KOLO TV and the Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) have created a new weekly news segment focused on transportation in the Truckee Meadows. “The Road Ahead with RTC” airs on Tuesdays at 6:20AM during “Daybreak.” This weekly news segment will feature experts discussing a wide range of transportation issues. Following each broadcast, webcasts of each interview will be available here on the web channel for at least one month.
The Road Ahead with RTC
June 30: Taking Transit to the Farmer’s MarketGreg Von Schottenstein, special events supervisor for the City of Sparks, shares what’s new at the Sparks Hometown Farmer’s Market and the new transit neighbor that makes it easier than ever to get to the weekly event.
June 26: Bond Offering Issued to Fund Road Projects
RTC Chief Financial Officer Tom Taelour details how RTC-5 / SB201 is about to translate into new revenue for roadwork and jobs.
June 16: RTC RAPID Launches in October
Derek Morse, RTC interim executive director announces rapid transit on Virginia Street coming in fall 2009.
June 9: Summer Road Safety
Steve Mulvenon, Communications and Community Outreach Director for Washoe County School District reminds us that summertime means kids will be on the streets and on the move.
June 2: Safe Graduation Celebrations
Jim Holmes from the Northern Nevada DUI Task Force discussed keeping the roads safe for everyone during graduation celebrations.
May 26: Senior Adventures Transit Fair on May 28
Public Transportation can provide freedom and independence for area seniors. Chris Campbell, RTC Marketing Administrator, highlights the activities scheduled during the free Transit Fair to be held at RTC CENTENNIAL PLAZA on May 28.
May 19: Public Transportation Advisory Committee Recruitment
David Jickling, Director of Public Transportation details the role RTC advisory committees fill and invites interested viewers to apply to help direct local transportation plans and services.
May 12: Bike to Work Day is Coming
Erin Dixon, chronic disease prevention program coordinator for Washoe County talks about Bike to Work Day – May 15 – and how you can reconnect with those great feelings of joy and freedom you had as a child pedaling a bicycle.
May 5: RTC RIDE Service Change
Roger Hanson, RTC senior transit planner talks about significant changes to RTC RIDE service effective Sunday, May 3.
April 28: Public Meeting Set for Victorian Avenue Rehabilitation Project
RTC Project Manager Warren Call invited the public to learn about an upcoming road project on Victorian Avenue. The informational meeting will be held on Thursday, April 30 at RTC CENTENNIAL PLAZA from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
April 21: Make Every Day Earth Day
People are going green in many ways – including choosing green transportation options. Christine Campbell, RTC Marketing Administrator, highlights the many ways you can make a difference when you share a ride or leave the car at home.
April 14: Taking You Out to the Ballgame
The first game at Aces Ballpark is April 17, and the best way to get to the game is on public transit. Felicia Archer, RTC public information officer, shares ideas to avoid parking and traffic and enjoy the ride.
April 7: New Reno Transit Center Breaks Ground
Felicia Archer, RTC Public Information Officer, announces the April 10 ground breaking for RTC 4TH STREET STATION transit center in downtown Reno. Construction of the new facility—95 percent paid for with federal funding—will create jobs and support downtown redevelopment.
March 31: RTC-5 Becomes SB 201
Derek Morse, interim executive director of the RTC, tells viewers about progress being made on RTC-5, the ballot question approved in November that will bring much needed road construction to the area
March 24: Building New Jobs in Downtown Reno
Chris Tschirhart, Project Manager for the RTC shares good news about how federal funding will soon bring a much needed new transit facility to downtown Reno.
March 17: Turn Your Commute Into a Service for the Community
Carol Perry, RTC Trip Reduction Specialist, shares a transportation idea that could help others in need and even save someone’s job. By signing up for carpooling with RTC RIDESHARE and offering to share a ride, you can make it possible for someone who may not have a car to still get to work. Someone else might have a car and need to share the costs of driving. Ridesharing could make us all better neighbors.
March 10: St. Patrick’s Day Safe Ride Home Program
Connie Wray, the radio voice of “Bill and Connie” on ALICE 96.5 tells us how this year on St. Patrick’s Day we can all make it a safe celebration by thinking green and riding blue.
