KOLO TV and the Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) bring you a semi-weekly news segment focused on transportation in the Truckee Meadows. “The Road Ahead with RTC” airs on Tuesdays at 6:20AM during “Daybreak” and Thursdays between 11AM and Noon during “Midday.” This weekly news segment will feature experts discussing a wide range of transportation projects, needs and solutions. 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
May 14:Bike to Work, School and Fun Campaign
Increasing the number of trips taken on bicycles benefits everyone. On a personal level, bicycling is a great way to get and stay in shape and also lower transportation expenses. Employers benefit because employees who bike to work arrive energized in great moods. Productivity increases and sick leave decreases. And the community benefits from cleaner air and less traffic.
On Friday, May 17, bikers can get free coffee at participating shops and even a pancake breakfast at the Reno Bike Project. Everyone who registers on the website, BikeNevada.org gets a 10% discount coupon on commuter items at local bike shops. Businesses can sign up for the Commuter Challenge and be eligible to win $500 to support cycling year round, and individuals can also win prizes up to $500. Registering and recording your bike rides provides important data that in turn supports more bike facilities. So pedal and make it count!
May 7:SouthEast Connector Phase 1 Update
The bridge which will be called Veterans Memorial Bridge is fully under construction. The contractor is drilling the 47 shafts that are 7-9 feet in diameter and up to 90 feet deep. They are accomplishing about one shaft per day.
The current schedule has steel girders arriving on site within a few weeks and we will start on the south side of the bridge. We won’t be up to the Truckee River until later this summer and into the fall.
Over the last couple of months, Kiewit has made significant progress on the project. The flood mitigation basins are almost complete; the roadway is starting to take shape; and as we discussed a lot of work is happening on the Veterans Memorial Bridge. The drivers using the intersection of Sparks Blvd. and Greg Street area are also seeing a lot of progress as we expand that intersection to accommodate the new four-legged signalized intersection to be completed later this fall.
April 30:Recruitment for RTC Advisory Committees
The foundation for the work we do at the RTC is based on community participation and input. Our advisory committees are a forum to work together, hear ideas and concerns relative to public transportation, the regional street and highway program, bike and pedestrian issues and multimodal planning in the region.
Meetings are held monthly for one to two hours and are open to the public. Agendas are available on the rtcwashoe.com calendar.
We’re seeking regular and alternate members for the Citizens Advisory Committee and the Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee. These positions are appointed by the RTC Board of Commissioners. Applications are available at rtcwashoe.com, the RTC Planning Department located at 1105 Terminal Way in Reno or call 332-2148. Interested individuals should submit applications by May 24th.
April 23:4th Street & Prater Way Corridor Study Phase II
The recommendations from the study are being developed into a more detailed design that will eventually lead to construction. The team is currently collecting data about the soils and right of way in the corridor to develop an environmental analysis and provide topographic mapping.
This information will help engineers refine roadway alignment design for the proposed multi-modal street designs. It will also determine if there are environmental concerns that would impact the project.
RTC is hosting an open house on Tuesday, April 30th from 5 to 7 pm at RTC 4TH STREET STATION. The public is invited to join us to provide their input and learn more about the progress of the project. They can visit the study’s website at 4thprater.com for more information.
April 16:Nevada Moves
It’s an event where many Nevada schoolchildren will take part in on April 24th by walking and bicycling to school to promote good health and reducing morning rush hour traffic from children being driven to school.
Over 110 schools state wide, grades K-8, will participate this year. That includes 23 schools in Washoe County.
Drivers should watch for children walking and bicycling to school and be mindful of reduced speeds and varying school start times in school zones. Additional information is available at SAFE ROUTES INFO dot ORG.
April 9:RTC Celebrates Earth Day
One great change we can all make is to leave the car at home more often. Compared to other household actions that reduce pollution, taking public transportation can be ten times more effective. One full bus takes 40-60 cars off the road.
The RTC SMART TRIPS program has a free web-based matching service to make looking for carpool partners fast, easy and convenient, along with a guaranteed ride home program so you never have to feel stranded if your driver gets pulled in another direction at the end of the day. Making some trips by bicycle or on foot is good for the earth and good exercise for your body. And all these choices are also a great way to save money.
