Figure 2-1: max system schematic map
2.1 Project and Corridor Description
MAX Las Vegas Boulevard North is a 7.5-mile, limited-stop transit line operating along Las Vegas Boulevard North between the Downtown Transportation Center (DTC) in downtown Las Vegas and Nellis Air Force Base at Craig Road. Prior to the start of MAX service on June 30, 2004, RTC’s Citizens Area Transit (CAT) operated Route 113 along the same corridor. MAX is an overlay express route that enhances, but does not replace, the preexisting local bus service, Route 113. Prior to the introduction of MAX, Route 113 was one of the most heavily used routes in the CAT system, operating on 15-minute headways. MAX runs in a transit-only lane for 4.5 miles and in mixed traffic for about 3 miles.
MAX includes each of the major elements defined in CBRT report, specifically:
-
Exclusive bus lanes
-
Stations with raised curbs and passenger amenities
-
Distinctive vehicles with low-floor boarding, multiple doors, and optical guidance
-
Off board fare payment
-
ITS
-
Frequent and rapid service
-
Branding and marketing
Most of the MAX project elements were implemented on opening day of the service, although the bus-only lane had already been in use on Route 113 since Fall 2003. After opening day, however, RTC adjusted the service somewhat, including an increase in MAX service frequency, a reduction in Route 113 service frequency, and the addition of a pair of MAX stations to facilitate transfers at Lake Mead Boulevard.
The Las Vegas Boulevard North corridor runs northeast from downtown Las Vegas, with service beginning at the Downtown Transportation Center (DTC). The right of way consists of a major arterial roadway, generally with two lanes in each direction and turning lanes at major signalized intersections. Land uses along the corridor primarily consist of strip and box store-type development. Small lot, low-cost residential neighborhoods are approximately one block away from the Boulevard. The population along the corridor is largely transportation disadvantaged with a high propensity for transit use.
2.2 Running Ways
MAX
runs in an exclusive curbside bus lane for 4.5 miles of its 7.5 mile
route with the remainder of the route operating in mixed traffic. The
Nevada DOT converted a breakdown lane to a bus-only lane at the
request of RTC; this was completed as part of the Boulevard
reconstruction project. Stations are at the curb, except for the
Downtown Transportation Center. Bus route 113 has a similar, but not
identical, route, and uses the same curbside bus lane. There are 23
signalized intersections a
Figure 2-2: More than half of max’s 7.5 mile route is an exclusive curbside bus lane
2.3 Stations
MAX Las Vegas Boulevard North has 11 stations in each direction, plus the southern terminus (Downtown Transportation Center). At the northern terminus of the route, there is a drop-off only stop at the Walmart store on Nellis Blvd. All MAX stations are ADA-compliant and were designed to enhance customer comfort and convenience, promote system identity, and attract ridership. The station design features include elevated boarding areas, ticket vending machines, soda vending machines, sun and rain protection, benches and design treatments to facilitate blind and wheelchair-using customers (see Figure 2-1).
RTC added north- and south-bound stations at the intersection of Lake Mead and Las Vegas Boulevards in April 2005 to facilitate transfers to and from Route 210. These two stations have a different, less expensive, waiting area design compared to the original stations. Although some of the design features of the other MAX stations were not retained, the Lake Mead stations are equipped with similar passenger and ADA amenities including TVM’s. Other features such as a raised curb for level boarding are more typical of a bus shelter (see Figure 2-3).