March 3: Open House Scheduled for Pyramid-US 395 Connection Project
Doug Maloy, project manager for the RTC, oversees the plan that considers capacity improvement on Pyramid Highway. He discusses the upcoming public open house for a possible new connection to U.S. 395 on the north side of town.
February 24: Economic Stimulus for Road Projects
Bob Russell, engineering director for the RTC, details how the federal stimulus plan and legislative approval of RTC-5 will pump money, jobs and new roads into our region.
February 17: RTC Reduces Expenses to Preserve Services As Much As Possible
Tom Taelour, director of finance for the RTC, details the measures RTC has taken to keep pace with these trying economic times.
February 10: What RTC-5 Means to the Construction Industry
John Madole, executive director of the Nevada Chapter of the Associated General Contractors, comments on the upcoming construction season and what legislative approval of RTC-5 would mean to AGC members.
February 3: RTC-5 Approval Would Create Jobs
Legislative approval of RTC-5--a ballot question approved by voters in November--would allow RTC to create 3,000 jobs and better roads. Felicia Archer, RTC public information officer, shares the economic good news.
January 27: RTC ACCESS Service Cuts Possible
As RTC’s paratransit administrator, Lea Rogers oversees RTC ACCESS service for people with disabilities. She discusses the cuts under consideration and how RTC is trying to lessen the impact to people who rely on the valuable service.
January 19: First Transit Service Changes Decided by RTC Board
Felicia Archer, RTC Public Information Officer, discusses public input received regarding possible transit service cuts and the recent RTC Board decision to change RTC SIERRA SPIRIT and RTC INTERCITY schedules.
January 13: Traffic Signal Improvement Project Continues
Jim Poston, RTC traffic engineer, shares good news about synchronizing traffic signals around town.
January 6: Public Meetings Input Requested
Felicia Archer, public information officer for RTC, announces public meetings regarding possible transit service cuts. Community input is important as the RTC Board considers up to 25% reduction in public transit services. The cuts are needed in response to decreasing sales tax revenue and the defeat of RTC-2, the ballot question for transit.
December 30: Ride Free on New Year’s Eve
Angela White, RTC Director of Marketing and Communications, details the New Year’s Eve Safe Ride Home program. Generous community sponsors are fully funding free trips on RTC RIDE on New Year’s Eve from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m.
December 23: Pyramid/McCarran Intersection Improvements Approved
RTC Senior Engineer Bill Vann describes action taken by RTC Commissioners to provide an easier drive for commuters through the Pyramid Highway and McCarran Blvd. intersection.
December 16: Transit Service Cuts Considered
RTC Executive Director Greg Krause discusses tough decisions needed to balance the budget. The public is encouraged to attend important upcoming meetings about transit service cuts being considered
December 9: Food for Fare
Everyone can participate in an RTC program that stocks the cupboards so others don’t go hungry this season. Doris Phelps from the Food Bank of Northern Nevada describes the partnership with the RTC which provides free bus rides around town with a food donation. You can participate even if you don’t ride transit.
December 2: Operating Transit Safely in Winter Weather
RTC RIDE transit supervisor Paul Earnshaw reveals how RTC prepares for winter weather. Just how do you keep 26,000 pounds of metal moving safely on snow and ice?
November 24: Camp Christmas and the RTC Toyland Express
Major Doug Williams discusses an event that lets you fill a bus with holiday spirit. Bring toys and gifts to Camp Christmas at the Atlantis from Nov. 28 – 30 to benefit our neighbors in need.
November 18: Easiest Way to Get to the Game
Keith Hackett, associate athletic director for the University of Nevada, shares tips on how to make traveling to Wolf Pack basketball a slam dunk.
November 11: Serve on the RTC Citizens Advisory Committee
Jack Lorbeer, RTC Planner, presents opportunities for the public to share their ideas about transportation in the community. RTC is recruiting new members for the Citizens Advisory Committee. Applications are due Friday, November 21, 2008.
November 4: Taking Transit to Work
Larry Harvey, executive vice president of human resources and risk management for John Ascuaga’s Nugget discusses how employers win when the buses roll.
October 28: Transportation Funding Challenges
Greg Krause, RTC Executive Director, reviews two transportation questions Washoe County voters will decide on November 4th.
