Implementing a BRT Project: The Preliminary Steps

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Implementing a BRT Project The Preliminary Steps
830 950 a.m. Frank Spielberg BMI-SG Incoming
Chair, TRB Bus Transit Systems
Committee (Moderator)
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Session Presentations

• MAX, Transit for Today, June Devoll
• BRT Vehicle Selection Concepts, Fred Silver
• Implementing BRT, Fare Collection, Roderick
  Diaz and Jeff Klompus

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• 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

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MAXTransit for Today
Regional Transportation Commission of
Southern Nevada
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Trailblazing Las Vegas Transit Future

• If theres an innovative new technology out
  there, bring it to Las Vegas. Well try it out.
• Jacob L. Snow, RTC General Manager

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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 RTCs strategic
vision to provide a safe convenient and
effective regional transportation system that
enhances mobility and air quality for citizens
and visitors.
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BRT Project Goals

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

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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

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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

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MAXTransits Future, Today
The Solution
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Project Corridor
LAS VEGAS BOULEVARD NORTH
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Metropolitan Area Express (MAX)Features

• Dedicated Lane
• Civis Vehicle
• Optical Guidance
• Unique Station Design with level boarding
• Off-Board Fare Collection
• Transit Signal Priority

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CIVIS Vehicle
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Seating Configuration for Maximum Passenger Loads
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Center Drive Position
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Full Accessibility
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Optical Guidance in Dedicated Lane
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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

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Station Construction
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MAX Station construction
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MAX Station - Complete
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Off-board Fare Collection

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

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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

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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

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The Dream is a RealityMAX 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
• TVMs installed and functional
• Transit Signal Priority Currently Testing
• Revenue Service Begins June 30, 2004

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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

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Welcome MAX!