April 2:Traffic Signal Timing
Although the cities of Reno and Sparks, and Washoe County operate the traffic signals, one of the main reasons the RTC exists is regional mobility. Traffic signals play a big part in regional mobility. Bad signal timing can cause unnecessary delay and pollution, and waste gas. So we want to make sure the signals work well. But there are nearly 400 hundred traffic signals, and just a handful of people who work on them. The RTC provides resources that the local agencies just don’t have. In the past, we’ve used some of our federal funds to hire consultants to come in and help, and now our own staff is working on the program with assistance from Dr. Zong Tian at the university.
If our streets were all one-way streets, it would be a lot easier. But we can’t just time the signals in one direction. People going the other direction would also like to have it green when they arrive. And drivers on the side street too. The signal also has to give enough time for pedestrians and bicycles to cross the street safely, so we can’t always change the signal as fast as we’d like. And emergency vehicles can change signal timing to get safely through the signal. So there are lot of factors to balance, we end up making compromises to get things to work out reasonably well.
We think that commuters know best how the signals are supposed to work. So if something is out of whack, we’d like them to let us know at our Signals Hotline – 335-7623, or 335-ROAD. We route the messages to the agency that takes care of that signal. So we’re hoping through crowd-sourcing, the technicians will find out about problems much sooner.
March 26:SouthEast Connector Public Meeting
We've developed a Community Working Group that is providing input to the design team as we advance the landscape and aesthetics for the overall project. This group is composed of a broad spectrum of representatives across the community. We will also have a Public Open House on Thursday, March 28th at the Best Western Airport Plaza. This will begin at 5 pm and conclude at 7:30pm. The public is invited to come and hear updates on the project and provide their thoughts as we move forward.
March 19:Geiger Grade Realignment Project Public Meeting
As identified in RTC’s long range plan, this is a joint project with the City of Reno, Washoe County, NDOT and the Federal Highway Administration to address the needs of future traffic congestion at the Veterans/Geiger Grade roundabout and the intersection of Mt. Rose Highway and US 395.
We’ve just begun the environmental review process known as NEPA (the National Environmental Policy Act). This process documents the need for the improvements, describes alternatives that may be available, and determines what environmental effects may be caused and mitigation measures that may be needed. Since we’re using federal funding, the NEPA process is required.
An important part of the NEPA process is public involvement. We will host a public meeting on March 26th at Galena High School. We invite anyone interested in the project to attend and give us input.
March 12:Pyramid McCarran Intersection Improvement Project Draft Environmental Impact Statement
We have just reached an important milestone; the publication of the Draft EIS ( Environmental Impact Statement). This is the report that documents and presents the results of all the studies related to the purpose and need for the project, the impacts and benefits to the community, and present the locally preferred build alternative.
We are in a 45 day review period where we are seeking public review and comments on the document. The document is available on the RTC website under Hot Topics. There has been a lot of public involvement with the development of this project and we’ve listened. We hope the document reflects what we have heard from the community; we are seeking confirmation of that.
A public Hearing at John Ascuaga’s Nugget will be held on March 19th, from 4:00 to 7:00 pm. There will be displays and a presentation starting at 5:30 pm.
March 5:RTC 2035 Regional Transportation Plan
We’re approaching the end of the planning process for the 2035 RTP. We’ve been gathering input from the community and local, state and federal agencies during the past 18 months. We will have an open house to present the draft RTP document to the public to receive feedback on March 14th at the Nevada Discovery Museum in Reno.
The RTP is an investment in our quality of life. Transportation promotes livability and economic development. This plan helps to define our priorities and the vision for our community to provide and improve regional connections, transportation choices and safety.
There is strong support for increased transit service throughout the region. The challenge we have is to provide that service with the limited financial resources we have available, today and in the future. The 2035 RTP will help guide how we meet these needs and demands… for transit and regional road projects.
February 26:Nevada Disabilities Conference
Family Ties is collaborating with the Nevada Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities and the State Health Division, among others, to address the needs of individuals with disabilities who have difficulty accessing healthcare and other specialized services. The conference is open to people with disabilities, the professionals who work on their behalf, and their families and caregivers.
Four days of state-of the-art information on improving the health and lives of children and adults with special healthcare needs including developmental disabilities and other conditions. Registration is now open to the public.
