Transit board OKs raise for manager

Members of the Regional Transportation Commission board seemed to do everything but ask General Manager Jacob Snow to be their valentine at Thursday's meeting.

Still, Snow appeared pleased the Transportation Commission board approved a 7 percent merit raise and increased his severance package from six to 12 months' salary.

Snow directs the Transportation Commission's day-to-day operations, which include regional planning, coordination and funding, through local and federal tax revenue, of road and mass transit projects in Southern Nevada.

His salary after the raise is $228,716.80, about $20,000 above his 2007 salary. Last year, Snow received an 8 percent raise.

County Commissioner Bruce Woodbury, who serves as chairman of the Transportation Commission board, said the raise was well-deserved because Snow must deal with all the "prima donnas up here," referring to himself and fellow commissioners.

The Transportation Commission board is made up of elected officials from the county and the cities of Las Vegas, North Las Vegas, Henderson, Boulder City and Mesquite.

Snow's 12-month severance package, which would be paid in a lump sum should he be fired, brought his contract in line with other municipal leaders in the state, including Clark County manager Virginia Valentine.

In other news, the Transportation Commission approved the restructuring of the former Flexifare transit pass program, which offered discounted bus fares to valley businesses for their employees.

The Flexifare program was introduced in 2003 but "proved to be inefficient with a cumbersome billing process," according to commission documents.

Tracy Bower, spokeswoman for the Transportation Commission, said the new approach will sell discounted fares in advance to businesses for use by their employees. The new program will be called Club Ride EZrider.

Businesses are allowed to provide commuter benefits to their employees under federal tax code and write it off as an expense.

By offering lower fares, the Transportation Commission is hoping to increase Citizens Area Transit ridership, as well as get vehicles off valley roads.

The fare structure will include a 5 percent discount for up to 200 passes purchased, a 10 percent discount for 201 to 500 passes purchased and a 15 percent discount for more than 500 fares purchased.

Commission members believe the new program has the potential to bring in an additional $200,000 in annual revenue.

Contact reporter Francis McCabe at fmccabe@reviewjournal.com or (702) 387-2904.