Implementing a BRT Project: The Preliminary Steps 8:30 – 9:50 a.m. Frank Spielberg BMI-SG

TRB/APTA 2004Bus Rapid Transit Conference

Implementing a BRT Project: Implementing a BRT Project: The Preliminary StepsThe Preliminary Steps

8:30 – 9:50 a.m.8:30 – 9:50 a.m.

Frank SpielbergBMI-SGBMI-SG

Incoming Chair, TRB Bus Transit Systems CommitteeIncoming Chair, TRB Bus Transit Systems Committee

(Moderator)(Moderator)

TRB/APTA 2004Bus Rapid Transit Conference

• “MAX, Transit for Today”, June Devoll• “BRT Vehicle Selection Concepts”, Fred

Silver• “Implementing BRT, Fare Collection”,

Roderick Diaz and Jeff Klompus

Session Presentations

TRB/APTA 2004Bus Rapid Transit Conference

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

MAXTransit for Today

Regional Transportation Commissionof Southern Nevada

Trailblazing Las Vegas’ Transit Future

“If there’s an innovative new technology out there, bring it to Las Vegas. We’ll try it out.”– Jacob L. Snow, RTC General Manager

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 RTC’s strategic vision: “to provide a safe convenient and effective regional transportation system that enhances mobility and air quality for citizens and visitors.”

BRT Project Goals

• Enhance transit system capacity

• Improve passenger comfort and convenience

• Increase cost effectiveness

• Improve the image of public transit

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

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

MAX

Transit’s Future, Today

The Solution

LAS VEGAS BOULEVARD

NORTH

Project Corridor

Metropolitan Area Express (MAX)Features

• Dedicated Lane• Civis Vehicle• Optical Guidance• Unique Station Design with level

boarding• Off-Board Fare Collection• Transit Signal Priority

CIVIS Vehicle

Seating Configuration for Maximum

Passenger Loads

Center Drive Position

Full Accessibility

Optical Guidance in Dedicated Lane

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

Station Construction

MAX Station – construction

MAX Station - Complete

Off-board Fare Collection

• Sale of all passes, tickets and validation

• Validation of Flexi-fare rechargeable passes for commuters in Club Ride Commuter Program

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

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

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– TVM’s installed and functional– Transit Signal Priority Currently Testing– Revenue Service Begins June 30, 2004

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

Welcome MAX!