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.

February 6:4th Street/Prater Way Corridor Study

The purpose of the study is to identify multimodal transportation solutions in the 4th Street/Prater Way corridor from Keystone on the west to the Northern Nevada Medical Center on the east. The goal is to develop a plan that will improve mobility and accommodate pedestrians, bicyclists, transit and vehicles. The study will also be
integrated with economic development initiatives currently underway in the cities of Reno and Sparks.

Dec 12:Winter Riding

RTC RIDE has a Snow Navigation Action Plan which contains all the procedures we need to follow in the event that we have a snow storm in our area. Our goal is to keep all of our buses on schedule and operating on all routes, but sometimes the snow becomes so heavy and traffic slows down making it impossible to stay on schedule.

Nov. 29:Food Bank of Northern Nevada Sees Exponential Increase in Need

RTC is offering free bus rides on select days with a food donation. Cherie Jamason says she expects things to get worse with the worsening economy and the need increase. Donations are needed more than ever.

Nov. 1:Moana Lane Project Construction

RTC warns drivers to watch out for ongoing construction projects.

Oct. 25:Safe Highways for Nevada Day and Everyday

Trooper Chuck Allen discusses the new cell phone law and how to have a safe Nevada Day using the RTC transit service or a designated driver.

Oct. 18:Virginia Street Traffic Changes Ahead

RTC’s Jim Poston talks about new bus only lanes, a new bus signal and room for bicyclists on Virginia Street.

Oct. 11:RTC and NDOT Partner for I-80 Improvements

NDOT’s Scott Magruder provides updates on the I-80 widening project that includes RTC funding.

Oct. 4:Public Meetings to Look at Transit System Changes

RTC’s Roger Hanson invites public comment on plans to update the Reno-Sparks area transit system. Open house meetings are Oct. 6 and 7.

Sept. 27:Southeast Connector Designs Moving Forward Near Rosewood Golf Course Section

Garth Oksol offers an update on the Southeast Connector as the RTC board moves forward with plans for the new route on the east side of town.

Sept. 20:Walk this Way

Carol Perry discusses a new campaign to remind us all of good advice for walking safely.

Sept. 13:Public Invited to Community Workshop

RTC Planner Christina Leach invites community input for plans for the future of the 4th Street Prater Way Corridor from the west side of Reno all the way to the east side of Sparks. The workshop is Thursday, Sept. 15 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Robert Mitchell Elementary School in Sparks.


Sept. 6: Planning for Pedestrian Safety

Rebecca Kapuler promotes Safe Routes to Schools as children make their way back to class.

Aug. 30: Public Meeting Set for Plumb Lane

Michele Dennis invites public input on Plumb Lane work under consideration.

Aug. 23: Partnership Builds on Emergency Response

Rob Reeder discusses RTC’s partnership with Washoe County School District that resulted in a new Incident Response Vehicle to serve the emergency communications and command needs of the two agencies in one place.

Aug. 16:RAPID Stations are Under Construction

Lee Gibson, executive director of the Regional Transportation Commission discusses new stations under construction on Virginia Street to serve the RTC RAPID route.

Aug. 9: Transit News is Good for the Community

RTC Chair Ron Smith shares good transit news with ridership up and savings ahead. A new RTC INTERCITY trip is added at 6:17 a.m. from RTC 4TH STREET STATION. Transit is also a good option for travel during the busy Hot August Nights events.


Aug. 2: RTC RAPID stations to Feature Public Art

Artist and UNR Professor Peter Goin describes his design for public art elements that will be incorporated into RTC RAPID stations on Virginia Street.

July 26: Getting Around Meadowood and South McCarran During Construction

Brenda Lee, RTC project manager, has good advice on how to get to businesses near South McCarran and Virginia Street as construction moves forward.

July 19: Transit Rider Appreciation Day July 21

David Jickling, RTC director of public transportation and operations, invites people to ride free and celebrate transit on Thursday. The RTC transit services RIDE, RAPID, CONNECT, SIERRA SPIRIT AND INTERCITY are now operated and maintained by MV Transportation which took over July 1. To celebrate, officials will welcome the new team and thank riders at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at RTC 4TH STREET STATION. (RTC ACCESS is not included in the promotion.)

