S U S T A I N A B I L I T Y R E P O R T

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1 R E G I O N A L T R A N S P O R T A T I O N C O M M I S S I O N O F S O U T H E R N N E V A D A S U S T A I N A B I L I T Y R E P O R T

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3 T A B L E O F C O N T E N T S Message from the General Manager 1 Sustainability Policy 2 RTC Transit 3 RTC Timeline 4 Bonneville Transit Center 6 RTC and Cycling 9 Centennial Hills Transit Center and Park & Ride 10 Westcliff Transit Center Park & Ride 11 Club Ride Works 12 Outreach Efforts 13 Facilities 14

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5 M E S S A G E F R O M T H E G E N E R A L M A N A G E R Greetings, At the Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada (RTC) sustainability is our business and going green is more than a catchy slogan it s at the heart of everything that we do. We are committed to improving the environment for ourselves and future generations. That commitment is apparent in our transit projects, our traffic management work, in the facilities we build and in our day-to-day operations. This is work that we are proud of and pleased to share with you. The RTC s transit system consists of 36 routes, is served by 379 vehicles and carries more than 57 million passengers each year. These are impressive figures, made more impressive when one considers that public transit has the power to remove cars from our roadways, reducing congestion and improving air quality. In addition, the RTC has led the way in deploying more earth-friendly vehicles in its transit fleet. Today that fleet boasts more than 50 Compressed Natural Gas vehicles, more than 60 hybrid-electric rapid transit coaches and more than 50 other hybrid vehicles. In addition to providing transit for the region, the RTC is responsible for managing traffic in Southern Nevada through the use of technology like closedcircuit television cameras, traffic flow detectors and dynamic message signs. These dynamic message signs allow the RTC to communicate travel times or potential delays directly to drivers. All of this technology helps the RTC further its goal of improved sustainability by reducing the amount of time drivers spend on our roadways. If we can get a commuter to their destination faster, that commuter will have a reduced impact on our environment. The RTC has also displayed a commitment to the environment when developing new facilities for the traveling public. One excellent example is the RTC s newest transit hub the Bonneville Transit Center, which was recognized by the U.S. Green Building Council with a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) designation of Gold. The BTC achieved that superior designation thanks to its extensive sustainability features including the recycled materials that were utilized in construction, water-efficient landscaping and solar panels, which will generate about half of all of the energy needed to operate the facility itself! As an agency we ve also ensured that a culture of sustainability exists throughout every level of our organization. RTC employees have truly embraced that culture, significantly reducing their usage of resources including paper, energy and water and by implementing innovative green programs to reduce the agency s carbon footprint. One great example of this is our new E-Bike Program, which allows employees to travel to meetings using an electric bike rather than a car, thereby reducing pollution and improving air quality. It s this willingness to implement creative solutions that makes me so proud of our organization and our team. I m hopeful that after you review this Sustainability Report, which details all of the RTC s most recent efforts to improve our environment, you will be proud and also inspired to join our efforts to make Southern Nevada a more sustainable place to live, work and play. Sincerely, JACOB L. SNOW GENERAL MANAGER REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION OF SOUTHERN NEVADA... 1

6 S U S T A I N A B I L I T Y P O L I C Y The RTC incorporates increased efficiency and sustainability into the agency s daily operation. Sustainable development allows people to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. The RTC has adopted the following sustainability goals: Implement transportation systems that improve air quality in Southern Nevada; Develop fully-integrated transit mode options; Integrate the transit system geographically; Secure funding for expansion, operation and maintenance of the transit system and routes; and Enhance public awareness and support of the regional transportation system.... 2

7 R T C T R A N S I T Transit Trips: Reducing Pollution One Car at a Time FY 2010 Annual Ridership: 54,759,908 FY 2010 Vehicle Miles Travel Saved: 326,842,386 Annual Emission Reduction in Tons Greenhouse Gases: 2,768 Particulate Matter (PM10 * ): 850 * Nitrogen Oxide (NOX), Carbon Dioxide (CO2), Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) Transit Trips: Bicycles on Buses Reducing Pollution The RTC currently provides bicycle racks on its entire fleet of vehicles to help facilitate an alternative mode of travel Bicycles Carried on Buses: 692,067 Annual Emission Reduction in Pounds Carbon Dioxide (CO2): 137,028 Particulate Matter (PM10):