October 21: RTC CENTENNIAL PLAZA Grand Opening
Just hours before the grand opening celebration of RTC CENTENNIAL PLAZA, KOLO TV's Danita Cohen joins Angela White, RTC Director of Marketing, to view the new Sparks transit center and discuss future transit funding.
October 14: Upcoming RTC RIDE Service Change
RTC Director of Public Transportation David Jickling, discusses the October 26th transit service change and the opening of RTC CENTENNIAL PLAZA in Sparks.
October 7: The Bus Roadeo
Each year RTC RIDE hosts a big Roadeo – and it doesn’t involve horses. Paul Earnshaw, safety and training coordinator for First Transit of Washoe talks about the wrangling that will occur at the Bus Roadeo. This public event packs some heavy-duty horsepower—36,000 pounds to be exact.
September 30: Transit Volunteers
Are you a new transit rider? Transit Information Providers at RTC CITICENTER are available to answer your questions. Mario Trinidad, RTC Passenger Services Supervisor, discusses this volunteer program that helps new passengers navigate the RTC RIDE system.
September 23: New Bus Fare Discounts
Roger Hanson, senior transit planner for RTC, shares information about bus passes, a discounted way to pay bus fares, now available for cash, coin, debit or credit using pass vending machines at CitiCenter.
September 16: Bus Services Online
Joel Gardner, from First Transit Washoe, which operates RTC RIDE, discusses a new way to check on your bus service using the web. RTC’s new transit alerts are posted here.
September 9: Public Art and Public Works
Michael Moreno, RTC’s community outreach officer, discusses the unique public art elements of the new RTC CENTENNIAL PLAZA transit center opening in October in Sparks.
September 2: Pajama Party at the Balloon Race
Steve Trounday, Great Reno Balloon Race president invites everyone to stay in their pajamas, board the RTC RIDE express service to the Balloon Race, and have fun at the World’s Largest Pajama Party.
August 26: The Easiest Way to Get to the Game
The Pack is Back. Getting to and from Mackay Stadium for your favorite football game is a snap. Keith Hackett, University of Nevada associate athletic director tells you how to kickoff your season with RTC SIERRA SPIRIT.
August 18: Easing the Commute in Sparks
RTC Director of Engineering Bob Russell discusses one of the region’s busiest intersections, Pyramid Way at McCarran Boulevard, and how the RTC plans to ease your commute.
August 5: Sparks Road Projects Completed
RTC Project Manager Doug Maloy announces the early completion of two road projects on Sparks Boulevard.
July 29: Be Part of History
You can make your mark on RTC CENTENNIAL PLAZA. Felicia Archer, RTC Public Information Officer, provides details about engraved brick pavers you can purchase and personalize with your name or message for placement at the new transit center opening in October.
July 21: Voting on Transit
Tina Nappe, a member of the RTC’s Blue Ribbon Committee, talks about the committee’s recommendation for a November ballot question that would give Washoe County voters a chance to weigh in on much needed local transit funding.
July 15: Planning for Transportation 30 Years in the Future
Derek Morse, RTC Deputy Executive Director, talks about the public’s change to weigh in on what transportation in the future should look like.
July 8: Take Transit to Artown, Downtown and All Around Town
Dave Aiazzi, Reno City Councilman and RTC Commissioner, tells viewers about Reno’s month-long celebration of Artown, what to see and how to get there easily.
July 1: RTC ACCESS 20th Anniversary Celebration
Today, the community celebrates a big anniversary for RTC ACCESS: 20 years of service to the senior and disabled community. Lea Rogers, paratransit administrator for the RTC shares details about this valuable service and the anniversary ceremony.
June 24: The Envirolution Experience
Alex Gamboa of Envirolution Experience discusses the June 29th festival Reno created to help us have fun as we become more environmentally responsible in our personal and professional lives.
June 17: RTC RIDE Labor Negotiations
Mike Steele, general manager of Transit Management of Washoe talks about the possibility of a bus driver strike and what that means to the RTC and its customers.
June 10: Farmer’s Market Park and Ride Express
RTC’s free express service from Reed High School to the Sparks Hometowne Farmer’s Market is the easiest way to enjoy the fun. Greg von Schottenstein, special events supervisor for the City of Sparks, talks about this hassle free way to get to the Market.
