Express bus routes link Las Vegas, Henderson downtowns

Marching bands and local politicians celebrated the completion of two new express bus routes Thursday that will link downtown Henderson to the core of Las Vegas starting Sept. 18.

The Regional Transportation Commission spent $40 million on the Boulder Highway and Henderson express lines, $22 million of which came from federal stimulus funding.

The Boulder Highway express bus will travel between the Bonneville Transit Center in downtown Las Vegas and Sunset Station, a trip that will take
25 minutes less than the regular bus route.

The Henderson express route, which runs through downtown Las Vegas to Symphony Park and then southeast to Nevada State College, will knock 45 minutes off the regular route time.

Both systems will use the state-of-the-art buses often seen on the Strip.

The Henderson express line travels along Boulder Highway and then jogs over to Water Street, where politicians envision massive renovations to create a vibrant downtown.

"This street is unlike any other street; Water Street is happening," said Jacob Snow, general manager of the Regional Transportation Commission.

"Cities are not built for cars, cities are built for people."

Henderson Mayor Andy Hafen said his city has waited more than a decade for an efficient public transit system linking Henderson to Las Vegas.

"This is a long time coming," he said. "This is much needed, much wanted and much appreciated."

After two high school marching bands played and the sleek vehicles glided past, Rep. Shelley Berkley, D-Nev., made the biggest splash by throwing Nevada's Republican delegation under the bus.

Staff members for Nevada Sen. Dean Heller and Rep. Joe Heck showed up at the celebration with certificates of appreciation.

Berkley, a major proponent of the stimulus, made it clear she did not appreciate the gesture.

Berkley said Republicans continue to scoff at the funding, even though it created 22,000 jobs in Nevada.

"Those delegates who voted against it but continue to send their staff with certificates, I find that insulting to all of us," she said.

Contact reporter Adrienne Packer at apacker@review journal.com or 702-387-2904.