February 19:RTC RIDE Service Change Open House
This is an on-going review of our transit service to be more efficient and meet the needs of our riders, the community as well as operate the service within the financial resources we have available.
RTC does not have the ability to add service- funding just isn’t available. But the opportunity to bring back service that was cut back in 2008 is possible. For example, to northern Lemmon Valley and to west of Stead. Another possibility is serving the Sparks Galleria. There are other proposed changes, too.
We’re hosting an open house here at 4TH STREET STATION on Thursday, February 21st. Information is also available on our website at rtcwashoe.com for those unable to make it.
February 12:I-11 Intermountain West Corridor Study
The Arizona and Nevada Departments of Transportation are working together on the two-year Interstate 11 (I-11) and Intermountain West Corridor Study. Congress recognized the importance of the portion of the Corridor between Phoenix and Las Vegas and designated it as future I-11 in the recent transportation authorization bill, Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act. The study includes detailed corridor planning of a possible high priority interstate link between Phoenix and Las Vegas, and high-level visioning for potentially extending the corridor north to Canada and south to Mexico.
February 5:RTC 5-Year Paratransit Service Plan
RTC discusses its paratransit service for the disabled and development of its 5-Year Paratransit Plan.
January 29:Cycle Track
RTC shows you the new cycle track in Sparks on Nichols Blvd.
January 24:RTC in 2012
RTC highlights their many accomplishments and improvements made in 2012.
January 17:Connecting Nevada Study
Upcoming meeting will allow the public to put in ideas on how they think NDOT should make changes to 'Connecting Nevada' roadway projects.
January 8:Regional Bike Summit
Upcoming regional bike summit set for next week.
January 2:What Does NDOT Have Planned for Nevada?
NDOT conducts studies to identify needs, collect data, initiate and fund projects, working with other agencies such as the RTC. NDOT is responsible for planning all modes of transportation throughout the state, including rail, aviation, bike and pedestrian and transit in addition to roadways.
December 26:Free New Year's Rides
RTC offers free rides New Year's Eve to keep our streets safe this holiday season.
December 18:Megabus
Express luxurious travel and affordable too!
December 11:New Southeast Connector Project
RTC tells you why the new Southeast Connector Project is both beneficial for drivers, businesses and the Truckee Meadows.
December 4::Food for Fares
December 13 &14 bring a non-perishable food item and ride an RTC bus for free!
November 27 ::DDI
Try out Nevada's first Diverging Diamond Interchange on Moana Lane.
November 21 ::Snow Routes
Be prepared for winter riding on the RTC buses. Know which route will be available on severe winter weather days.
November 13 ::Meadowood Mall Interchange Project
The interchange near Meadowood Mall is ready to open to help drivers move easier in the area.
November 6 ::Moana Widening Project Completion
The Moana widening project finishes ahead of schedule and saves money too!
October 31 ::Free Ride Day
No excuses now to go out and vote with RTC's FREE Ride Day!
October 24 ::RTC VANPOOL
Learn about RTC's VANPOOL program.
October 18 ::RTP
RTC talks to the director of the Regional Transportation Plan about new schedules to accomodate new roads.
October 11 ::RTP
RTC talks to the director of the Regional Transportation Plan about budget, future plans and upcoming meetings.
September 20 ::I-80 Design Project
Scott McGruder tells us how the Interstate 80 design project is progressing and what it means for drivers.
September 13 ::Obesity Forum
RTC talks about the Obesity Forum in downtown Reno.
September 4 ::NDOT Has a New Director
Meet the new director for Nevada Department of Transportation and hear about his vision for NDOT.
August 28 ::Plumas Street Corridor Project
In order to enhance driving visibility and safety, RTC explains the importance of the Plumas Street Corridor Project.
August 21 ::Hybrid Buses
What is the benefit of hybrid buses?
July 24 ::I-580 Opening Eventt
Scott MaGruder of NDOT discusses the events and festivities for the opening for Interstate 580 Freeway Extension in August.
July 17 ::Plumas Street Project
RTC is hosts a community meeting to discuss the Plumas Street project. Folks can also contact the RTC directly for more information and submit their comments.
May 29 ::Plumb Lane Project
Michelle Dennis of RTC talks about the Plumb Lane project and what the improvements mean to drivers.