June 3: Transportation Funding on the Ballot
Felicia Archer, RTC’s public information officer, discusses the Blue Ribbon Committee’s recommendations for road and transit funding, including two ballot questions voters may consider in November.
May 27: Preparing for Emergencies
When it comes to moving people in an emergency, Rob Reeder is all about being prepared. As Security and Safety Administrator for the RTC, Rob spends his time making sure we are ready when disasters like earthquakes, fires and floods strike, especially when it comes to transportation resources.
May 20: Save Money and Reduce Traffic with RTC SMART TRIPS
With the Memorial Day weekend just ahead, the price of gas is on everyone’s mind. RTC SMART TRIPS helps commuters and their employers take a bite out of transportation costs. Chuck Alvey, who rides the bus to his office as president and CEO of EDAWN, the Economic Development Authority of Western Nevada, shares his experiences using alternative transportation.
May 13: Bike to Work
Burn calories, not carbon. May is Bike to Work Month and Duane Sikorski, chair of the Bike to Work Day Committee, shares information about starting a two-wheeled, non-motorized commute.
May 6: Pyramid Highway – US 395 Connection Project
Last week, we learned about plans to improve the intersection of Pyramid and McCarran in Sparks. Most of the traffic that uses this intersection travels to and from Spanish Springs on the Pyramid Highway. RTC Project Manager Doug Maloy shares long-term plans for easing traffic congestion within the Pyramid Highway Corridor.
April 29: Pyramid / McCarran Intersection Improvements
Traffic congestion at the intersection of Pyramid Way and McCarran Boulevard makes the daily commute last longer for thousands of Sparks residents. Good news is on the way. RTC Project Manager Scott Gibson discusses this intersection improvement project and the need for public input.
April 22: Road Construction Season Has Begun
Watch out for the cone zones; it's road construction season in the Truckee Meadows. Earlier this month, RTC’s Director of Engineering Bob Russell, described how roads are selected for reconstruction. He returns to highlight the projects planned this year.
April 15: Go Green! Ride FREE on Earth Day, April 20th
Earth Day in Reno is celebrated on Sunday, April 20th. One easy way to go green is to leave the car at home and try transit. All trips on RTC RIDE on Earth Day will be free. All day. All around town. Carol Perry, RTC’s trip reduction specialist, lets us know about the free transit day, plus lots of alternative transportation solutions.
April 8: Transportation Safety Fair
If you’re looking for a fun way to teach yourself and your kids the importance of transportation safety, mark April 19th on your calendar. The Nevada Department of Transportation is partnering with the RTC and the Nevada Department of Public Safety to bring the first Transportation Safety Fair to Reno. Public Information Officer for NDOT Scott Magruder shares all the details.
April 1: Regional Road Reconstruction Program
Regional roads connect communities and carry most of the traffic in the Truckee Meadows. Bob Russell, RTC’s Director of Engineering, explains how regional roads are identified and selected for repair and reconstruction.
March 25: Blue Ribbon Committee
The Blue Ribbon Committee for Transportation Funding Issues (BRC) was recently formed by the RTC to consider road recommendations and a funding initiative for the Truckee Meadows. Steve Brown, former county commissioner and chairman of the BRC explains what this new decision-making resource is doing to ensure our quality of life.
March 18: Washoe County Redirects Fuel Taxes to RTC
The Washoe County Board of County Commissioners recently decided to redirect revenues generated by local fuel tax to RTC. Dan St. John, Washoe County Public Works director, explains why the County is shifting these funds and how the decision will benefit citizens.
March 11: St. Patrick’s Day Safe Ride Home Program
St. Patrick’s Day is the best time of the year to make your own luck ’o ’the Irish. A number of community partners have joined the RTC to make it a safe holiday, including Ceol Irish Pub. Ron McCarty, owner of Ceol, discusses the RTC RIDE St. Patrick’s Day Safe Ride Home Program.
March 4: Regional Road Impact Fee Update
New development in the Reno, Sparks areas brings more business, more residents and more diversity. But it also brings more traffic, a reason the Regional Road Impact Fee is in place. RTC’s Executive Director Greg Krause explains how the fee provides financial support to maintain the existing roads and construct necessary new ones.
