RTC gears up for United for Infrastructure Week, May 13-17, highlighting importance, need for transit and roadway investment

 Week includes launch of community engagement prior to start of Maryland Parkway Bus Rapid Transit Project, networking opportunity for local small businesses and prime contractors at Latin Chamber of Commerce Luncheon

 LAS VEGAS – The Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada (RTC), the region’s transportation planning agency, traffic manager, roadway funding and public transportation provider, is marking United for Infrastructure (UFI) Week, May 13-17, by highlighting the need for increased investment in transit and roadway funding. Now in its 12^th year, UFI is a nationwide event to raise awareness about the importance of infrastructure, advocating for improvements that address some of our nation’s toughest challenges in transit, transportation, water systems, energy, and more.

“The RTC, like many agencies across the country, will soon face a financial crunch if new funding sources are not identified for transit and roadway projects,” said MJ Maynard, RTC CEO. “Despite our growing population and increases in tourism, we have not invested in transit for more than 20 years while demand for services has increased, particularly amongst our most vulnerable communities, including seniors, veterans, students, and persons with disabilities. Infrastructure funding for both roadway maintenance and the development of new road projects and initiatives is critical to support Southern Nevada’s unprecedented growth while ensuring the encouragement of ongoing investment in the region.”

Maynard says the RTC is very proud of its track record as one of the country’s most efficient transportation agencies with the nation’s lowest public subsidy and low operating cost.

“But efficient operations are not enough to close the gap between what Southern Nevada needs to continue to grow, prosper, and attract new investment and our current funding sources for transit and roadway construction. The value of a quality public transportation system cannot be overstated. It’s also a quality of life and safety issue, so it’s a top priority for our agency as we continue to work with stakeholders, legislators, our board, local municipalities, community partners, and others to ensure we can identify a sustainable source of funding to keep Southern Nevada growing and moving.”  

Relative to roadway funding, fuel revenue indexing (FRI), which began in 2014 and continues through 2026, has successfully funded 674 roadway projects with 439 of those completed to date. In recent years, the volume of funding generated by FRI has declined due to an increase in the sale of fuel-efficient, electric and hybrid vehicles. FRI, which is set to end after 2026, will leave more than $2 billion in unfunded projects still in the pipeline, if not extended.

According to Maynard, the RTC’s oversight and management of critical functions foundational to the community’s prosperity and the well-being of its residents is best visualized by the numbers that speak volumes about the agency’s regional impact.

Last year, the RTC provided more than 50 million transit rides, with 80 percent of passengers using transit to get to work or seek employment; the RTC supports the planning, design, construction, maintenance, and operations of over 8,000 miles of roadway, 1,600 signalized intersections, and 1,000 miles of bike facilities; the RTC’s traffic management team operates 1,129 CCTV cameras, 74 ramp meters, 1,626 miles of fiber optic communications cable, and 169 dynamic messaging signs and active traffic management displays on area freeways.

Maryland Parkway Bus Rapid Transit Project

This week, the RTC will launch community outreach and engagement prior to the start of its bus rapid transit project later this summer. A $300-plus million improvement project along a 13-mile stretch of Maryland Parkway from the South Strip Transit Terminal on the south to the Las Vegas Medical District on the north, the Maryland Parkway Bus Rapid Transit Project will expand transit service, enhance up to 50 transit shelters, develop seven miles of dedicated shared bus-bike lanes, widen sidewalks, and make improvements to lighting and landscaping. 

A vital corridor, Maryland Parkway is home to 90,000 residents, 85,000 jobs, and carries approximately 35,000 vehicles and 9,000 transit riders daily, making it one of the busiest transit routes in the RTC system. Just last month, the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) presented the RTC with nearly $150 million for the Maryland Parkway Bus Rapid Transit enhancements.

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.

Friday, May 17 – Latin Chamber of Commerce Luncheon

Maynard will provide keynote remarks at the Latin Chamber of Commerce luncheon on May 17 at Suncoast Hotel & Casino, 9090 Alta Drive. The event, “Unlocking Potential: Navigating Southern Nevada’s Transportation Landscape,” will also feature a panel discussion of local leaders, including Nevada State Assemblywoman Daniele Monroe-Moreno, Nevada State Assemblyman Howard Watts, Warren Hardy with Warren Hardy Strategies, and David Damore with The Lincy Institute and Brookings Mountain West.

Companies will have the opportunity to network with prime contractors prior to the luncheon from 10:30 a.m. to noon. Attendance is free for the business expo. Companies seeking to be vendors can purchase an expo table and a luncheon table for 10 for $450.

To register, visit lvlcc.com or call 702-385-7367.