TRB/APTA 2004 Bus Rapid Transit Conference Implementing a BRT Project: The Preliminary Steps 8:30 – 9:50 a.m. Frank SpielbergBMI-SG Incoming Chair, TRB Bus Transit Systems Committee (Moderator)

TRB/APTA 2004 Bus Rapid Transit Conference “MAX, Transit for Today”, June Devoll “BRT Vehicle Selection Concepts”, Fred Silver “Implementing BRT, Fare Collection”, Roderick Diaz and Jeff Klompus Session Presentations

TRB/APTA 2004 Bus Rapid Transit Conference June Devoll Transit Operations Administrator for the RTC of Southern Nevada in Las Vegas Responsible for the oversight of fixed route and paratransit operations Project Manager for the Metropolitan Area Express BRT (MAX) project

MAX Transit for Today Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada

Trailblazing Las Vegas’ Transit Future “If there’s an innovative new technology out there, bring it to Las Vegas. We’ll try it out.” –Jacob L. Snow, RTC General Manager

Project Vision: Las Vegas BRT To increase passenger capacity, reduce dwell times, improve scheduling and convenience and build a positive image of public transit. Project is a centerpiece of the RTC’s strategic vision: “to provide a safe convenient and effective regional transportation system that enhances mobility and air quality for citizens and visitors.”

BRT Project Goals Enhance transit system capacity Improve passenger comfort and convenience Increase cost effectiveness Improve the image of public transit

Project Partners City of North Las Vegas Nevada Department of Transportation Clark County, Nevada City of Las Vegas U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Transit Administration Federal Highway Administration Irisbus

Transit System Challenges Las Vegas is the fastest growing U.S. urban area with over 6,000 new residents each month Transit ridership demands outpace service supply More miles are accrued on CAT buses than any other U.S. transit system Air quality deterioration is severe Perception of transit often discourages public from the bus system Longer dwell times with open doors reduce cooling efficiency in buses during summer months

MAX Transit’s Future, Today The Solution

LAS VEGAS BOULEVARD NORTH Project Corridor

Metropolitan Area Express (MAX) Features Dedicated Lane Civis Vehicle Optical Guidance Unique Station Design with level boarding Off-Board Fare Collection Transit Signal Priority

CIVIS Vehicle

Seating Configuration for Maximum Passenger Loads

Center Drive Position

Full Accessibility

Optical Guidance in Dedicated Lane

Unique Station Design 20 Passenger Stations Level Boarding/Alighting through 4 Doors for Improved Accessibility 10’ x 65’ Station Platform with Passenger Shelter Larger Seating & Queuing Area for Improved Comfort Ticket Vending Machines Tactile Surface

Station Construction

MAX Station – construction

MAX Station - Complete

Off-board Fare Collection Sale of all passes, tickets and validation Validation of Flexi-fare rechargeable passes for commuters in Club Ride Commuter Program

Transit Signal Priority Over 20 Signalized Intersections Low Priority System –Shorter Red/Longer Green 3M Infrared Emitters on the Vehicles Future Integration with CATCOM / AVL

Project Challenges Coordination of Timing of Vehicles, Stations and TVMs Trajectory of Each Station Vehicles – Fewer Issues Than Any Other Vehicle Purchased by RTC Spare Parts

The Dream is a Reality MAX is Coming! All Vehicles Delivered –10 Vehicles in Las Vegas –Undergoing Extensive Testing and Training Projected Timeline –Civil Road Works Complete –18 Stations Complete; additional 2 stations complete by May 2004 –TVM’s installed and functional –Transit Signal Priority Currently Testing –Revenue Service Begins June 30, 2004

MAX is Coming June 30, 2004 start-up date Community support has been tremendous “Meet MAX” events taking place at corridor shopping venues “Meet MAX” youth presentations taking place at corridor schools

Welcome MAX!