Maryland Parkway Project to improve mobility, safety for all users, expand redevelopment opportunities along vital valley corridor

Las Vegas, NV (April 1, 2024) — Today, at an official ceremony at the UNLV Transit Center attended by several members of Nevada’s federal delegation, Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada (RTC) and UNLV leadership, Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Acting Administrator Veronica Vanterpool presented the RTC with nearly $150 million for the Maryland Parkway Bus Rapid Transit project that is expected to begin construction later this summer.

The grant will provide nearly half of the funding needed for this project that will include enhanced transit shelters, hydrogen fuel cell electric buses, new pavement, upgraded/new traffic signals, landscaping, shared bus-bike lanes, upgraded pedestrian crossings, and wider sidewalks. The project, which will be completed in phases, is designed to improve mobility and safety for all users, including motorists, cyclists, pedestrians, and transit customers, while creating a stronger sense of identity for Maryland Parkway, helping to expand redevelopment opportunities and attract future investment in the area.

“While Las Vegas is normally thought of as a tourist mecca, we know that thousands of Nevadans depend on transit to move them around this growing, thriving city,” said FTA Acting Administrator Vanterpool. “The faster, more reliable, more convenient service provided by bus rapid transit has created an economic boost for communities across the country. We know it will bring that same impact to workers, students, and others who call Las Vegas home.”

As a vital corridor for the Las Vegas Valley, the Maryland Parkway BRT project extends more than 13 miles and includes many major destinations and employment centers including the Harry Reid International Airport, UNLV, Boulevard Mall, Sunrise Hospital, and Las Vegas Medical District.

“The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law which I championed in the House is continuing to deliver for Southern Nevada,” said Rep. Dina Titus. “The $150 million secured for improvements to the Maryland Parkway transit system will ensure Las Vegas residents have better options while traveling among Harry Reid International Airport, UNLV, and other important areas around the city. Buses, bikes, cars, and pedestrians will all experience safer conditions thanks to wider sidewalks, enhanced transit shelters, improved lighting, and better roadways.”

“Home to 90,000 residents, 85,000 jobs, and 9,000 daily transit riders, Maryland Parkway has long been on our radar for a capital improvement project of significance,” said M.J. Maynard, RTC CEO. “Maryland Parkway’s value as a major corridor that connects residents to jobs, education, medical services, shopping and neighborhood services, cannot be overstated.”   

“This FTA grant is critical to the success of the Maryland Parkway BRT project, and we are incredibly appreciative to Congresswoman Titus and our federal delegation in helping us to secure this funding that will transform Maryland Parkway for the benefit of everyone in the region,” said Clark County Commissioner and RTC Chairman Justin Jones. “Improving safety for all roadway users is a top priority for the RTC and we look forward to the benefits this project will have for those who walk, bicycle, ride transit and drive.”

The Maryland Parkway Bus Rapid Transit project is expected to break ground later this summer and be complete in 2026. Service on the corridor will be provided with 15, 60-foot hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles. For more information, please visit rtcsnv.com/maryland-parkway.