July 5: Bike Safety is Part of Road Design

RTC Project Manager Chris Louis talks about road design and the strategies and techniques used to help bicyclists safely share the road with motorists.

June 28: New Transit Operator Begins July 1st

Roger Garza, of MV Transit, discusses the company’s operation of RTC RIDE beginning July 1. The company won a four-year contract with two two-year options that will save at least $8 million and help protect transit service. Routes and schedules will not change.

June 21: Bus Lanes Making Debut on Virginia Street

RTC traffic engineer Jim Poston advises motorists how to navigate the new bus only lanes on Virginia Street. The new configurations and signals will make transit rides quicker along the busy employment corridor.

June 14: 4th Street and Prater Way connections for the future

RTC‘s Christina Leach looks at plans to improve the main east-west connector between Reno and Sparks. Planners are studying ways to make the corridor attractive to motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians while contributing to neighborhood economic vitality.


June 7: RTC provides Safe and Sober travel to graduation events

Washoe County School District’s Katherine Louden recommends Safe and Sober graduation events all over town for celebrating teens. Taking transit to fun events and to summer activities is a great option that will keep everyone moving safely.

May 31: Highway safety depends on all of us

Nevada Highway Patrol Trooper Chuck Allen talks about highway safety including work zone awareness, Click it or Ticket seatbelt enforcement and the need to give driving your full focus to keep everyone safe.

May 24: Senior Fair Shows Government Partnerships at Work

City of Reno’s Terry Bell shares information on Older Americans Month and the Senior Adventures Fair. The partnership with local government agencies, businesses and non-profits brings many senior resources under one roof to help people stay active and independent.

May 17: West Plumb Lane Public Opinion Survey

Project Manager Michele Dennis announces plans for West Plumb Lane road work. The project includes a survey now available to provide community input on features residents may want to see incorporated into the project. Go to rtcwashoe.com and click on Hot Topics.

May 10: Bike to Work Week is May 14 to 20

Carol Perry announces fun, freebies and incentives for biking to work any day, all or part of the way May 14-20. Arrive invigorated, enjoy the health benefits and do your part to reduce congestion. Go to bikenevada.org for all the details.

May 3: Creating a Regional Transportation Plan Involves Many Voices and Choices

RTC Planning Director Amy Cummings tells you how you can be a part of it all.

April 26: Transit Service Changes Made

Lee Gibson discusses upcoming changes to transit.

April 19: Improvements Coming for South McCarran

RTC Engineer Brenda Lee discusses a project to improve S. McCarran in southeast Reno between Virginia Street and Mira Loma Drive in cooperation with NDOT.

April 12: Creating a Transportation Network Friendly to Bikes and Pedestrians

Debbie Leonard, chair of the RTC Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee, announces availability of the free 2011 Bike Map for the region and discusses bicycle and pedestrian regional planning.

April 5: The Continuum helps people gain RTC ACCESS eligibility

Diane Ross, CEO of The Continuum, oversees efforts to help RTC get transportation for people with disabilities. Along with transit help, The Continuum can assist people of all ages who have special needs
who could benefit from services including speech or physical therapy, child care, adult day club and other intergenerational programs.

March 29: Wild West Bus Roadeo Sunday April 17

RIDE’s Mark Little invites visitors to the free bus roadeo in Victorian Square. Watch barrels fly and buses speed through an obstacle course at the Wild West Bus Roadeo Sunday April 17. A bicycle rodeo with great prizes and public safety displays are also part of the festivities.

March 22: Agencies Coordinate Work on Virginia Street

Reno Public Works Director John Flansberg explains the collaborative process for getting utility work done before road work can proceed on Virginia Street projects planned for the 2011 construction season.

March 15: Free RTC Transit Rides for a Safe St. Patrick’s Day

Jim Holmes of the Nevada DUI Task Force encourages motorists and pedestrians to have fun on St. Patrick’s Day but take the free bus and leave the driving to RTC.

