RTC SNV’s Maryland Parkway BRT project receives $150 million boost

Credit: Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada

In a significant development for transportation infrastructure in Las Vegas, the Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada (RTC SNV) has announced that a pivotal investment has been secured to enhance the Maryland Parkway corridor, a vital link within the city’s transit network.

At a recent official ceremony held at the UNLV Transit Center, attended by key stakeholders including members of Nevada’s federal delegation, RTC SNV officials and UNLV leadership, Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Acting Administrator Veronica Vanterpool announced the allocation of nearly $150 million towards the Maryland Parkway bus rapid transit (BRT) project.

This substantial grant, presented by Vanterpool on behalf of FTA, represents close to half of the total funding required for the transformative project. Set to commence construction in Summer 2024, the Maryland Parkway BRT project aims to revolutionise mobility and safety across a 13-mile corridor that encompasses major destinations like the Harry Reid International Airport, UNLV, Boulevard Mall and Sunrise Hospital.

The project will introduce a suite of improvements, including state-of-the-art transit shelters, hydrogen fuel cell electric buses, upgraded traffic infrastructure, landscaping enhancements, shared bus-bike lanes and expanded pedestrian facilities. By prioritising safety and accessibility for motorists, cyclists, pedestrians and transit users alike, this initiative is poised to foster redevelopment opportunities and attract future investments.

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“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.”

“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 SNV CEO. “Maryland Parkway’s value as a major corridor that connects residents to jobs, education, medical services, shopping and neighbourhood services, cannot be overstated.”  

With construction set to commence imminently and conclude by 2026, the Maryland Parkway BRT project promises to revolutionise travel experiences for the city’s residents and visitors alike, ushering in a new era of efficient, sustainable transit.