Editorial: Mass transit inevitable

Friday, Aug. 26, 2005 | 4:52 a.m.

WEEKEND EDITION

August 27-28, 2005

A committee appointed by the Regional Transportation Commission to study increased mass transit opportunities for the Las Vegas Valley, including a light rail system connecting Henderson, Las Vegas and North Las Vegas, will begin evaluating possible routes next month. Four public hearings will be held next month as well, and several have already been held on this issue. Many people have expressed concern about the impact that a light rail system or increased use of Metropolitan Area Express buses would have on their neighborhoods.

We believe expanded mass transit is inevitable for the Las Vegas Valley, whose nation-leading growth will continue for the foreseeable future. Issues of residential impact were resolved before work began on the beltway and we believe they can be resolved for mass transit as well. In another 10 or 15 years, there won't be room on the highways for everybody, and with gas prices going the way they are, efficient mass transit will be welcome.

The RTC is approaching the issue correctly by holding public hearings and striving to develop a plan with the fewest impacts. Looking 20 years into the future (provided that planning goes forward) we see the valley being well served by either light rail or expanded MAX buses, or both.