March 8: Stimulus Solar Project Saves Transit Dollars

Dean Mottram explains a project he managed for the RTC that installed solar power on several facilities to save on electricity bills and support transit.

March 1: Program helps people save on the cost of cab rides for work-related trips

Lea Rogers invites people who need help with rides to work to join the Cab Assisted Ride program that takes 25 percent off cab fares for job hunting and more.

Feb. 22: New Proposals Outlined at Public Meeting about Pyramid Way

Project Manager Scott Gibson explains changes ahead for the intersection of Pyramid Way and McCarran Boulevard in Sparks and announces a meeting for public comment Wednesday.

Feb. 15: RTC Announces a New Roundabout

RTC Engineer Blaine Petersen announces the opening of a new roundabout at Veterans Parkway and Geiger Grade Road.

Feb. 8: New arrows Signal Change Ahead

RTC engineer, Jim Poston, talks about the improvement in safety with RTC's newest technology, Flashing Yellow Lefts.

Feb. 1: Public Involvement is Priority for New RTC Chairman

Sparks City Councilman Ron Smith is the new chairman of the Regional Transportation Commission. Smith shares plans to keep the public involved in transportation decision making.

Jan. 25: Reno Councilman Dan Gustin joins RTC Board

Reno Councilman Dan Gustin is the newest member of the Regional Transportation Commission. He discusses how RTC plans for long-term solutions to keep people moving in Washoe County.

Jan. 17: A new connection from Sun Valley to Sparks

RTC Project Manager Doug Maloy invites the public to comment and attend a public meeting in Sun Valley on Wednesday, Jan. 19 to see new U.S. 395 Connector alternatives for improving access in the Sun Valley and Sparks areas.

Jan. 11: Streetsmartnv.com makes walking safe and fun

RTC’s Carol Perry discusses winter walking and pedestrian safety. She invites the public to visit streetsmartnv.com for a chance to win an iPad.

Jan. 4: The Role of RTC Advisory Committees

Felicia Archer explains how advisory committees help your voice get heard in transportation project planning.

Dec. 28: Free Transit Rides for New Year’s Eve

Jim Holmes, chairman of the Northern Nevada DUI Task Force offers a better way to get around on New Year’s Eve that makes celebrating safe for all of us—Take RTC RIDE, RAPID, CONNECT or SIERRA SPIRIT.

Dec. 21: Riding the Bus in Winter Weather

RIDE spokesman, Mark Little, explains how to find and follow RTC RIDE's standard snow detours.

Dec. 14: RTC's New Chairman

Sparks City Councilman and new RTC Chairman Ron Smith talks about his work with the RTC and its future plans for our community.

Dec. 7: The Food Bank of Northern Nevada

Jocelyn Lantrip from the Food Bank of Northern Nevada talks about their partnership with RTC to give to the needy this holiday season.

Nov. 30: Camp Christmas

The Reno Radio Reps and RTC are working together to bring Christmas to those in need with Camp Christmas this year.

Nov. 23: Holiday Travel Made Easier

RTC makes it easier for shoppers this holiday season by opening new routes between stores for easier travel.

Nov. 16: New Bike and Pedestrian Plan Will Map Future

RTC Planning Director Amy Cummings invites public comment on bike and pedestrian plans for the region’s future.

Nov. 2: Looking at Progress Made by RTC-5

RTC Chief Financial Officer Tom Taelour shares progress made by RTC-5, the voter-approved measure that invested $170 million in regional roads since its approval in 2008.

Oct. 26: Celebration Set For A Historic Day For Reno Transit

City Councilman Dave Aiazzi discusses RTC's new transit facility set to open Sun., Oct. 31.

Oct. 19: RTC 4th Street Station Created Jobs

RTC Engineering Director Jeff Hale discusses the $13 million investment in downtown Reno that put 457 people to work on RTC 4th Street Station, set to go into service on Nevada Day.

Oct. 11: New RTC 4th Street Station To Have Designated Smoking Areas

Felicia Archer brings news of the coming opening of RTC 4th Street Station set for October 28. When buses roll October 31, the center will have three outside designated smoking areas for the comfort and convenience of passengers, employees and visitors.