8 RTC TIMELINE MAX BRT Metropolitan Area Express (MAX) service begins in North Las Vegas, offering rail-like service and convenience to riders. Dynamic Message Signs Dynamic Message signs become an important traffic mitigation tool on Las Vegas area roadways. CAT Service - The RTC introduces transit service to the greater Las Vegas area. Freeway and Arterial System of Transportation (FAST) - The RTC becomes the official administrator of FAST Club Ride - Club Ride is a benefits program offered by employers to encourage commuters to find more sustainable ways to get to work. The Deuce - Double deck service is launched on the Las Vegas Strip. The Deuce accommodates 97 people and provides both an economical and environmentally sound transit option

9 Streetcar Bus Rapid Transit Vehicle Debuts - The appearance and feel of light rail transit at a considerably lower cost. Bonneville Transit Center - A new transit terminal opens to replace the Downtown Transportation Center (DTC). Ramp Meters - Ramp meters improve traffic flow on the freeways reducing congestion and improving motorist safety. New Bus Shelters - Installation began in 2008 in Clark County. Communitas Award Winner - RTC recognized for ethical environmental responsibility Westcliff Airport Express - This express route gives riders limited stop service from the northwest to McCarran International Airport. SSTT Park and Ride - Completed parking lot expansion in June. Strip & Downtown Express - Services debuts connecting downtown to the Las Vegas Strip and to the South Strip Transfer Terminal. New Vehicles - 15 Bus Rapid Transit, 40 Deuce with two staircases and 50 CNG forty-foot transit vehicles arrive. Centennial Express Service - Bringing commuters from the fringe of existing general market service to the heart of Las Vegas Centennial Hills Park and Ride Durango and U.S ties into the Express Bus Service on U.S. 95 to Downtown Las Vegas. Sahara Bus Rapid Transit Groundbreaking This project will improve the efficiency and quality of transit service on the Sahara Avenue transit route. Boulder Highway Rapid Transit Project - This express route will connect Henderson with Downtown and the Bonneville Transit Center. Biodiesel - All diesel powered vehicles in the transit fleet begin using biofuels that reduce harmful pollutants in vehicle emissions. 5...

10 B O N N E V I L L E T R A N S I T C E N T E R Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) - is a national rating system for developing highperformance, sustainable buildings. Source: U.S. Green Building Council The Bonneville Transit Center (BTC) is a perfect example of how one project planned within the MPO Department contributes to various facets of the RTC s sustainability initiatives. The BTC houses many of the Las Vegas Valley s premier transit services, including park and ride express routes and Deuce on The Strip. This state-of-the-art facility includes a commuter cycling station which has the capability of accommodating up to 120 bicycles. The bike station, a first for Las Vegas, also highlights other amenities such as restrooms with showers, 24-hour access and a bicycle repair shop and service area. This new facility provides a welcoming, safe and attractive environment to the city s growing need for alternative transportation in dense areas, particularly the downtown area. The BTC provides an environment that encourages the public to use other means of transportation other than relying on motor vehicles. As a partner with the community, the RTC has designed and delivered a building that is also environmentally friendly. Many provisions have been considered in the design to accomplish the goal of being environmentally sustainable. The RTC is committed to providing a LEED Gold certified building with such features as: Water reclamation; The use of recycled materials; Energy-efficient cooling systems; and Architectural practices such as building position and shade systems. LEED goals were established by the BTC design team to achieve the highest rating possible for the facility and every area of design was considered. Indoor environmental quality Materials and resources Energy and atmosphere Water Site location... 6

11 18,000-square-foot transit facility and terminal 1,800-square-foot bicycle station SOLAR SAVINGS 3,800 square feet of photovoltaic panels 86,900 kilowatts (kwh) of power per year $8,400 estimated savings annually 7...

