MAX rapid transit takes to the streets

Beth Slovic

Thursday, July 1, 2004 | 9:43 a.m.

The kick-off event marking the opening Wednesday of the $19.4 million Metropolitan Area Express, the rapid-transit bus system also known as MAX, struck a distinctly American note, despite the system's European origins.

Designed and manufactured in France, the fleet of 10 futuristic buses now connecting 20 northbound and southbound stations between Nellis Air Force Base and downtown Las Vegas are the first of their kind to hit the pavement in the United States, prompting Rep. Shelley Berkley, D-Nev., to christen the fleet "Freedom Buses."

In the parking lot of Vons Shopping Center on the corner of Las Vegas Boulevard and Cheyenne Avenue, the festive event included patriotic singing, a military presentation of colors and a moment of silence for the soldiers who have died in Iraq.

The super buses had been scheduled to run beginning in March, but computer problems delayed the opening.

Surrounded by red, white and blue balloons, politicians and government administrators at the event kept the crowd's attention on the new transportation system, a cross between a fast bus and a train that uses an optical guidance system to direct its route along specially designated lanes.

"Is it a bus? Or is it a train?," asked Jacob Snow, the general manager for the Regional Transportation Commission and the emcee for the event. "You'll have to ride it to decide."

But getting residents to ride MAX may prove challenging.

Ingrid Reisman, spokeswoman for the transportation commission, would not give an estimate for potential ridership. But she said the current bus route that runs along the MAX line carries 9,000 people a day.

Officials at the ceremony gave upbeat sales pitches, hoping to increase that number.

"Not only do I want you to commit to riding this system, I want you to commit to convincing five to 10 of your friends to ride the system as well," Leslie Rogers, the regional administrator for the Federal Transit Administration, told the crowd of nearly 150 people.

Kevin Glenn, a resident of North Las Vegas who works setting up and tearing down exhibits at the Las Vegas Convention Center, was already convinced.

While touring one of the new buses, Glenn said several years ago he used to be able to get to work quickly from his house in North Las Vegas.

"Now it's ridiculous," Glenn said.

Members of the Sierra Club, an environmental group, echoed Glenn's sentiments. Several members said they welcomed measures that reduced traffic.

So did County Commissioner Bruce Woodbury, who is also chairman of the Regional Transportation Commission.

"Bus service alone is just not going to get it done," Woodbury said.

Sen. Harry Reid spoke and thanked Rep. Shelley Berkley, whose district includes North Las Vegas and who sits on the congressional transportation committee, for securing federal funding for the project.

The new system is not without a few glitches, though it represents a huge win for residents along the route.

Representatives from Neva dans for Equal Access, a group that works to protect the rights of individuals with disabilities, criticized city planners because some of the new MAX stations lacked sidewalk access.

"If you're at the designated bus stop the bus is great, but getting to or away from the bus stop is what we're complaining about," said Paul R. Martin, the group's president.

Along Las Vegas Boulevard, the blocks between Nellis Boulevard and Cheyenne Avenue do not have continuous sidewalks, making it difficult for people in wheelchairs to use the buses.

A one-way ticket to ride MAX costs $1.25, the same as regular bus service. A reduced fare of 60 cents is available to those who qualify. One-day and 30-day passes are also available at a regular cost of $5 and $30 respectively. Eligible passengers can also purchase the 30-day pass at a reduced cost of $15.

Riders can purchase tickets using cash or credit and debit cards at automated kiosks at all 20 stations.

The system operates daily from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.