Free transit rides on New Year’s Eve, adjusted holiday transit schedule and heavy traffic ahead

Click to Tweet: Prepare for Christmas and NYE week by planning ahead for heavy traffic traveling in and out of Las Vegas! @RTCSNV buses will follow a Saturday schedule on 12/26 and 1/2. Don’t forget the RTC has got you covered with free rides this NYE.

LAS VEGAS – The Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada (RTC) urges commuters to plan ahead in anticipation of heavy traffic and longer commutes during the Christmas and New Year’s weekends. RTC buses will operate on a Saturday schedule on Monday, Dec. 26 and Monday, Jan. 2. The RTC will also offer free rides on all 39 routes from 6 p.m. on New Year’s Eve until 9 a.m. on New Year’s Day; and several additional routes will run on a 24-hour schedule or with extended hours.

TRAFFIC INFORMATION

Residents and visitors traveling by car should prepare for longer trips and heavy delays, particularly during peak travel times. Monday, Dec. 26 and Monday, Jan. 2 are expected to have the heaviest traffic volumes on I-15 southbound to California. Commuters can sign up for traffic alerts on the RTC website to access the most up-to-date traffic information.

TRANSIT INFORMATION

The RTC will continue its tradition of offering free rides on all transit routes from 6 p.m. on New Year’s Eve until 9 a.m. on New Year’s Day. To help ensure safe roadways, transit riders can board any vehicle on the RTC’s 39 bus routes without purchasing a pass or presenting fare.

The free rides include transit service on major streets throughout the valley, with direct access to and from the Las Vegas Strip. Transit service to both the Las Vegas Strip and downtown Las Vegas is offered from the South Strip Transit Terminal (6675 S. Gilespie St.) via the Deuce and Route 109 (Maryland Parkway). Riders can plan trips through the free rideRTC app.

In addition to free service, the RTC is making transit even more accessible by running additional extended service hours on nine routes and complete 24-hour service on 14 routes. For complete detour and route details, visit rtcsnv.com/NewYears.

“We know travelers are eager to get to their destinations with their friends and family this holiday season,” said David Swallow, RTC deputy chief executive officer. “This is one of the busiest times of year for travel, and we urge anyone heading in or out of Las Vegas to plan ahead for heavy traffic and pack your patience.”

For those flying over the holiday weekend, free parking is available at the Centennial Hills Transit Center or the South Strip Transit Terminal, with direct access to Harry Reid International Airport’s Ground Level Zero at Terminal 1 via the Centennial Express or Route 109 (Maryland Parkway).

For more information on the RTC and how to travel this holiday weekend, visit rtcsnv.com/ways-to-travel.

About the RTC
The RTC is the regional authority overseeing public transit, metropolitan planning, roadway funding, traffic management, and the public bike share system. The RTC’s vision is to advance regionally transformative mobility solutions through equitable, innovative and sustainable infrastructure development. The RTC’s mission is to elevate quality of life for residents and visitors through sustainable planning, collaborative problem-solving, and safe and equitable transportation service. For more information about the RTC and our major initiatives or to download the rideRTC app, visit rtcsnv.com. Stay informed by subscribing to our blog or following us on social media.

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