December 11, 2018

Today Representative Dina Titus of Nevada’s First Congressional District announced that the Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) of Southern Nevada was awarded a $5.3 million dollar grant for the implementation of the Las Vegas Medical District Automated Circulator and Connected Pedestrian Safety Project. The RTC received the funds under the competitive Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation. In July of this year, Representative Titus wrote U.S. DOT Secretary Elaine Chao to advocate for the Southern Nevada application. 

“The Las Vegas Medical District is an integral part of the economic future of Las Vegas,” said Representative Titus, a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. “This project not only addresses the growing transit needs of the region but does so through an innovative and technology-focused approach. Las Vegas is on the forefront of smart infrastructure and the GoMed project cements the region as a leader in addressing the transportation needs of all modes with a focus on safety. I am excited to work with RTC and the City to see this project advance.”   

“We are thrilled to be a recipient of this forward-thinking grant that will help accelerate mobility and advanced technology in Southern Nevada,” said RTC General Manager Tina Quigley. “We embrace innovative technologies that enhance safety and the quality of life for our residents. This project will provide us with data to better connect our residents to employment, education, healthcare and other vital services. This is a remarkable opportunity for the RTC and the City of Las Vegas to continue our momentum of building the foundation for a smart community.” 

BACKGROUND:

The RTC of Southern Nevada filed the BUILD Grant application on behalf of the RTC and the City of Las Vegas. The BUILD Transportation discretionary grant program replaced the Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grant program.

Grant Amount:            $ 5,319,838.00

Description:                This project will provide autonomous and connected vehicle service, pedestrian safety devices, and smart transit shelters to the Las Vegas Medical District. The project includes approximately 4 autonomous shuttles, 100 connected vehicle onboard units, signalization improvements at 20 intersections, and 23 smart transit shelters. ITS improvements include pedestrian detection software at intersections, GOVegas app improvements which will extend green light time for pedestrians and Wi-Fi enhancements throughout the project area.

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Below is the text of the letter submitted to U.S. DOT by Representative Titus. 

July 12, 2018

The Honorable Elaine L. Chao, Secretary
U.S. Department of Transportation
1200 New Jersey Ave, SE
Washington, DC 20590

Dear Secretary Chao,

I am writing in support of the application filed by the Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada for a Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) grant to complete the design and full implementation of the Las Vegas Medical District Automated Circulator and Connected Pedestrian Safety Project. This project, commonly referred to as “GoMed”, is a collaboration between the City of Las Vegas and the Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada (RTC). 

The Las Vegas Medical District (LVMD) is growing rapidly and preparing for a future of heightened travel demand. This growth includes a soon-to-be-opened University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) School of Medicine, a full, four-year allopathic medical school. The linkage between Downtown Las Vegas and the LVMD is underdeveloped and provides a barrier to transit and pedestrian users, forcing inefficient and expensive auto trips and high parking demands. The LVMD’s already robust internal circulation traffic, by car, by foot, and by wheelchair, is poised to grow with the District, bringing greater safety concerns as it does. 

To address these concerns, the GoMed project will provide increased connectivity to employment, education, services and other opportunities, in addition to improving mobility and safety, particularly for persons with visible and hidden disabilities and elderly individuals. GoMed includes two autonomous shuttles, one linking the downtown and its Bonneville Transit Center with the LVMD, the other providing circulation in and around the District itself. Pedestrian detection will be installed at uncontrolled crosswalk locations on and near the AV routes, as well as signalized intersections, coupled with intelligent intersection analytics that prioritize pedestrian safety. This will greatly improve access for patients, medical professionals, nearby businesses, and residents of the area. I appreciate your attention to this important application. 

Sincerely,

Dina Titus
Member of Congress