February 26: Transit Service Change and Possible Fare Increase
RTC provides almost nine million rides on transit services each year. However, record ridership doesn’t mean higher revenue. RTC’s Senior Transit Planner Roger Hanson talks about how our local economy affects RTC’s services.
February 19: RTC 4th Street Station
Plans are in the works for RTC 4th Street Station, a new, state of the art transit center that will be “green-friendly” and enhance the transit experience for everyone. RTC Project Manager Chris Tschirhart explains how the biggest little city and the region will benefit from the new transportation hub.
February 12: The CitiCare Foundation
Transportation can be expensive, and there are some who simply can’t budget for it. The CitiCare Foundation raises money to provide rides on RTC ACCESS for residents with disabilities. Donna Kollman, president of the non-profit organization lets us know how we can help.
February 5: Senior Outreach Program
More and more seniors are taking public transit. Christine Campbell, RTC Marketing Administrator shares details of RTC’s Senior Outreach Program.
January 29: Clear Acre Interchange Project
Residents in the northern part of Reno are enjoying the benefits of a newly completed RTC road project at the intersections of U.S. 395, North McCarran and Clear Acre. RTC Engineering Project Manager Brenda Lee highlights how the Clear Acre Interchange is providing an easier commute through a once congested trouble spot.
January 22: The Southeast Connector
The Southeast Connector, projected in RTC’s 2030 Regional Transportation Plan, will be a connecting road running from East Sparks to South Reno. RTC Engineering Project Manager Garth Oksol explains the need for the road and invites citizens of the Truckee Meadows to learn more at the community meeting on Jan. 29, 2008.
January 15: Driver Recruitment
The New Year has long been a chance for new beginnings and 2008 is no different. As Truckee Meadows residents find themselves looking for jobs and new opportunities, RTC RIDE is searching for friendly people. Transit Manager Mike Steele explains how working with RTC RIDE could be the new start you’ve been looking for.
January 8: Carson City Transit Changes
RTC INTERCITY and Jump Around Carson (JAC) transit routes have recently changed to ensure there is no unnecessary duplication. Patrick Pittenger, transportation program manager for Carson City, explains what this change means for commuters.
December 31: Winter Maintenance
When winter weather makes driving difficult for Truckee Meadows residents it can be a real treat to sit back and let RTC get us around. But how do the buses stay safe in harsh conditions? RTC RIDE’s Safety and Training Supervisor Paul Earnshaw explained how they work against the winter elements to keep riders out of harm’s way.
December 25: New Year’s Eve Free Safe Ride Home
2008 is just around the corner and New Year’s Eve celebrations are the talk of the town. RTC wants everyone to enjoy a safe celebration. To tell us more about the Free New Year’s Eve Safe Ride Home program is RTC’s Public Information Officer Eric Ritter.
December 18: RTC Centennial Plaza
The foundation is down and the steel posts are up; it’s the beginning of an exciting new structure for RTC and Executive Director Greg Krause discusses the new transit center being built on Victorian Avenue in Sparks.
December 11: Food for Fare
Donating to a good cause can earn you a free ride around town. Cherie Jamason, executive director of the Food Bank of Northern Nevada, will explain how the Food for Fare Program will provide needed holiday meals to folks in the Truckee Meadows.
December 4: Catch the Spirit!
Heading to a Wolf Pack game? Avoid parking hassles and traffic stress and catch the spirit – RTC SIERRA SPIRIT! It’s free, convenient, and the easiest way to get to the game. David Jickling, RTC Director of Public Transportation discusses the daily service that travels all around downtown, between the University of Nevada and the Nevada Museum of Art.
November 26: Camp Christmas
To help spread the holiday spirit in our community, RTC, the Salvation Army, the Nevada Air National Guard and Reno Radio Reps will collect new toys for children from Nov. 30th through Dec. 2nd during Camp Christmas. Eric Ritter, RTC Public Information Officer, describes this annual charity event.
November 20: Planning For Holiday Traffic
Learn about smart transit options for the holiday season from RTC RIDE Transit Supervisor, John Gould.
November 13: Traffic Signalization
RTC Traffic Engineer Jim Poston explains what traffic signalization is and how it benefits drivers throughout the region.
