LAS VEGAS -- Drivers in northwest Las Vegas can now park their cars and take a bus to McCarran International Airport. The idea is to bring down traffic and pollution from cars.
The new Park and Ride facility is one of three new places to catch a bus. But with millions spent on the facilities, are people really using them?
The Westcliff Airport Express bus comes once an hour towards the airport. There are still several stops and a 40 minute ride in good traffic. Still, one of the first passengers says it's a major improvement over the old way.
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"This bus is a miracle. It usually takes two hours to get to the airport from Charleston and Durango and you have to catch their 206 and go all the way to Main Street and catch the 108 all the way to the airport. Now, I just go to the corner and I'm at the airport in 40 minutes. I'm loving this," said Florence, who asked that her last name not be used.
The Park and Ride facility on Durango south of Summerlin Parkway opened Monday. The $4.7 million center was mostly paid by federal grants. It is air conditioned inside and has lot space for 140 cars.
But some Las Vegas residents just believe it is simpler to use airport parking.
"I just feel that its more safe here. Nobody's going to break into my vehicle, steal my things when I'm out of town. I know that nobody can get out of the gate with my vehicle without my ticket," said Jessica Taylor.
The new transit center has a guard on site 24 hours, but no security gate.
The RTC's other express route, starting in Centennial Hills, has around 1,000 passengers a day. RTC considers that a success and says other express routes along Boulder Highway and Sahara should start middle of next year.
RTC is offering free airport express bus rides from the December 17 to December 24. Normally, a ride costs $2.
