the Clark County Detention Centre on charges of Grand Larceny Auto and Robbery.
September 13, 2012
On the morning of September 13, 2012, a man in a 2001 Chevy Monte Carlo, crashed into the bus stop at Spring Mountain and Dectaur, killing four, and injuring 8. The impact tore some of the victims to pieces, and hurled some dozens of yards from the point of impact. According to Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Officer Laura Meltzer, it was difficult to determine their identities, but Metro believe all were waiting for the bus. They were identified Thursday night only as three women, ages 65, 49 and 47, plus a 24-year-old man, all of Metropolitan Las Vegas. The man was arrested on suspicion of DUI and was listed in critical condition.[9]
January 28, 2013
On the afternoon of January 28, 2013, a woman, driving a 2004 Ford Taurus, crashed into a double decker bus at Charleston and Rainbow, killing herself and injuring 5 people who were on the bus. The people of the bus only suffered minor injuries.[10]
Service area
RTC Transit operates a grid-type system within the Las Vegas Valley, which includes the four incorporated cities of Las Vegas, North Las Vegas, Henderson, and Boulder City; in addition, the remaining service area is in unincorporated Clark County under the Las Vegas Township, which includes Enterprise, Paradise (home of the Strip), Spring Valley, Sunrise Manor, Whitney (formerly East Las Vegas) and Winchester. The system's three busiest routes, The Deuce on The Strip, Strip & Downtown Express (SDX), and Route 109 Maryland Parkway, provide service to the Las Vegas Strip and McCarran International Airport, respectively. Approximately 40% of Clark County residents do not live within close proximity of a bus stop.
RTC Transit also operates special routes for occasions such as sporting events at Sam Boyd Stadium.
Routes, times, frequencies and stops
The RTC currently operates 41 routes with 12 routes operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including The Deuce on The Strip. Most routes run from early morning (04:00) until late night (01:00). On weekends & holidays, some routes either operate less frequently, operate with less hours, or not operate at all. Las Vegas has one of the most comprehensive night bus networks in the United States, owing to the 24-hour nature of the casinos and hospitality industry.
RTC Paratransit
Even though all buses in the system have wheelchair lifts, RTC operates RTC Paratransit for people who have difficulty in accessing the regular transit system. By-appointment-only paratransit is a door-to-door service. RTC also maintains an open charge account with a local taxicab company to service paratransit ridership when unforeseen delays occur, frequently caused by traffic congestion.
Fares
Fares effective as of July 1, 2013:
| Fare Type | Regular |
|---|---|
| 4 Single Ride Coupon Booklet | $12 |
| 10 Single Ride Coupon Booklet | $30 |
| 22 Single Rides | $40 |
| 46 Single Rides | $80 |
| Personal Care Attendant | FREE |
References
- ↑ Las Vegas Review-Journal: RTC to launch new ACE rapid transit services in January
- ↑ Las Vegas Sun: Lawsuit prompts RTC to drop ‘ACE’ name from bus lines
- ↑ Adrienne Packer (2011-06-09). "First Transit holds on to bus contract | Las Vegas Review-Journal". Lvrj.com. Retrieved 2013-04-22.
- ↑ Adrienne Packer (2011-04-18). "A lot rides on transit contract | Las Vegas Review-Journal". LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL - Lvrj.com. Retrieved 2013-04-22.
- ↑ Adrienne Packer (2011-11-10). "RTC to re-bid bus contract; First Transit to drop lawsuit | Las Vegas Review-Journal". Lvrj.com. Retrieved 2013-04-22.
- ↑ http://www.rtcsnv.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/02-14-13-rtc-Item-331.pdf
- ↑ http://www.rtcsnv.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/02-14-13-rtc-Item-34.pdf
- ↑ Lindsay William-Ross (2012-11-28). "$1 Express Bus Service From L.A. To Bay Area and Vegas is Back!". LAist. Retrieved 2013-04-22.
- ↑ Blasky, Mike (2012-09-13). "Four killed as car demolishes bus stop in Las Vegas | Las Vegas Review-Journal". Lvrj.com. Retrieved 2013-04-22.
- ↑ Huber, Craig. "Woman killed in wreck with RTC bus ID'd - FOX5 Vegas - KVVU". FOX5 Vegas. Retrieved 2013-04-22.
External links
- Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada, owns RTC Transit.
- Keolis Transit America, operates RTC Transit Fixed Route Operations (Sunset).
- MV Transportation, operates RTC Transit Fixed Route Operations (Simmons).
- Veolia Transportation, former operator of RTC Transit Fixed Route Operations.
- First Transit, operates RTC Transit Paratransit Operations.
- Freeway and Arterial System of Transportation (FAST). Department of RTC responsible for traffic camera system.
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