The Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) of Washoe County, Nev., awarded a contract to Keolis to operate and maintain its fixed-route bus service RTC RIDE, which serves the greater Reno/Sparks area. Keolis reports that more than seven million passengers annually, including more than 20,000 weekday riders on 56 peak-operated vehicles, use the RIDE service.
Keolis will take over service on July 1, 2019, but says its employees have already begun the engagement process with the community to ensure a smooth transition. RTC RIDE is comprised of 27 routes and Keolis will be responsible for vehicle operation maintenance and repair, customer service, workforce development and training.
“Keolis and the RTC share a similar vision for the future of transportation in Washoe County; we see a system with tremendous potential and a partner with a willingness to incorporate innovative transportation solutions to make a positive and sustainable impact on the community,” said Keolis Transit America President and CEO Steve Shaw. “We will be a collaborative partner with both the RTC and the Truckee Meadows community to continuously improve the passenger transport experience in Northern Nevada. We thank the RTC for putting their trust in Keolis.”
The RTC added its first electric bus in 2019 and plans to eventually convert to an all-electric fleet and incorporate new transportation modes, into its network to improve and expand service offerings for the community. In close collaboration with the RTC, Keolis says it welcomes the opportunity to support the 2040 Regional Transportation Plan, which includes fostering safe and healthy communities, incorporating more sustainable transportation options, increasing passenger travel choices and supporting economic development and diversification in Washoe County.
“We believe in transportation as a catalyst for developing economic opportunities that are sustainable and meet the community’s present and future needs. The RTC aims to inspire, innovate and implement an integrated, efficient regional transportation system.” said RTC Executive Director Lee Gibson. “We are excited to partner with Keolis since they are closely aligned with our long-term transportation vision based around people, safety, extensive collaboration with the community and federal, state and local partner agencies to sustain and enhance our valued quality of life.”
