Transit center planned for UNLV campus

July 26, 2010 by Fantasi Pridgon 

Federal grant funds construction of new multi-mode station

Commuting to and from the UNLV main campus will become more convenient in the near future thanks to upcoming developments in public transportation.

The Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada (RTC) has received a $2.7 million grant to build a new transit center, which will be located west of Maryland Parkway on University Road.

Construction is projected to begin in 2011.

Funding for the transit center is being provided by the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Federal Transit Administration’s Bus and Bus Livability Grant Program, which awarded a total of $163 million to 47 projects across the United States.

RTC – the transit authority, transportation planning agency and regional traffic management agency for Southern Nevada – recognized UNLV as an ideal location for the transit center.

The UNLV Multimodal Transit Center will allow riders to connect to several different transit routes that serve the campus from a single location.

“The facility will be served by some of the busiest routes in the RTC’s transit system, providing a convenient way for riders to access the routes that best meet their transportation needs,” said RTC general manager Jacob Snow.

Several RTC Transit routes already serve UNLV, but the routes currently stop at various places on the exterior of the campus, creating long walks for students, faculty and visitors.

“This new all-in-one location will make it even more convenient for UNLV students and staff to commute to class or leave their car at home and take transit to a Rebel game at the Thomas & Mack or a special event on campus,” said Congresswoman Shelley Berkley. “Transit is convenient, affordable and helps to reduce congestion and protect air quality and I will continue to support additional investments in the Valley’s public transportation network.”

Congresswoman Dina Titus sees the addition of the forthcoming RTC Multimodal Transit Center as a great asset to the university.
“The new transit hub at UNLV will complement current transit services by helping Southern Nevada students get to class and workers get to their jobs,” Titus said. “I applaud the RTC and UNLV for their commitment to improving the livability of our community through investing in transit, a commitment I have long shared.”

RTC will develop the design of the center in cooperation with UNLV. According to RTC’s website, the organization’s vision is “to provide a safe, convenient and effective regional transportation system that enhances mobility and air quality for citizens and visitors.”