Oct. 5: Victorian Avenue Improvements Connect Sparks Centers

Sparks City Councilwoman Julia Ratti encourages people to use the new connection between Victorian Square, and the Marina Park area. The improved roadway between Pyramid Way and McCarran Boulevard sports attractive lighting, a bike path and pedestrian amenities that make visiting Victorian Square and the marina and shopping areas easy and fun for all.

Sept 28: Citicare Relies on Donations to Help Those in Need

Donna Kollman, president of the non-profit Citicare, explains how the public can help provide transportation to those in need. These donations offer the gift of independence to many Washoe County residents who would otherwise not be able to travel to medical appointments, work, grocery stores and churches -- activities that others take for granted. Citicare helps RTC ACCESS provide mobility and freedom to the elderly and people with disabilities.

Sept 21: The Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan smart phone Application

Katy Cole of consultants Fehr and Peers discusses a new smart phone application that allows users to report on street and highway locations that do well or need help in serving bicyclists and pedestrians. The company is helping RTC create a long-term plan for these alternative transportation modes. Go to renosparksBPP.com for more information.

Sept 14: Transit System Analysis

RTC Senior Planner Roger Hanson invites public input on a study of plans and needs for the area’s transit system beginning with a public open house from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 16 at RTC CENTENNIAL PLAZA, 1421 Victorian Avenue in Sparks. The open house will focus on how transit systems operate, potential new transit services, public input on transit priorities and possible new routes or changes to existing routes.

Sept 7: Express service to the balloon race from Reno Sparks Convention Center Lot C and Reed High

RTC RIDE’s Safety and Training Manager Mark Little announces a new park and ride site at the Reno Sparks Convention Center Lot C for express access to the Great Reno Balloon Race. Getting to the race is easy and comfortable on RTC RIDE’s special service to the event departing every 30 minutes. In Sparks, the express leaves from Reed High school. Meadowood Mall will not have express service.

Aug 31: Vista Boulevard widening celebrated

Sparks City Councilman Mike Carrigan announces the completion of a $10 million project to widen Vista Boulevard north of Los Altos Parkway. The project was designed by PBS&J, consultants to RTC, and built by Q&D Construction of Sparks. Work began in October 2009 to add two lanes, signals and a bike and pedestrian path.

Aug 24: New Vehicles for RTC RAPID

RTC RIDE's Joel Gardner announces new transit vehicles have arrived forRTC RAPID. One of the accordion-style buses will be tested on Tuesday,August 24 and riders will be offered free trips during the testing.

Aug 17: Safe Rides to School

Janet Carthen of Washoe County School District Police discusses Safe Routes to Schools, a program that works to make walking and bicycling to school a safe and more appealing transportation option and educates drivers on school zone safety.

Aug 10: RTC seeks comments for Bike and Pedestrian Plan

Project Manager Marchon Miller explains RTC’s efforts to create a bicycle and pedestrian plan that will serve the Reno Sparks area through 2040. Comments are welcome and encouraged at rtcwashoe.com under Hot Topics.

Aug 3: Take RTC to avoid special event traffic, enjoy the ride

RTC’s Felicia Archer offers advice on how to get to special events using RTC transit—the best deal on wheels. With RTC RIDE, RTC SIERRA SPIRIT, RTC RAPID AND RTC CONNECT, for those trying to get around traffic, there’s a bus for that.

July 27: Pyramid McCarran public involvement continues

RTC Project Manager Scott Gibson shares the process for public involvement in seeking community solutions for the Pyramid McCarran intersection, including a public meeting July 27.

July 20:Night work on Lincoln Way and Public Meetings Planned

RTC Engineer Warren Call details how contracting with private businesses helps create jobs. He shares plans for night work on Lincoln Way in Sparks and public information meetings for upcoming projects on York Way and East Glendale, all happening this week.

July 13:Road work season prompts safe driving advice

Nevada Highway Patrol’s Matt Kaplan talks safety for commuters, bicyclists and for those who may be hitting the road for vacation soon. Kaplan shares tips on what to watch out for in construction zones while you are out and about in the summer sun.

