Well-Managed Bus Rapid Transit in Las Vegas

    MAX, North America’s first BRT, was launched in Las Vegas in June 2004 by Veolia and the Regional Transit Commission. MAX operates on one of the city’s busiest corridors – a 7.5 mile portion of the Las Vegas Boulevard, stretching from downtown to North Las Vegas.

    MAX is designed for speed, convenience and safety. The service is provided exclusively by high-capacity Civis Diesel-electric buses. The vehicles feature large windows, and offer passengers a sleek, modern rail-like look and ride. Multiple wide doors, combined with innovative off-board ticketing systems, allow for quick passenger entry and exit. MAX’s average stop time is less than one minute. Traffic signal prioritization is used to give MAX buses green-light priority through intersections, further optimizing travel time. MAX carries 70 passengers per service hour, nearly 2.5 times the US average.

    All MAX vehicles are equipped with Automated Passenger Counter sensors, Automated Vehicle Locator and Computer-Aided Dispatch systems.

    The MAX line has 22 attractive stations with connections to fixed route services. At peak times, buses run every 12 minutes. More than 2.5 million passengers are carried every year, and the MAX has operated accident-free for more than 3 years.

    The successful partnership behind the launch of the MAX line continues today. Veolia Transportation operates and maintains the service, and manages the highly technical and customized maintenance the vehicles require. We partner with the Regional Transit Commission to implement new technology and services.

    A second BRT line, the ACE Downtown Connector, is scheduled to begin operating in late 2009.

    We move passengers in Las Vegas with speed and efficiency on the MAX BRT.
    Bus Rapid Transit systems are a cost-effective solution to fight urban congestion. BRT delivers what passengers want: more frequent service, shorter wait times, greater coverage, and connections to key bus routes.

    Well-designed BRT systems enable a transit authority to carry more passengers more quickly, comfortably and reliably. This has been the goal of our client in Las Vegas, the Regional Transportation Commission (RTC), and we have supported them in achieving this goal. Following are some of the essential ingredients in MAX’s success:

    • The right vehicles: MAX uses high-capacity buses, equipped with 4 wide doors for quick entry and exit.
    • High frequency: At peak times, buses run every 12 minutes.
    • Off-board ticketing: Passengers can buy their tickets beforehand and board quickly.
    • Quick stops, fewer stops: Thanks to fewer stops, dedicated lanes and an average stop time of less than one minute, MAX completes its route in one-third less time than a parallel conventional bus service.
    • Priority lanes and signals: Dedicated BRT lanes and traffic signal priority systems mean MAX minimizes waiting in traffic.