May 15::$72 Million Design Build Project
NDOT and Granite Construction’s $72 million design build project on I-80 is more than 50 percent complete. Granite Construction began the concrete paving last week. Today we will hear what improvements drivers can expect.
May 8::Bike to Work Week
Once again, the Truckee Meadows Bicycle Alliance is organizing and promoting Bike to Work Week from May 12 through May 18. We expect an increased number of bicyclists and especially novice bicyclists on city streets. Last year, 860 people registered for the event.
April 16::Bus Roadeo
The Bus Roadeo is an event that encourages excellence and professionalism in bus operators. The roadeo competition involves demonstrating safe driving skills in an obstacle course that mimics many of the challenging maneuvers coach operators face each day.
April 9::Brenda Lee on McCarran Project
The project is between Virginia Street and Mira Loma Drive. This year, RTCwill repair and widen the segment between Longley and Mira
Loma from 4 lanes to 6 lanes. They will begin construction on April 22 starting at the Longley intersection and move our way up to Mira Loma and complete the project by the end of September.
March 20::I-580 Freeway
This is the state’s single largest road construction project ever…$400 million for this contract alone. The project involves constructing an eight-and-half mile divided freeway from the Mt. Rose highway south of Reno to Washoe Valley north of Carson City. There are nine
bridges including the Galena Creek structure…the largest concrete cathedral arch bridge in the nation. Once complete there will be three-lanes of traffic going each direction with a speed limit of 65 miles an hour.
March 12:Free Ride for St. Paddy's Day
St. Patrick’s Day is the best time of the year to make your own luck of the Irish. A number of community partners have joined the RTC to make it a safe celebration.
March 6:Meadowood Exchange
The project is designed to improve connectivity in the area and reduce the congestion at the intersection of South Virginia and McCarran. There will be additional freeway access which will reduce the u-turns at that location. In addition to the traffic benefits, the aesthetic
component will enhance the area. The interchange construction contains many artistic elements and the City of Reno anticipates partnering with local businesses to provide a focal piece of artwork at the South Virginia and McCarran intersection
February 21:UNR Safety Forum
Officer Eric James talks about the UNR Safety Forum and what that means for the public.
February 14:4th Street/Prater Way Corridor Study
Adam Searcy from NDOT talks about an upcoming 395/Moana interchange.
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.
Increasing the number of trips taken on bicycles benefits everyone. On a personal level, bicycling is a great way to get and stay in shape and also lower transportation expenses. Employers benefit because employees who bike to work arrive energized in great moods. Productivity increases and sick leave decreases. And the community benefits from cleaner air and less traffic.
On Friday, May 17, bikers can get free coffee at participating shops and even a pancake breakfast at the Reno Bike Project. Everyone who registers on the website, BikeNevada.org gets a 10% discount coupon on commuter items at local bike shops. Businesses can sign up for the Commuter Challenge and be eligible to win $500 to support cycling year round, and individuals can also win prizes up to $500. Registering and recording your bike rides provides important data that in turn supports more bike facilities. So pedal and make it count!
May 7:SouthEast Connector Phase 1 Update
The bridge which will be called Veterans Memorial Bridge is fully under construction. The contractor is drilling the 47 shafts that are 7-9 feet in diameter and up to 90 feet deep. They are accomplishing about one shaft per day.
The current schedule has steel girders arriving on site within a few weeks and we will start on the south side of the bridge. We won’t be up to the Truckee River until later this summer and into the fall.
Over the last couple of months, Kiewit has made significant progress on the project. The flood mitigation basins are almost complete; the roadway is starting to take shape; and as we discussed a lot of work is happening on the Veterans Memorial Bridge. The drivers using the intersection of Sparks Blvd. and Greg Street area are also seeing a lot of progress as we expand that intersection to accommodate the new four-legged signalized intersection to be completed later this fall.
April 30:Recruitment for RTC Advisory Committees
The foundation for the work we do at the RTC is based on community participation and input. Our advisory committees are a forum to work together, hear ideas and concerns relative to public transportation, the regional street and highway program, bike and pedestrian issues and multimodal planning in the region.
Meetings are held monthly for one to two hours and are open to the public. Agendas are available on the rtcwashoe.com calendar.
