When you think of Las Vegas, the first thing that pops into your head is efficient transit, right? Well, maybe not the first thing. But according to ITDP’s report, Las Vegas has one of the top five BRT systems in the country.
Las Vegas is one of the few U.S. cities with a whole network of BRT, as opposed to just a single corridor. And while the Strip Downtown Express (SDX) is the most advanced BRT route in the network, the fact that the city is creating a network elevates its status among U.S. BRT systems.StreetsBlog
Since a lane guided bus has no speed limit, why aren't we hearing more about 140 MPH buses between LA and Vegas?
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MAX’s success allowed Las Vegas to move ahead with the even more ambitious Strip Downtown Express (SDX), which has all of the elements of MAX plus a central-median, dedicated right-of-way for 2.25 miles (of a total nine-mile route). The SDX connects the Strip and Downtown and it shares its infrastructure with the Deuce, which makes more frequent stops.But Casinos owners are still a bit confused:
The SDX has won riders over with improved service, but also with a scaled-up look and feel. “I’d say it’s a train on tires,” said Jacob Snow, general manager of the Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada (RTC). The buses are quieter and sleeker than regular buses, and they stop at attractive stations, built with art and architectural features that celebrate the local landscape.
But even MAX’s success could not give the RTC enough political power to secure dedicated BRT lanes on the Strip, largely because casino owners were loathe to make it easier for guests to leave. In fact the RTC had to fight for buses to run on the Strip at all. As a result, the SDX operates in mixed traffic on the Strip, despite the fact it is one of the most congested routes in all of Las Vegas.
No, not quite. The ultimate plan is to bring 60,000 passengers a night to Vegas from LA, at very high speeds and low fares right onto the strip using those dedicated bus lanes.
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