Little money for Bonanza, lots for Sahara

We are all over the map this week, discussing issues from proposed cuts to the paratransit services to tigers riding on buses. I won't even try to be clever, so let's jump into it.

Jerry wants an explanation: I saw a Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada truck today with California plates. Given the recent push to get residents to get rid of their out-of-state plates, a local government agency registering its vehicles in another state flies in the face of the program. What can you tell us, please?

Jerry, the folks at the RTC say all of their vehicles are registered in Nevada. The vehicle you saw -- a van traveling on Sahara Avenue -- was likely a rented vehicle used by First Transit for its paratransit service. During the summer, vehicles tend to break down more or batteries go dead. First Transit opted to supplement its fleet by renting 15 vans. The local company from which they leased the vans had only eight, so the company had to rent an additional seven, and some apparently have out-of-state plates.

Mark questions the paving on Bonanza Road: They recently repaved Bonanza, and I have driven on old country roads that are smoother. The road has been re-striped, so I assume that is the final layer. Why is it so bumpy?

Yep, officials with the Nevada Department of Transportation say the resurfacing job is indeed complete. The reason it is not as smooth as we are used to is the agency repaved the road with microseal, which is a cheaper way to complete roads. Like most government outfits, the department is hurting financially, so this is a short-term solution until it receives funding to do a complete mill-and-fill paving job. If it helps any, transportation officials say that the more it is traveled, the smoother the surface will become.

Sam doesn't want to be taken for a ride: I understand there are going to be some pretty hefty fare increases for paratransit riders. Do you know if there is any truth to this and, if so, when it will go into effect?

The changes that are being discussed would, if approved, result in a fare increase for some passengers and a decrease for others. As you probably know, the base fare for paratransit is $2.75, but that fare increases during peak hours when the service is more busy or if a passenger is headed to the Strip. Those rides can cost more than $5. The RTC is considering doing away with the varying fare scale and charging a flat fee of $3 per ride.

As a side note, the commission also is mulling over eliminating the monthly pass. Paratransit has been inundated with riders since the state stopped subsidizing shuttles for senior centers. Because its budget is already tight, it is looking for ways to save money.

If anybody wants to let the commission know how they feel about either one of these proposals, the agency will be accepting comments through Aug. 31.

Comments may be sent by email to diaza@rtcsnv.com, phoned in to 676-1558 or mailed to RTC, 600 S. Grand Central Parkway, Room 108, Las Vegas, NV, 89106.

This from a Summerlin caller: We want to take the Westcliff Airport Express bus next week, and we are wondering if there is room for suitcases and also whether we can bring our dog on board.

First, there is no luggage compartment on the express buses to McCarran International Airport. When the route started, unique light-rail-like buses were used, and the seats faced inward with plenty of room in the middle. Most buses now are more traditional, making it more challenging to bring along huge pieces of luggage. Basically, if it can fit within your space without impeding the movement of others, it will be permitted.

As far as animals, it is fine to bring dogs or cats as long as they are in carriers. Tigers and other exotic animals will not be permitted.

Whitney asks: I live just off Sahara Avenue, and I noticed in the past month or two that construction was started on bus stop remodel. That seemed fine. What I cannot understand is why all the sidewalks are being torn up and replaced. All along Sahara, perfectly good sidewalks and driveways to businesses are ripped up and replaced with new ones. I cannot believe that when money is so important these days, why this is necessary. Maybe it's part of the president's foolish stimulus program?

I'm not going to say boo about whether it's foolish, but you hit the nail on the head with the stimulus assumption. Not only is the RTC creating bus lanes in each direction, but it also is widening the sidewalks to allow for bus shelters. The wider sidewalks also will allow for more attractive landscaping.

The RTC got the federal Transportation Infrastructure Generating Economic Recovery grant out of 1,400 applicants. The price tag on the project is $40 million, and it created 500 jobs, none of them government positions.

If you have a question, tip or tirade, call Adrienne Packer at 702-387-2904, or send an email to roadwarrior@
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