RTC urges commuters to plan ahead for heavy traffic during Christmas, New Year’s holidays

RTC transit service to operate on a holiday schedule and offer free rides on New Year’s Eve into New Year’s Day

Click to Tweet: @RTCSNV encourages motorists to plan for holiday traffic, delays in and out of Las Vegas. #RTCSNV buses will operate on a Sunday schedule on Christmas Day 12/25 and on New Year’s Day 1/1. Celebrate safely by taking free rides on RTC transit from 6 p.m. 12/31 to 9 a.m. 1/1.

LAS VEGAS – The Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada (RTC) encourages commuters to plan ahead in anticipation of heavy traffic and delays during the Christmas and New Year’s holidays, particularly for motorists driving on I-15 between Las Vegas and Primm. For transit riders, RTC buses will operate on a Sunday schedule for transit service valley-wide on Christmas Day, Monday, Dec. 25, and on New Year’s Day, Monday, Jan. 1. The RTC will also offer free transit rides on New Year’s Eve starting at 6 p.m. through 9 a.m. New Year’s Day.

The RTC is expecting an influx of visitors to our valley during the upcoming holiday season and recommends traveling outside peak hours to beat the rush. For those traveling throughout the city, transit is always a convenient and stress-free option that eliminates the hassle of parking.   

Peak Travel Times

Travelers by car should anticipate longer trips, especially during peak travel times. If feasible, avoid traveling on Tuesday, Dec. 26, Wednesday, Dec. 27, Monday, Jan. 1, and Tuesday, Jan. 2, as these days are projected to have the highest traffic volumes on southbound I-15 to California.

Transit Schedules

Residents and visitors are encouraged to use RTC’s public transit options to help ease congestion on the roadways. However, expect heavy traffic delays and extensive transit detours on New Year’s Eve due to celebrations on the Las Vegas Strip. Individual route schedules are available on the RTC website at Transit Schedules & Maps. Transit riders can plan trips and purchase passes through the agency’s free rideRTC app.

Free Transit on New Year’s Eve from 6 p.m. to 9 a.m.  New Year’s Day

To encourage locals to take advantage of safe and convenient transit rides valley-wide, the RTC will offer free transit service from 6 p.m. on Dec. 31 (New Year’s Eve) through 9 a.m. on Jan. 1 (New Year’s Day).

Traffic Alerts for Motorists and Transit Riders

Commuters can sign up for traffic alerts on the RTC website to access the most up-to-date traffic information. 

Airport Access

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

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