The Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada (RTC), City of Henderson, and Henderson Chamber of Commerce recently celebrated the launch of new transit Route 122 (South Maryland Parkway/Horizon Ridge) in the southeast valley that provides better access to public transit for the area’s 65,000 residents and 33,000 jobs located within a half-mile of the route.
“An effective and accessible public transportation system is critical to enhancing mobility, supporting commerce and improving our community,” said City of Henderson Councilwoman and RTC Vice Chair Debra March. “It has been more than three years since new or enhanced transit service was introduced to the Henderson community. Since then, Henderson has welcomed many new residents and businesses, resulting in higher demand for transportation options and making now the right time to launch Route 122.”
Route 122 connects Green Valley Ranch Hotel & Casino and The District and the RTC’s South Strip Transfer Terminal. Popular community destinations along the route include Paseo Verde Library, Henderson Multigenerational Center, medical facilities, several shopping centers, entertainment venues and multiple high-density residential areas.
Henderson Chamber of Commerce CEO Scott Muelrath highlighted the rebounding economy and numerous jobs located along Route 122.
“Public transportation is vital to Las Vegas, Henderson and area residents and to the overall economic growth of the region,” said Muelrath. “Approximately 60 percent of all transit trips are made to or from work and home. We have a large population in Southern Nevada that relies on transit for their economic livelihood, and this new route will serve thousands of residents living and working in Henderson.”
Through Saturday, Nov. 12, the RTC encourages residents to try Route 122 free of charge. Service on Route 122 runs every 30 minutes during weekday daytime hours and once every hour during evening hours and weekends.
For University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) student and transit rider Kaylan Poindexter, the new route will drastically reduce her commute time, as well as her mother’s, who works at McCarran International Airport. The RTC transit system helps Poindexter get to school and shopping so she can live her life without a car.
“Approximately 50 percent of RTC transit riders are between the ages of 18 to 34, just like me,” said Poindexter. “About 67 percent of RTC customers don’t own a personal vehicle, and more than half don’t have a driver’s license. Providing public transit is so important to helping people get around the valley. I am glad that the RTC has added this new route, which will certainly improve my daily commute tremendously.”
The RTC’s system-wide service changes, which became effective Nov. 6, affect 27 routes and add a total of 70,000 service hours. Changes include increasing frequency on 10 routes, expanding earlier morning and later evening service on 10 routes, and extending or modifying six routes to better serve customers.
March also recognized active military service members and veterans, who will receive complimentary rides on any RTC fixed-route service on Veterans Day, Nov. 11, from midnight to 11:59 p.m. with a military or veterans’ identification card from any state.
