MGM on board with RTC ride plan

Wednesday, June 21, 2000 | 10:49 a.m.

The Las Vegas Valley bus system could gain thousands of new riders this week when one of the valley's largest employers signs on to promote ride sharing.

The MGM Grand hotel-casino and the Regional Transportation Commission will inaugurate the promotion Friday for the megaresort's 8,000 employees. The RTC's CAT MATCH program is a trip-reduction incentive that offers employees prizes, shopping discounts and free emergency rides in exchange for riding the bus, car pooling, walking or biking to work.

According to the RTC, the MGM's "cast of characters" will kick off the company's participation with a ride-sharing demonstration.

"It's actually an honor for us for such a large employer as the MGM to be involved," said Ingrid Yocum, RTC spokeswoman. "It really helps to promote the program and helps other employers to see how this could work for their business."

Yocum said the incentives the employees receive could be considered an added benefit for employees.

The RTC is promoting the CAT MATCH program as part of an overall strategy to cut traffic congestion and air pollution by cutting the number of cars on the road.