November 6: Stuff-a-Bus to Benefit the Salvation Army
Begin the holiday season by helping others in the community. Major Doug William from the Salvation Army explains how to get involved in the 9th annual Stuff-a-Bus event with KOZZ and RTC.
October 30: Winter Driving Tips
Winter is on its way, which means drivers are going to need take special precautions for the next few months. NDOT Chief of Maintenance Operations, Bill Haufman discusses the program, “Ice and Snow; Take it Slow.”
October 23: Find a Ride with RTC RIDESHARE
There are many ways to save money and reduce traffic. The RTC SMART TRIPS program provides many tools to help you find a better way to work. Carol Perry, RTC’s Trip Reduction Specialist, announces a new, free program to help you find a carpool partner.
October 16: RTC To Launch New Website
RTC will launch a new website on October 19th. Christine Campbell, RTC Marketing Administrator discusses the changes at rtcwashoe.com, including the new design and easy to use navigation.
October 9: Planning Around the Peak Hours
One easy solution to reduce rush-hour traffic congestion is as easy as staggering work hours. Eric Ritter, RTC Public Information Officer, explains planning trips around the peak hours.
October 2: Technology and Transit
If ever you’ve wondered where the nearest RTC RIDE bus stop is located, when the next bus will arrive, or how long a trip will be, the answer is only a mouse click away. RTC is teaming up with Google software to provide an online resource that will give you the answers to planning your trip around town. David Jickling, RTC Director of Public Transportation describes the new partnership.
September 25: Bicycling as a Driving Alternative
There are many easy alternatives to driving to work every day, including bicycling and public transit. Duane Sikorski, Washoe County’s Air Quality Monitoring and Planning Supervisor, discusses the benefits of commuting by bicycle.
September 18: Creating a Coordinated Transportation Plan for Seniors and the Disabled
Lea Rogers, RTC Paratransit Administrator, reviews new community plans to coordinate services for several groups of people who have certain transportation needs, including seniors, persons with disabilities and people who are financially disadvantaged.
September 11: Roundabout Grand Opening
If local traffic jams have you spinning, the grand opening of the highly anticipated Neil Road / Kietzke Lane Roundabout will spin you in a new direction. Dave Aiazzi, RTC Commissioners and City of Reno Councilman, talks about this historic project.
September 4: Taking Public Transportation to Special Events
Heading to the Balloon Races or other events? Avoid traffic and ride with RTC. Bob Turley, transit supervisor with RTC RIDE, discusses the benefits of taking public transit to special events. It’s the easiest way to get around town.
August 28: Transportation in the Year 2040
The RTC prepares a long-range plan for our transportation network. Currently, the plan is being updated through the year 2040. Derek Morse, RTC’s Deputy Executive Director joins us today to discuss how these plans are made.
August 21: RTC Ride Annual Fare Adjustment on August 26
The annual RTC RIDE service change and fare adjustment will occur on Sunday, August 26, 2007. David Jickling, the RTC’s Director of Public Transportation reviews what changes riders can expect.
August 14: Public Transportation the Environment
In ways both large and small, we can all make changes to benefit the environment, including how you choose to move around town. Jen Huntleysmith, the Associate Director of the University of Nevada Academy for the Environment, discusses the environmental benefits of public transportation.
August 7: Transportation and Downtown Redevelopment
A great deal of redevelopment and investment is occurring in downtown Reno, including community support of RTC’s free bus service, RTC SIERRA SPIRIT. Dave Aiazzi, Reno City Councilman and Vice-Chair of the RTC Board of Commissioners, addresses the important role of transportation plays in downtown redevelopment.
July 31: Easing Traffic During Hot August Nights
More than 800,000 people enjoy Hot August Nights, increasing both the population and traffic. A solution is available. Bruce Walter, the Executive Director of Hot August Nights, discusses the partnership that works to reduce traffic concerns during Hot August Nights.
July 24: Impact Fees for New Development
Recently the RTC Board of Commissioners voted to raise regional road impact fees which pay for new roadways needed as the result of development and community growth. Greg Krause, the Executive Director of the Regional Transportation Commission, explains why these fees are needed to address traffic created by new development.