We’re seeking regular and alternate members for the Citizens Advisory Committee and the Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee. These positions are appointed by the RTC Board of Commissioners. Applications are available at rtcwashoe.com, the RTC Planning Department located at 1105 Terminal Way in Reno or call 332-2148. Interested individuals should submit applications by May 24th.
April 23:4th Street & Prater Way Corridor Study Phase II
The recommendations from the study are being developed into a more detailed design that will eventually lead to construction. The team is currently collecting data about the soils and right of way in the corridor to develop an environmental analysis and provide topographic mapping.
This information will help engineers refine roadway alignment design for the proposed multi-modal street designs. It will also determine if there are environmental concerns that would impact the project.
RTC is hosting an open house on Tuesday, April 30th from 5 to 7 pm at RTC 4TH STREET STATION. The public is invited to join us to provide their input and learn more about the progress of the project. They can visit the study’s website at 4thprater.com for more information.
April 16:Nevada Moves
It’s an event where many Nevada schoolchildren will take part in on April 24th by walking and bicycling to school to promote good health and reducing morning rush hour traffic from children being driven to school.
Over 110 schools state wide, grades K-8, will participate this year. That includes 23 schools in Washoe County.
Drivers should watch for children walking and bicycling to school and be mindful of reduced speeds and varying school start times in school zones. Additional information is available at SAFE ROUTES INFO dot ORG.
April 9:RTC Celebrates Earth Day
One great change we can all make is to leave the car at home more often. Compared to other household actions that reduce pollution, taking public transportation can be ten times more effective. One full bus takes 40-60 cars off the road.
The RTC SMART TRIPS program has a free web-based matching service to make looking for carpool partners fast, easy and convenient, along with a guaranteed ride home program so you never have to feel stranded if your driver gets pulled in another direction at the end of the day. Making some trips by bicycle or on foot is good for the earth and good exercise for your body. And all these choices are also a great way to save money.
April 2:Traffic Signal Timing
Although the cities of Reno and Sparks, and Washoe County operate the traffic signals, one of the main reasons the RTC exists is regional mobility. Traffic signals play a big part in regional mobility. Bad signal timing can cause unnecessary delay and pollution, and waste gas. So we want to make sure the signals work well. But there are nearly 400 hundred traffic signals, and just a handful of people who work on them. The RTC provides resources that the local agencies just don’t have. In the past, we’ve used some of our federal funds to hire consultants to come in and help, and now our own staff is working on the program with assistance from Dr. Zong Tian at the university.
If our streets were all one-way streets, it would be a lot easier. But we can’t just time the signals in one direction. People going the other direction would also like to have it green when they arrive. And drivers on the side street too. The signal also has to give enough time for pedestrians and bicycles to cross the street safely, so we can’t always change the signal as fast as we’d like. And emergency vehicles can change signal timing to get safely through the signal. So there are lot of factors to balance, we end up making compromises to get things to work out reasonably well.
We think that commuters know best how the signals are supposed to work. So if something is out of whack, we’d like them to let us know at our Signals Hotline – 335-7623, or 335-ROAD. We route the messages to the agency that takes care of that signal. So we’re hoping through crowd-sourcing, the technicians will find out about problems much sooner.
March 26:SouthEast Connector Public Meeting
We've developed a Community Working Group that is providing input to the design team as we advance the landscape and aesthetics for the overall project. This group is composed of a broad spectrum of representatives across the community. We will also have a Public Open House on Thursday, March 28th at the Best Western Airport Plaza. This will begin at 5 pm and conclude at 7:30pm. The public is invited to come and hear updates on the project and provide their thoughts as we move forward.
March 19:Geiger Grade Realignment Project Public Meeting
As identified in RTC’s long range plan, this is a joint project with the City of Reno, Washoe County, NDOT and the Federal Highway Administration to address the needs of future traffic congestion at the Veterans/Geiger Grade roundabout and the intersection of Mt. Rose Highway and US 395.
We’ve just begun the environmental review process known as NEPA (the National Environmental Policy Act). This process documents the need for the improvements, describes alternatives that may be available, and determines what environmental effects may be caused and mitigation measures that may be needed. Since we’re using federal funding, the NEPA process is required.
An important part of the NEPA process is public involvement. We will host a public meeting on March 26th at Galena High School. We invite anyone interested in the project to attend and give us input.
