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Concerns over proposed RTC route changes
Las Vegas, NV (KTNV) -- The Regional Transportation Commission is trying to account for a $9 million budget shortfall and because of that some routes could be cut.
It's a transition some bus riders aren't too happy about.
In May, two popular RTC bus routes, 207 and 211, could be no longer, and it's a concern for several riders.
"Due to a decline in sales taxes in the past and due to our para-transit demand increasing has created this shortfall that we're trying to address," Angela Torres with RTC Public Affairs said.
In the past, RTC has been able to modify bus routes and reduce frequency, but because of the absence of such large amount of money, they say, that wasn't an option.
So now, frequent riders, like Norma Alaimo are concerned the changes will dramatically alter the way she and her fellow riders get around.
"We have all kinds of wheelchairs there are at least six or seven per day, and the people do not want to go a half a mile to go get another bus... Which is what i was told they had to do," Norma Alaimo said.
"The majority of the riders on that route will have replacement service, they may have to walk about a half a mile to get there," Torres said.
Their spokesman told Action News riders with disabilities can contact Helping Hands or apply for Para-transit Services, but beyond that, they should voice their concerns before March.
RTC is holding public meetings for all riders throughout the month of February to address their concerns about route changes and eliminations.
Norma was able to get some information about her own stop, and received some good and bad news. The good thing is, Norma's stop won't change on Alta and Monterrey, it's just going to be picked up by another bus route. The only problem is that it will take her a little bit longer to get where she needs to go.
"You have to wait another 30 to 40 minutes for another bus and then you have to transfer to like three buses, that's like three hours. So by the time you get to your destination, three hours is a long time," Norma said.
RTC representatives have offered ride along service, for free, to help these customers figure out new routes and timing.
Interested riders are welcome to learn more about and to express their views on the proposed changes during the upcoming public comment period.
RTC staff will be at various locations across the valley to provide more information, including:
Friday, Feb. 3 - Albertsons - Boulder City, 1008 Nevada Highway, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 4 - Boulevard Mall, 3528 S. Maryland Pkwy., 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Friday, Feb. 10 - Albertsons - Flamingo Road at Maryland Parkway, 1300 E. Flamingo Rd., 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Friday, Feb. 17 - Albertsons - Sahara/Maryland, 2575 S. Maryland Pkwy., 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday, March 3 - Albertsons - North Las Vegas, 3010 W. Ann Rd., 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Monday, March 5 - Whitney Library, 5175 E. Tropicana Ave., 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Wednesday, March 7 - Desert Breeze Community Center, 8275 Spring Mountain Rd., 5 to 7 p.m.
Friday, March 9 - Albertsons - Henderson, 2910 Bicentennial Pkwy., 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Several public hearings will also be held to discuss the elimination of Routes 207 and 211.
Saturday, Feb. 11 - Pearson Community Center, 1625 W. Carey Ave., 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Thursday, Feb. 16 - North Las Vegas Library, 2300 N. Civic Center Dr., 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Thursday, Feb. 23 - Bonneville Transit Center, 101 E. Bonneville Ave., 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Feb. 29 - Rainbow Library, 3150 N. Buffalo Dr., 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday, March 14 - Bonneville Transit Center, 101 E. Bonneville Ave., 5 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Public comments will be through Friday, March 16. Besides attending one of the meetings, you can submit comments in several other ways:
By email to diaza@rtcsnv.com or online atrtcsnv.com.
By phone at (702) 676-1557
By fax at (702) 676-1589
By mail at: RTC Administration Office , 600 S. Grand Central Parkway, Las Vegas, Nevada 89106-4512, Attention: Transit Service Outreach.
Comments can also be provided in person at the Bonneville Transit Center or the RTC Administration Office.
The proposed service changes will be presented to the RTC Board of Commissioners for final approval. Pending the RTC Board of Commissioners' approval, the proposed service changes will be effective Sunday, May 20.
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