RTC Transit

RTC Transit
RTC Transit
logo
Slogan "We're going places."
Parent Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Founded December 5, 1992 (as Citizens Area Transit)
Headquarters Las Vegas, Nevada
Locale Las Vegas, Nevada
Service area Southern Nevada: Las Vegas, North Las Vegas Henderson, Boulder City
Service type Bus, Bus Rapid Transit, Paratransit
Routes 67
Stops 3700+
Hubs 3
Stations 39 (MAX Line/SDX Line)
Fleet 383 Fixed Route
272 Paratransit
Daily ridership 190,000 (weekday)
Fuel type Ultra Low-Sulfur Diesel, CNG.
Operator Veolia Transportation
(fixed-route service)
First Transit
(ADA Paratransit)
Chief executive Jacob Snow, General Manager
Web site [1]
A typical CAT bus with the original teal and magenta livery used from 1992 to 2001

RTC Transit is the name of the bus system in the Las Vegas metropolitan area of Clark County, Nevada. RTC Transit is owned by the Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada, and it services most of Clark County with regularly scheduled routes, however outlying areas 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.

Contents

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.[citation needed] 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)

Logo for Citizens Area Transit from 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, 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-)

Current logo

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.[citation needed]

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.[citation needed]

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.[citation needed]

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.

Operations

RTC Transit is the largest outsourced transit operation in the United States. As of 2011, the contract is worth approximately $600 million over seven years.[3] The fixed route system has been operated by Veolia Transport and its predecessor, ATC-Vancom, 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 is scheduled to expire September 25, 2011, and was proposed to be 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), the RTC board has deadlocked on the contract, and has given Veolia a six month extension while the board finds a means to obtain a majority to make a decision. First Transit has subsequently sued the RTC to force them to make a decision.[4]

Color schemes

A 1990 Gillig Phantom with the original livery.

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.

CAT New Flyer D60HF.JPG

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.

CAT Irisbus Civis.jpg

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.

CAT New Flyer D60LF.JPG

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.

CAT Alexander Dennis E500.jpg

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 August 2, 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. Residental 3 day passes were eliminated on September 18, 2011 due to low volume of sales.

Fares effective as of September 18, 2011:

General Market Routes

Fare Type Regular Reduced C
One-Way Fare/One-Trip Ride Card: $2.00 $1.00
2 Hour All Access Pass: $3.00 $1.50
24 Hour General Market Pass: $5.00 $2.00
5 Day All Access Pass: $20.00 $10.00
30-Day All Access Pass and EZ-Rider 30 Day: $65.00 $30.00
Silver Star One-Way Fare: $.50 $.50
Transit Guide: $1.00 $1.00
Paratransit Card Holder: B FREE FREE

Premium Service Routes

Fare Type Regular D
2 Hour All Access Pass: $5.00
24 Hour All Access Pass: $7.00
3 Day All Access Pass: $20.00

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 All Paratransit card holders and children under 6 ride for no charge on all routes.
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 college students or low-income workers.
D Locals can use 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.

Route numbers

Current routes

  • 100s: Local north-south service within the Las Vegas Valley.
  • 200s: Local east-west service within the Las Vegas Valley.
  • 300s: "The Deuce" strip service routes.
  • 400s: Connector and circulator routes.
  • 500s: Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) routes.
  • 600s: Special Shuttle routes.
  • 700s: Silver Star routes.
  • 900s: Commuter Express routes.
  • FDRs: Flexible Demand Response routes.

Future 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/Mountain Vista St.
  • 116 - Boulder City(1st use); Industrial Rd./Koval Ln.(2nd use)
  • 118 - Fort Apache Rd./Rampart Blvd.
  • 119B - Rancho Dr./Losee Rd.
  • 205 - Oakey Blvd.
  • 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 (replaced by the DEUCE)
  • 303 - Outlet Mall Circulator (replaced by the DEUCE)
  • 401 - Downtown Connector
  • 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.
  • 551 - Monorail Downtown Connector
  • 601 - Laughlin(1st use)
  • 602 - Mesquite/Bunkerville/Virgin Valley(1st use)
  • 603 - Laughlin
  • 701 - CAT-CAR Las Vegas [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