March 12:Pyramid McCarran Intersection Improvement Project Draft Environmental Impact Statement
We have just reached an important milestone; the publication of the Draft EIS ( Environmental Impact Statement). This is the report that documents and presents the results of all the studies related to the purpose and need for the project, the impacts and benefits to the community, and present the locally preferred build alternative.
We are in a 45 day review period where we are seeking public review and comments on the document. The document is available on the RTC website under Hot Topics. There has been a lot of public involvement with the development of this project and we’ve listened. We hope the document reflects what we have heard from the community; we are seeking confirmation of that.
A public Hearing at John Ascuaga’s Nugget will be held on March 19th, from 4:00 to 7:00 pm. There will be displays and a presentation starting at 5:30 pm.
March 5:RTC 2035 Regional Transportation Plan
We’re approaching the end of the planning process for the 2035 RTP. We’ve been gathering input from the community and local, state and federal agencies during the past 18 months. We will have an open house to present the draft RTP document to the public to receive feedback on March 14th at the Nevada Discovery Museum in Reno.
The RTP is an investment in our quality of life. Transportation promotes livability and economic development. This plan helps to define our priorities and the vision for our community to provide and improve regional connections, transportation choices and safety.
There is strong support for increased transit service throughout the region. The challenge we have is to provide that service with the limited financial resources we have available, today and in the future. The 2035 RTP will help guide how we meet these needs and demands… for transit and regional road projects.
February 26:Nevada Disabilities Conference
Family Ties is collaborating with the Nevada Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities and the State Health Division, among others, to address the needs of individuals with disabilities who have difficulty accessing healthcare and other specialized services. The conference is open to people with disabilities, the professionals who work on their behalf, and their families and caregivers.
Four days of state-of the-art information on improving the health and lives of children and adults with special healthcare needs including developmental disabilities and other conditions. Registration is now open to the public.
February 19:RTC RIDE Service Change Open House
This is an on-going review of our transit service to be more efficient and meet the needs of our riders, the community as well as operate the service within the financial resources we have available.
RTC does not have the ability to add service- funding just isn’t available. But the opportunity to bring back service that was cut back in 2008 is possible. For example, to northern Lemmon Valley and to west of Stead. Another possibility is serving the Sparks Galleria. There are other proposed changes, too.
We’re hosting an open house here at 4TH STREET STATION on Thursday, February 21st. Information is also available on our website at rtcwashoe.com for those unable to make it.
February 12:I-11 Intermountain West Corridor Study
The Arizona and Nevada Departments of Transportation are working together on the two-year Interstate 11 (I-11) and Intermountain West Corridor Study. Congress recognized the importance of the portion of the Corridor between Phoenix and Las Vegas and designated it as future I-11 in the recent transportation authorization bill, Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act. The study includes detailed corridor planning of a possible high priority interstate link between Phoenix and Las Vegas, and high-level visioning for potentially extending the corridor north to Canada and south to Mexico.
February 5:RTC 5-Year Paratransit Service Plan
RTC discusses its paratransit service for the disabled and development of its 5-Year Paratransit Plan.
January 29:Cycle Track
RTC shows you the new cycle track in Sparks on Nichols Blvd.
January 24:RTC in 2012
RTC highlights their many accomplishments and improvements made in 2012.
January 17:Connecting Nevada Study
Upcoming meeting will allow the public to put in ideas on how they think NDOT should make changes to 'Connecting Nevada' roadway projects.
January 8:Regional Bike Summit
Upcoming regional bike summit set for next week.
January 2:What Does NDOT Have Planned for Nevada?
NDOT conducts studies to identify needs, collect data, initiate and fund projects, working with other agencies such as the RTC. NDOT is responsible for planning all modes of transportation throughout the state, including rail, aviation, bike and pedestrian and transit in addition to roadways.
December 26:Free New Year's Rides
RTC offers free rides New Year's Eve to keep our streets safe this holiday season.
December 18:Megabus
Express luxurious travel and affordable too!
December 11:New Southeast Connector Project
RTC tells you why the new Southeast Connector Project is both beneficial for drivers, businesses and the Truckee Meadows.
December 4::Food for Fares
December 13 &14 bring a non-perishable food item and ride an RTC bus for free!
