Federal Transit Administrator Peter Rogoff applauded Nevada officials today for the opening of the Sahara Express Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) line. The new line gives residents and visitors a convenient and affordable option for commuting to work and traveling to and from downtown Las Vegas.
The transit line includes dedicated bus lanes along Sahara Avenue and traffic signal improvements that will help reduce travel times for riders along the 12-mile corridor. The system features solar-powered lighting in passenger shelters, ticket vending machines, and elevated station platforms that ease boarding. The project is part of a comprehensive transit network connecting various BRT routes with double-decker buses and the Las Vegas Monorail.
“The Sahara BRT Express line offers a one-seat ride, no need to transfer, to thousands of workers traveling from their homes in the Valley to jobs downtown and along the Strip,” said Rogoff. “It’s a reliable and desirable way to travel – and helps people keep more of their hard-earned paychecks in their wallets instead of paying it at the pump.”
The Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada received $34.4 million toward the $45.2 million project from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act’s competitive Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grant program.
“President Obama’s blueprint for an America built to last means investing in transportation systems that will keep people and goods moving,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. “This project will help people get to work and help Las Vegas develop a modern, energy-efficient transit system that will reduce congestion and support the region’s economic comeback for years to come.”