The Regional Transportation ­Commission of Southern Nevada (RTC) announced a bus stop safety improvement effort, funded with a $2.3 million FTA grant, at a Feb. 24 media event in Las Vegas attended by Rep. Dina Titus (D-NV).

RTC officials explained that the agency will use the money, from an FTA formula grant for public transit enhancement projects, to move back or install 150 new and improved bus shelters and 130 benches and trash cans this year. This is the third phase of the program, encompassing bus stops in Clark County, Las Vegas, North Las Vegas, and Henderson.

Representatives of Wells Fargo, The Home Depot, and The Siegel Group attended the event to announce that they will contribute right-of-way for bus stops near locations they own.

Since 2008, RTC has spent about $15 million on bus stop improvements that include placing bus shelters behind sidewalks and conducting a safety study. The study determined the best and most cost-effective way to enhance safety is to move transit shelters at least five feet from the street, whenever feasible. One challenge in installing or moving bus stops away from the sidewalk is the availability of right-of-way.

In 2007, the Nevada State Legislature passed a law to allow RTC to put bus stops on public property and on utility easements. This has helped, but it is not possible at all bus stops, particularly in older communities.

“These efforts are a work in progress,” said RTC General Manager Tina Quigley, “and we look forward to continuing to work with our public and private partners to move back shelters throughout our community.”

Participants in the bus stop safety media event, from left: Mike Tisdale, vice president of residential operations, The Siegel Group; Angelica Pulido-Hull, district manager, Wells Fargo; Gary White, store manager, The Home Depot; Rep. Dina Titus;  City of Henderson Councilwoman Debra March; and RTC General Manager Tina Quigley. Photo courtesy of RTC