Number Year Model Image Length Quantity Engine type Farebox Headsign Garage Handicapped/disabled access Comments
M01-M10 2003 Irisbus Civis CAT Irisbus Civis.jpg 60 ft 10 Diesel-electric None
(Off-Board Payment)
Luminator Horizon Simmons Yes check.svg These are the only Irisbus Civis coaches in the United States.
011-061 2008-9 Wright StreetCar RTV RTC Wrightbus Streetcar.JPG 62 ft 51 Diesel-Hybrid None
(Off-Board Payment)
Luminator Horizon Sunset Yes check.svg These are the only Streetcar coaches in the United States. Average price per vehicle is $1,300,000. Coaches were originally numbered A011-A061.
101-141 2007 Alexander Dennis Enviro500 CAT Enviro500 103.jpg 40 ft 41 Diesel GFI Genfare Odyssey Luminator Horizon Sunset Yes check.svg
151-190 2007-8 Alexander Dennis Enviro500 RTC Alexander Dennis Enviro 500.JPG 42 ft 40 Diesel GFI Genfare Odyssey Luminator Horizon Sunset Yes check.svg
200-249 2005 Alexander Dennis Enviro500 CAT Alexander Dennis E500.jpg 40 ft 50(49 remains) Diesel GFI Genfare Odyssey Luminator Horizon Simmons, Sunset Yes check.svg These are the first double-deckers to be used for fixed route service in Las Vegas.
300-344 2008 New Flyer C40LFR RTC New Flyer CNG 2008.jpg 40 ft 45 CNG GFI Genfare Odyssey Luminator Horizon Simmons Yes check.svg
504-509 2001 Neoplan AN460LF CAT Neoplan AN460L.jpg 60 ft 6 Diesel GFI Genfare
CENTSaBILL
Luminator MAX 3000 Sunset Yes check.svg
530-564 1997 NABI 436 CAT NABI 436 530-564.JPG 60 ft 35(25 remain) Diesel GFI Genfare
CENTSaBILL
Luminator Horizon Sunset Yes check.svg Some retired, others refurbished.
565-575 1998 NABI 436 CAT NABI 436.JPG 60 ft 11(10 remain) Diesel GFI Genfare
CENTSaBILL
Luminator Horizon Sunset Yes check.svg Some retired, others refurbished.
670-676 2001 New Flyer C40LF CAT New Flyer C40LF.JPG 40 ft 7 CNG GFI Genfare
CENTSaBILL
Luminator Horizon Simmons Yes check.svg Coaches were originally numbered 660-666.
701-760 1999 NABI 40-LFW CAT NABI 40LFW.jpg 40 ft 60(33 remain) Diesel GFI Genfare
CENTSaBILL
Luminator MAX 3000, Luminator Horizon Sunset Yes check.svg Coaches 712, 729, 748, 754 and 756 were given to the Southern Nevada Transit Coalition ("SNTC") to operate under "Silver Rider", which is based in Laughlin, Nevada. Some of the Las Vegas coaches were retired and some repainted.
800-829 2004 New Flyer D60LF CAT New Flyer D60LF.JPG 60 ft 30 Diesel GFI Genfare
Odyssey
Luminator Horizon Simmons Yes check.svg Coaches have been refitted with a grill on the engine door to allow cool air to enter, thus avoiding engine fires.
900-929 2007 New Flyer DE41LFR Cathybrid.jpg 41 ft 30 Diesel-electric Hybrid GFI Genfare
Odyssey
Luminator Horizon Simmons Yes check.svg
949-978 2008 NABI 40-LFW Hybrid CAT NABI Hybrid 2008.jpg 40 ft 30 Diesel-electric Hybrid GFI Genfare
Odyssey
Luminator Horizon Sunset Yes check.svg Units 973-975 are with SNTC to operate RTC route 402. Units 976-978 are with SNTC to operate under "Silver Rider", which is based in Laughlin.
979-998 2008 NABI 40-LFW CAT NABI 40LFW 979-998.JPG 40 ft 20 Diesel GFI Genfare
Odyssey
Luminator Horizon Simmons Yes check.svg