November 27 ::DDI
Try out Nevada's first Diverging Diamond Interchange on Moana Lane.
November 21 ::Snow Routes
Be prepared for winter riding on the RTC buses. Know which route will be available on severe winter weather days.
November 13 ::Meadowood Mall Interchange Project
The interchange near Meadowood Mall is ready to open to help drivers move easier in the area.
November 6 ::Moana Widening Project Completion
The Moana widening project finishes ahead of schedule and saves money too!
October 31 ::Free Ride Day
No excuses now to go out and vote with RTC's FREE Ride Day!
October 24 ::RTC VANPOOL
Learn about RTC's VANPOOL program.
October 18 ::RTP
RTC talks to the director of the Regional Transportation Plan about new schedules to accomodate new roads.
October 11 ::RTP
RTC talks to the director of the Regional Transportation Plan about budget, future plans and upcoming meetings.
September 20 ::I-80 Design Project
Scott McGruder tells us how the Interstate 80 design project is progressing and what it means for drivers.
September 13 ::Obesity Forum
RTC talks about the Obesity Forum in downtown Reno.
September 4 ::NDOT Has a New Director
Meet the new director for Nevada Department of Transportation and hear about his vision for NDOT.
August 28 ::Plumas Street Corridor Project
In order to enhance driving visibility and safety, RTC explains the importance of the Plumas Street Corridor Project.
August 21 ::Hybrid Buses
What is the benefit of hybrid buses?
July 24 ::I-580 Opening Eventt
Scott MaGruder of NDOT discusses the events and festivities for the opening for Interstate 580 Freeway Extension in August.
July 17 ::Plumas Street Project
RTC is hosts a community meeting to discuss the Plumas Street project. Folks can also contact the RTC directly for more information and submit their comments.
May 29 ::Plumb Lane Project
Michelle Dennis of RTC talks about the Plumb Lane project and what the improvements mean to drivers.
May 15::$72 Million Design Build Project
NDOT and Granite Construction’s $72 million design build project on I-80 is more than 50 percent complete. Granite Construction began the concrete paving last week. Today we will hear what improvements drivers can expect.
May 8::Bike to Work Week
Once again, the Truckee Meadows Bicycle Alliance is organizing and promoting Bike to Work Week from May 12 through May 18. We expect an increased number of bicyclists and especially novice bicyclists on city streets. Last year, 860 people registered for the event.
April 16::Bus Roadeo
The Bus Roadeo is an event that encourages excellence and professionalism in bus operators. The roadeo competition involves demonstrating safe driving skills in an obstacle course that mimics many of the challenging maneuvers coach operators face each day.
April 9::Brenda Lee on McCarran Project
The project is between Virginia Street and Mira Loma Drive. This year, RTCwill repair and widen the segment between Longley and Mira
Loma from 4 lanes to 6 lanes. They will begin construction on April 22 starting at the Longley intersection and move our way up to Mira Loma and complete the project by the end of September.
March 20::I-580 Freeway
This is the state’s single largest road construction project ever…$400 million for this contract alone. The project involves constructing an eight-and-half mile divided freeway from the Mt. Rose highway south of Reno to Washoe Valley north of Carson City. There are nine
bridges including the Galena Creek structure…the largest concrete cathedral arch bridge in the nation. Once complete there will be three-lanes of traffic going each direction with a speed limit of 65 miles an hour.
March 12:Free Ride for St. Paddy's Day
St. Patrick’s Day is the best time of the year to make your own luck of the Irish. A number of community partners have joined the RTC to make it a safe celebration.
March 6:Meadowood Exchange
The project is designed to improve connectivity in the area and reduce the congestion at the intersection of South Virginia and McCarran. There will be additional freeway access which will reduce the u-turns at that location. In addition to the traffic benefits, the aesthetic
component will enhance the area. The interchange construction contains many artistic elements and the City of Reno anticipates partnering with local businesses to provide a focal piece of artwork at the South Virginia and McCarran intersection
February 21:UNR Safety Forum
Officer Eric James talks about the UNR Safety Forum and what that means for the public.
February 14:4th Street/Prater Way Corridor Study
Adam Searcy from NDOT talks about an upcoming 395/Moana interchange.
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.
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