Futuristic bus planned for Southern Nevada

Monday, Oct. 23, 2000 | 4:20 a.m.

The transportation commission is working on plans to test a French-made, electric-powered Civis bus with an optical guidance system along the northern section of Las Vegas Boulevard. Service would begin in April 2002.

Civis looks and operates more like a train or monorail than a conventional bus. It has a low floor, allowing passengers to step from the bus platform directly into the vehicle and providing easier access for wheelchair users.

Like a train, passengers will be able to board the bus through several doors using prepaid tickets. That cuts down on time at each stop, officials said. The bus has capacity for 30 to 40 more passengers than current models.

Civis will have a driver but will run in its own lane steered by an optical guidance system. A camera behind the windshield will read marks on the road that trace the route. If the bus strays from the marks, the sensor automatically steers the vehicle back on course.

The designated lane isn't the only feature that will speed the bus through traffic. It also will include a device that extends a green light when the bus approaches an intersection, similar to devices used by emergency vehicles.

Officials expect such advantages over regular buses will increase ridership, reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality.

The commission will buy five buses and if the project is a success it will extend the service. Because the bus runs on conventional roads and doesn't require the installation of heavy infrastructure, it can be installed on a progressive basis.

The test project will be paid for using $4.5 million in federal transportation funds and some state and local funds.