Training buses

Model Picture Length Year Fleet Numbers Quantity Fuel Type Assigned to Division(s) Notes
New Flyer D40LF CAT New Flyer D40LF (Veolia).JPG 40 ft 1995 T612 1 Diesel Simmons
NABI 40-LFW CAT NABI 40LFW.jpg 40 ft 1999 703, 707, T711, T713, 714, 737, 739, 747, 750, 759 10 Diesel Simmons

On order

  • No vehicles presently on order
Model Picture Length Year Fleet Numbers Quantity Fuel Type

Retired

Model Picture Length Year Fleet Numbers Quantity Fuel Type Formerly Assigned to Division(s) Notes
GMC RTS T8J204 (Former LVTS 4521-4525)Handicapped/disabled access 40' 1981 101-105 5 Diesel Tompkins
GMC RTS T8J204 (Former LVTS 4401)Handicapped/disabled access 40' 1983 150 1 Diesel 1
GMC RTS T8J204 (Former LVTS 4402-4403)Handicapped/disabled access 40' 1984 151-152 2 Diesel 2
TMC RTS (Former LVTS 4301-4302)Handicapped/disabled access CAT TMC RTS.JPG 40' 1992 153-154 2 Diesel Tompkins, Simmons
Flxible Grumman 870Handicapped/disabled access 40' 1981 201-208 8 Diesel Tompkins 3
Flxible Grumman 870 (Former LVTS 4609-4612, 4601-4608)Handicapped/disabled access 40' 1982 250-261 12 Diesel Tompkins
Gillig Phantom (Former LVTS 4701-4713)Handicapped/disabled access CAT Gillig Phantom.jpg 40' 1990 301-313 13 Diesel Simmons 4, 5
ElDorado TransmarkHandicapped/disabled access CAT Eldorado National Transmark.JPG 33' 1997 351-370 20 Diesel Simmons 6
New Flyer D40LFHandicapped/disabled access 40' 1998 380-399 20 Diesel 7
New Flyer D40HF Handicapped/disabled access CAT New Flyer D40.JPG 40 ft 1992 401-490 90 Diesel Tompkins, Simmons
New Flyer D60HF (Former LVTS 6101-6104)Handicapped/disabled access CAT New Flyer D60HF 1991.JPG 60' 1991 500-503 4 Diesel Tompkins, Simmons 8
New Flyer D60HFHandicapped/disabled access CAT New Flyer D60HF 510-517.jpg 60 ft 1995 510-517 8 Diesel Simmons
New Flyer D60HFHandicapped/disabled access CAT New Flyer D60HF.JPG 60 ft 1996 520-525 6 Diesel Simmons 10
New Flyer D40LFHandicapped/disabled access CAT New Flyer 1994.JPG 40 ft 1994 601-604 4 Diesel Simmons
New Flyer D40LFHandicapped/disabled access CAT New Flyer D40LF 610-631.JPG 40 ft 1995 610-631 22 Diesel Simmons 9
New Flyer D40LFHandicapped/disabled access CAT New Flyer D40LF.JPG 40 ft 1995 640-657 18 Diesel Simmons

Notes:
1 Originally Southwest Coaches 148 (later 101); acquired by LVTS in 1991.
2 Originally Southwest Coaches 102-103; acquired by LVTS in 1991.
3 Originally SCCTD 1715, 1768, 1646, 1809, 1695, 1679, 1800, 1804; acquired in 1992.
4 Units 301, 305, 309, 310, 311, 312 were given to the Southern Nevada Transit Coalition to operate under the "Silver Rider" transit system, which is based in Laughlin and Mesquite, Nevada. Silver Rider has retired and removed these coaches from their property as of April 2009.
5 Unit 302 was sold to a private citizen and now sits in a small car shop in west Las Vegas awaiting sale to a new owner.
6 Although these coaches were fairly new, they were retired due to their small capacity. At least one has been sold to Tijuana, Mexico.
7 These coaches were rejected by RTC and acquired by LACMTA. LACMTA commissioned these coaches as units 3000-3019.
8 Units 501, 502, and 503 were sold to ABC bus company in Florida. 501 is the last one awaiting sale from there for $85,000.
9 Unit 612 remains on property as an official training coach.
10 Units 520 & 521 were retired before 522-525.

