LAS VEGAS – The Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada (RTC), Rep. Dina Titus (D-Nev.), RTC board member and Henderson City Councilwoman Debra March, and representatives from The Home Depot, Wells Fargo and The Siegel Group today announced improvements to its ongoing program to make bus stops safer for transit riders, motorists and the public. 

During a news conference at The Home Depot near the intersection of Lamb and Charleston boulevards, RTC officials touted an investment of $2.3 million to move back or install 150 new and improved bus shelters and 130 benches and trash cans in 2014. The money comes from a Federal Transit Administration formula grant for transit enhancement projects.

"It's important that public safety remains a priority of federal funding as well as local government,” said Congresswoman Titus. “Working in collaboration with the RTC and Southern Nevada businesses is a great way to join forces to promote safety and efficiency as more people move out of cars and onto public transit.” 

Wells Fargo announced it would contribute right of way for a bus stop at its branch located at 5410 W. Charleston Blvd. while The Home Depot announced it would contribute right of way for a bus stop at its store located at 1401 S. Lamb Blvd. The Siegel Group also announced its right-of-way contribution for a bus stop at 100 S. Martin Luther King Blvd.

As part of this year’s round of improvements, Phase III of the program, RTC plans to move back or install 55 stops in Clark County, 48 in Las Vegas, 18 in North Las Vegas and 10 in Henderson.

“These efforts are a work in progress,” RTC General Manager Tina Quigley said. “And we look forward to continuing to work with our public and private partners to move back shelters throughout our community.”

One of the challenges to installing or moving bus stops away from the sidewalk is the need for right of way. In 2007, the Legislature passed a law to allow RTC to put bus stops on public property and on utility easements. This has helped, but it is not possible at all bus stops, particularly in older communities.

Since 2008, RTC has spent about $15 million on bus stop improvements that include placing bus shelters behind sidewalks and conducting a safety study. The safety study determined the best and most cost-effective way to enhance safety is to move transit shelters at least five feet from the street, whenever feasible. But it also found that each of the 12 fatal crashes at local bus stops over the past decade was the result of a driver who was speeding, impaired, distracted or otherwise breaking the law.

About the RTC

The RTC is the transit authority, transportation planning organization and regional traffic management agency for Southern Nevada. The RTC’s vision is to provide a safe, convenient and effective regional transportation system that enhances mobility and air quality for citizens and visitors. The RTC encourages residents and visitors to use a variety of transportation choices to help reduce traffic congestion, clean the air and improve the quality of life in Southern Nevada. For more information, visit rtcsnv.com.

CAPTION (L to R): The Siegel Group Vice President of Residential Operations Mike Tisdale, Wells Fargo District Manager Angelica Pulido-Hull, The Home Depot Store Manager Gary White, Congresswoman Dina Titus, City of Henderson Councilwoman Debra March and RTC General Manager Tina Quigley stand together at today’s Bus Shelter Safety event, which celebrated partnerships with local businesses, allowing for bus shelters to be moved back from sidewalks. (Courtesy RTC)