Accessibility and inclusivity are two buzzwords we hear a lot, but what do they mean for the RTC? For our organization, it means more than just adhering to the accommodations prescribed by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA); it means looking for ways to ensure that we are planning and creating services that create greater accessibility, inclusivity and equity to help ensure a better quality of life for all Southern Nevadans.
Transit & Paratransit
As required by the ADA, all RTC transit vehicles and facilities are 100% accessible. Additionally, we provide paratransit service, which is designed for customers with disabilities who are unable to use traditional transit.
To create greater mobility options for areas without traditional transit, in 2021 we created RTC-OnDemand, a ride-share program that allows customers in West Henderson and the southwest valley to conveniently schedule a ride using their smartphone. They can travel to a destination within the on-demand service area or connect to fixed-route transit at the edge of the on-demand service area.
Specialized Services
A growing population of seniors and an increasing demand for mobility options led the RTC to establish Silver STAR, a service that provides specialized routes designed to help seniors by stopping at senior living communities and various shopping areas.
Flexible Demand Response, or FDR, is another service for seniors. The door-to-door transit service allows residents in select senior communities to call and schedule a ride. The service takes riders to bus stops in the community and also connects residents to the fixed-route transit service area.
To honor those who serve, we developed the Veterans Medical Transportation Network, which provides efficient transportation for veterans between their homes and their Veteran Affairs (VA) approved medical appointments.
Finally, we work with various community partners to ensure access for other groups that may need special assistance. For example, we work with Opportunity Village to provide transportation for their clients.
Mobility Training
Our one-of-a-kind Mobility Training Center trains individuals with disabilities to confidently and safely use public transit. The center features buses, streetscapes and ambient sounds to replicate everyday commuting as well as a fully functional apartment to train visually impaired residents to live independently. Earlier this year, we added Mobility Training Center on the GO, a specially retrofitted bus that brings mobility trainers and resources directly into the community.
The RTC also offers free mobility training for Clark County School District high school and middle school students who are part of the Special Education Program.
We are proud of our many initiatives that have created greater freedom, independence, and access. We celebrated these successes in 2024 as the ADA marked its 30th anniversary by showcasing advocates, customers, and community organizations. Check out their inspiring stories in our online newsroom.