Bus terminals

Downtown Transportation Center

The 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 Casino was closed, which was the southern terminus for many CAT routes. The SSTT has 18 transit bays, servicing 7 RTC routes. 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 - SDX / Deuce On The Strip AM Route (unloading only)
  • 2 - SDX / Deuce On The Strip AM Route (unloading only)
  • 3 - SDX / Deuce On The Strip AM Route (unloading only)
  • 4 - SDX / Deuce On The Strip AM Route (unloading only)
  • 5 - Not Used
  • 6 - 109 (unloading only)
  • 7 - Not Used
  • 8 - 212 East
  • 9 - 117 South
  • 10 - 217 East & West
  • 11 - 104 North
  • 12 - Not Used
  • 13 - Not Used
  • 14 - SDX North / Deuce On The Strip AM Route North (loading only)
  • 15 - Not Used
  • 16 - Not Used
  • 17 - 109 North (loading only)
  • 18 - 109 North (loading only)

Bonneville Transit Center

The Bonneville Transit Center 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 MAX, Deuce On The Strip, Strip & Downtown Express (SDX), Centennial Express (CX), Westcliff Airport Express (WAX), Boulder Highway Express (BHX), and Henderson & Downtown Express (HDX) are featured here.

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 North
  • 2 - 214 East & West
  • 3 - 106 North [106A/106B]
  • 4 - HDX South
  • 5 - 207 West
  • 6 - 206 West
  • 7 - 109 South
  • 8 - 109 South
  • 9 - 208 East
  • 10 - 215 East
  • 11 - 207 East
  • 12 - 206 East
  • 13 - 108 North
  • 14 - BHX South
  • 15 - 113/MAX North
  • 16 - 113/MAX North
  • 17 - CX North & WAX North
  • 18 - CX South & WAX South
  • 19 - 208 West & Deuce On The Strip South
  • 20 - 108 South
  • Transitway on Casino Center Blvd. – SDX North & South, Deuce On The Strip North
  • On Garces Ave. - Primm Employee Shuttle

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 Parkway and Elkhorn Road. 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 South, CX South
  • Lot 2 - Not Used
  • Lot 3 - Not Used
  • Ace Blvd./Grand Montecito Pkwy. - 106A South

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 using the Center on November 7, 2010.

WTC amenities

  • 9 transit bays
  • restrooms
  • waiting room
  • ticket vending machines
  • Park & Ride

WTC Bays

  • 1 - WAX South
  • 2 - Not Used
  • 3 - Not Used
  • 4 - Not Used
  • 5 - Not Used
  • 6 - 207 East
  • 7 - 208 East
  • 8 - 209 East
  • Durango Dr./Westcliff Dr. - WAX North

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 along side 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.

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

Bus 915 in November 2007 prior to the accident.

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 a Ford Mustang car collided with it. 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.

July 8, 2008

The day following a deadly crash at a CAT bus stop, another incident occurred with a naked man stealing a bus. At around 7:30 a.m., Charles Sell was near Washington Ave. and Lamb Blvd, when police reported that, while naked, he stole beer 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 yards away, he jumped off while the bus continued in motion. A Metro officer boarded and stopped the vehicle. Police arrested Sell and booked him into the Clark County Detention Center on charges of Grand Larceny Auto and Robbery.

Service area

RTC Transit operates a grid-type system within the Las Vegas Valley, which includes the cities of Las Vegas, North Las Vegas, Henderson, and Boulder City. The system's three busiest routes, The Deuce on The Strip, Strip & Downtown Express, 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, Art In The Park events in Boulder City, and air shows at Nellis Air Force Base.

Routes, times, frequencies and stops

Most routes run from early morning (04:00) until late night (01:00). Some routes operate less frequently on weekends and holidays. 13 routes operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including The Deuce On The Strip & 109: Maryland Parkway. 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 as of January 10, 2010:

Fare Type Regular
One-Way Base Fare $2.75
Peak Period Base Fare $3.00
Strip Zone Fare $6.00
Supplemental Zone Fare $4.00 (Plus Base Fare)
Monthly Pass: $80.00
Supplemental Zone Monthly Pass: $150.00
$15 Pre-Paid Punch Card: $15.00
$5 Pre-Paid Punch Card: $5.00
Shopping Cart: $.50
Personal Care Attendant FREE

References

External links

Official sites

Bus fan sites


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