RTC installs heat-resistant bus stops

Northeast Las Vegas, Oct. 29. The Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada unveiled its first dual-direction bus shelter Thursday morning at the Robert E. Price Recreation Center. The new structure features bench seating on both sides of the canopy. This design allows riders to move to the shaded side as the sun moves across the sky. The shelter provides roughly 40 percent more shade coverage than older models.

The installation marks the beginning of a regional rollout for 105 upgraded shelters. The project is funded by $1.35 million in federal Community Project Funding. U.S. Senators Catherine Cortez Masto and Jacky Rosen secured the money. Representatives Dina Titus, Susie Lee, and Steven Horsford also supported the initiative. The shelters include solar-powered overhead lighting to improve visibility for commuters traveling before dawn or late at night.

Rider data drove the design changes. The RTC conducted a recent Extreme Heat and Public Transit Survey that polled more than 1,300 people. Fifty-seven percent of respondents said extreme desert heat affects them most while waiting at bus stops. Agency leaders stated that the new shelters directly address these findings to reduce physical strain on commuters.

Caleb Jackson, a UNLV freshman, spoke at the unveiling. He has used public transit since elementary school. Jackson described the difficulty of his hour-plus commute. He said, “Waiting for the bus in the heat makes you question if you want to actually take the bus or not. But for me, I have no choice.” He noted that sitting in direct sunlight causes exhaustion. Jackson added that the new lighting helps with safety for those who get home very late at night.

The RTC serves more than 200,000 residents in Southern Nevada. The system generates more than 58 million passenger trips annually. Survey data shows that nearly nine out of ten riders are either employed or actively seeking work. Lawmakers framed the infrastructure update as an economic necessity and a public health priority for the region.

Rep. Dina Titus stated that 42 of the 105 planned shelters will be located in Nevada’s 1st Congressional District. This area contains the valley’s densest urban core. The RTC will prioritize high-ridership corridors and historically underserved neighborhoods for the remaining installations over the coming months. The agency aims to distribute the shelters to maximize access for daily commuters.

The event also honored RTC Chief Executive Officer M.J. Maynard-Carey. Congressional leaders praised her long-standing leadership and service to Southern Nevada commuters. Maynard-Carey is preparing for her upcoming retirement. The dual-direction shelters represent the first phase of a multi-month installation process across the valley.