RTC and Southern Nevada Strong Receive ‘Green Award’

July 28, 2015

The Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada (RTC) was recognized on July 24, by the Las Vegas Business Press for its green initiatives in the public agency category. Presented with the “Green Award,” the RTC took home the trophy for its continued commitment to creating a “quicker, cleaner, greener” Southern Nevada by transitioning its entire fleet to more compressed natural gas (CNG) transit vehicles.

The RTC recently committed to purchase up to 305 CNG vehicles and become 100 percent CNG-powered by 2022. Transitioning its entire transit fleet to CNG, including its Paratransit vehicles, has both significant environmental and economic benefits. Operating at one-third the cost of a diesel-powered vehicle, CNG vehicles cost approximately 65 cents per mile to operate versus $1.50 per mile.

“We carry nearly 62 million passengers on our fixed-route vehicles every year,” said Tina Quigley, RTC general manager. “A transition to CNG fleet is not only a benefit for those who use our public transit system, but a transition to create a more sustainable community for everyone in Southern Nevada.”

As a public agency that oversees public transportation, traffic management, roadway design and construction funding, and transportation planning, the RTC is committed to promoting all modes of sustainable transportation.

In addition to the RTC’s win, Southern Nevada Strong (SNS) received a ‘Green Award” in the innovation category. Southern Nevada’s first federally recognized regional plan, SNS is a collaborative blueprint for creating complete communities that include increased access to quality education, affordable housing, employment opportunities and viable transportation choices. Earlier this year, the RTC became the administrator of the plan and is working with regional partners on its implementation that will ultimately improve Southern Nevada’s quality of life and economic competitiveness. 

“One of the most important innovations of Southern Nevada Strong has been the regional collaboration that occurred to put this plan together,” said City of Henderson Councilwoman and RTC Vice Chair Debra March. “SNS received an incredible response from the community and we are so excited to see the RTC, along with the regional partners administer the regional plan and implement its recommendations.”

The Las Vegas Business Press presents the “Green Award” to leading businesses, executives, innovators and green campaigners from across Southern Nevada to highlight how these pioneers are driving the emergence of sustainable new business models and technologies.