CAT riders top mark of 3.2 million

Tuesday, Feb. 18, 1997 | 11:59 a.m.

Citizens Area Transit has broken the 3 million barrier in monthly riders, thanks to a nearly 31 percent increase in January from a year ago.

The Regional Transportation Commission said Monday that 3,222,227 people rode the buses in January. The figure was up by 757,538 riders from January 1996.

"We are exceptionally pleased with the continued growth," said RTC Director Kurt Weinrich. "CAT has become an integral part of our community and we continually strive to enhance and strengthen the services CAT provides."

The CAT buses will need to continue that rate of growth in order to justify the system's latest upgrade -- 23 new 86-seat buses. When they are all in service, the buses will have the capacity to carry 1,978 additional riders a day.

The 60-foot buses were purchased for $8.9 million. Of that amount, $6.8 million came from a federal grant received by the RTC, and the balance from previously budgeted RTC money.

The winning bid for the new buses was submitted by North American Bus Industries, which promised delivery within 40 weeks. The industry standard, says the RTC, is 52-108 weeks.

"With the continued demand on the CAT fleet ... the ability to provide an expedited delivery date was crucial in the decision for contract award," Weinrich said.

The new buses will bring the CAT fleet to 212, including 177 42-seaters and 35 86-seaters.

CAT serves 40 routes in Las Vegas, Henderson, North Las Vegas, Boulder City, Laughlin and Mesquite.