Agencies hope to spend week cleaning the air

Tuesday, March 24, 1998 | 10:08 a.m.

Getting behind the wheel is a habit the Regional Transportation Commission hopes people will avoid this week.

The RTC, in partnership with Clark County Comprehensive Planning and the Health District, are promoting March 23-27 as "Clean Air Week."

Alternative means of transportation are being suggested to help cut down on the Las Vegas Valley's mounting air pollution problems.

"For $20 a month, you get unlimited rides on CAT (Citizens Area Transit buses)," Kurt Weinrich, director of the RTC, said. "If you ride for cash, it's a $1 a ride and transfers are free. You can't drive any place for that."

Besides using the bus, Weinrich said people are being urged to ride their bicycles this week or car pool.

About 60 percent of the people on the Las Vegas Strip are people going to work, Weinrich said, and if more people car pooled that would reduce traffic considerably.

These tips are also suggested for reducing air pollution in Las Vegas:

* consolidate errands and reduce the number of automobile vehicle starts;

* bike to work or bike and use the CAT bus;

* walk to the store and walk to lunch;

* and time travel between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.

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