July 6:Transit makes Artown easy to enjoy

Artown’s Jennifer Mannix invites the public to use RTC SIERRA SPIRIT, RTC RIDE and RTC RAPID to enjoy the events of Artown. All through July, artists are displaying their talents all over town. Taking transit to see their work makes getting to Artown fun and easy. RTC SIERRA SPIRIT runs every 10 minutes, seven days a week and it is always free. RTC RAPID on Virginia Street takes just 20 minutes to go from Meadowood Mall to Downtown.

June 29:RTC ACCESS gets new provider

RTC Paratransit Administrator Lea Rogers discusses RTC ACCESS, the service that provides transit and independence for people with disabilities. Rogers said RTC ACCESS is making a smooth transition to a different transit service provider this week. First Transit becomes RTC’s vendor and will provide the same or better transit service as it transitions into the role July 1. First Transit also operates RTC RIDE.

June 22:Local streets get a road diet and bike features

RTC Planner Patrice Echola discusses how a road diet can make travel safer and easier for all ages, modes and mobilities. New bike lanes on local streets and a new traffic tool called a sharrow help bicyclists and vehicles share the road. They’ll appear on California, Holcomb and Arlington avenues and on Mill Street in summer.

June 15:RTC Open House

RTC Director of Public Transportation David Jickling invites the public to an open house from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday at RTC CITICENTER to discuss important issues that include the new RTC 4TH STREET STATION, RTC RAPID SERVICE and the community’s future transit needs.

June 8: New Hotline for Traffic Signal Concerns

Traffic Engineer Jim Poston discusses RTC’s new traffic signal hotline at 335-ROAD. Motorists are the best resources when it comes to spotting needed improvements to traffic signal operations in the region. Now, with one phone call, the public can report issues with signals operated by Reno, Sparks and Washoe County, and then RTC will help the correct jurisdiction take a look.

June 1: Meadowood Interchange Groundbreaking

RTC Project Manager Michele Dennis announces the groundbreaking for the new Meadowood Interchange – a project designed by RTC, to be constructed by NDOT.

May 25: Second Annual RTC Senior Adventures Fair

In celebration of Older Americans Month, RTC hosts the second annual Senior Adventures Fair from 9 a.m. to noon Tuesday, May 25 at RTC CENTENNIAL PLAZA. Christine Campbell, RTC Marketing Administrator invites everyone to the free event.

May 18: Complete Streets

Connecting from here to there with or without a car -- complete streets will help get you there. Across the country, communities are asking their planners and engineers to build road networks that are safer, more livable, and welcoming to everyone, not just motorists. The concept is called complete streets and it’s catching on right here. Marchon Miller, engineer for the RTC, has the details.

May 11: Bike to Work Week Is Coming

Trevor Rice from the Truckee Meadows Bicycle Alliance has an idea on how to trade calories for carbon on your daily commute. Bike to Work Week is May 15 - 21 and supporters are challenging commuters to get out and pedal at least once.

May 4: SouthEast Connector Update

Garth Oksol, RTC project manager, updates the community about the progress on the road that will link south Reno with Sparks on the east side of the Truckee Meadows.

April 27: Claim Your Little Corner of Downtown Reno

RTC Public Information Officer Felicia Archer announces a new program that lets you name your spot at the new RTC 4TH STREET STATION transit center currently under construction. Engraved pavers are offered for sale through May 31, 2010.

April 20: Southeast McCarran Boulevard Widening

RTC Project Manager Brenda Lee discusses a “complete street” plan to give pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists who use McCarran Boulevard a little more room.

April 13: Procurement Open House

Tom Taelour, RTC’s Chief Financial Officer, is one of the partners in a group that wants to help you learn how your business can benefit from government purchasing. A procurement open house is scheduled for Wednesday, April 21 from 4 to 6 p.m. in the RTC boardroom.

April 6: Bus Roadeo and Community Safety Fair

Paul Earnshaw, safety and training coordinator for RTC RIDE, has put together a community safety fair with a whole new twist. His coach operators will compete in the Wild West Roadeo, testing their wrangling skills onboard a bus.