Light rail is a long overdue solution for the Las Vegas Valley
By Noah Fischel
November 12th, 2023
Nevada Independent
"In the glittering expanse of the Las Vegas Valley, a pressing transportation issue remains primarily unaddressed. Despite being a central metropolitan hub that attracts millions of tourists each year, the valley lacks an essential component of modern urban transportation networks: a light rail or tram public transit option. As the backbone of a city's infrastructure, public transit facilitates the daily commute, shaping the urban landscape and the fabric of community life.
The Las Vegas Valley remains the only large metro region in the Mountain West without a developed light rail system. In a city where transportation should be smooth and efficient to cater to locals and tourists, relying on cars, buses, the limited Las Vegas Monorail, or even The Boring Company's emergency-exit-free tunnels is not just inadequate — it's an insult to progress. Implementing light rail would also serve as a testament to Las Vegas' commitment to sustainable and accessible urban development.
The argument for light rail becomes even more compelling when we look at successful implementations such as the one in Salt Lake City, Utah. The initial phase of its TRAX system, spanning roughly 15 miles from Sandy to Downtown Salt Lake, cost a mere $312 million. Salt Lake City has roughly less than one-third (31 percent) of the population of Las Vegas and was able to mark 1 million riders just two years into operation, and increase to 10 times that amount a year later..."
https://thenevadaindependent.com/art...s-vegas-valley
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