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13 R T C A N D C Y C L I N G Cycling and Pedestrians The RTC promotes bicycle and pedestrian travel through its alternative mode activities including the designation and continuing coordination of shared-use paths. Bikes and Buses 100 percent of RTC transit vehicles are fitted with racks; RTC transit carries more than 55,000 bikes on buses per month and eliminates some 55,000 single-occupant vehicle trips. RTC Electric Bike Program Las Vegas is situated within the Mojave Desert and annually experiences more than 320 days of sunshine and less than 4 inches of precipitation. While summers are warm to hot, humidity levels are low allowing the body to cool quickly as opposed to humid climates where evaporative cooling is not nearly as effective. The desert climate, abundant sunshine and lack of precipitation make cycling, particularly for short trips, a viable option to the vehicle. Before the public and private sectors were asked to embrace the concept of an alternative to the motor vehicle trip, the electric bike, the RTC tested the concept through a pilot program in summer This test program was extremely successful and with the cooperation of other government agencies, the program is expanding to serve the downtown area in early The electric bike provides an option to the singleoccupant vehicle trip both in terms of reduced tailpipe emission and congestion. The RTC developed a training video and skills test as part of the program and each participant is required to successfully complete the safety and skills training. Each trip will be tracked by the RTC and pilot program participant feedback was obtained so that modifications to the program can be made. 9...

14 C E N T E N N I A L H I L L S T R A N S I T C E N T E R A N D P A R K & R I D E The Centennial Hills Transit Center and Park & Ride not only mitigates the growing congestion on U.S. 95 due to the increase in travel demands within that corridor, it also complements the introduction of the Valley s first commuter service. The Centennial Express travels from the Centennial Hills Transit Center and Park & Ride into Downtown Las Vegas, with continuing service to the Las Vegas Strip and UNLV. This service will provide a way for patrons to get out of their cars and step on a more eco-efficient traveling resource. Some of this 1,900 square foot facility s sustainable features include includes: Approximately 900 surface parking spaces for cars; Transit shelters and transit bays for express transit service and local routes; Kiss and Ride areas; Water efficient landscaping. The facility provides transit riders with customer service information, indoor/outdoor waiting areas, and public restrooms

15 W E S T C L I F F T R A N S I T C E N T E R P A R K & R I D E The Westcliff Transit Center is conveniently located near Summerlin Parkway, making it an ideal spot for carpool partners to meet. Some of its sustainable features include more than 140 parking and ride spaces, a climate-controlled transit center and water efficient landscaping. This transit center is also the main departure location for the Westcliff Airport Express, which allows patrons to park their personal vehicles at the park and ride and travel to the airport in an environmentally sound way

16 C L U B R I D E W O R K S Club Ride Helping Las Vegans Kick the Carbon Habit in 2010! 7,615 commuters added to the rideshare database 813,918 alternative commute trips recorded 264 employer partners 77.9 tons of carbon monoxide and other contaminants reduced from the air 5.3 million vehicle miles reduced Other Ways the Public Commuted to Work in ,622 Number of times Club Ride members chose two wheels over four 52,820 Number of times Club Ride members put their best foot forward 220,784 Number of times Club Ride members decided transit was the best option... 12

17 O U T R E A C H E F F O R T S Commissioner Larry Brown and Matthew Judd, one of the RTC Earth Day Art Contest Grand Prize Winners The RTC continually explores new internal administrative and external business strategies in which to reduce environmental and social impacts from its overall daily operations and develop innovative energy and cost-saving solutions to routine procedures. Sustainability Outreach Programs Transportation fairs and public meetings are held throughout the region in public locations over the year to seek community input regarding the agency s endeavors. The agency s Web site, rtcsnv.com, is available in 12 different languages to engage Southern Nevada s diverse population and millions of annual visitors. Earth Day and Anti-Graffiti Art Contests are implemented each year whereby artwork from local youth is featured on the interior and exterior of RTC transit vehicles. The RTC with Coca-Cola and Best Buy host an annual contest awarding laptop computers to 40 local high school seniors who compose a winning essay on How can you reduce your carbon footprint by using the services offered by the RTC? The RTC participates in more than 150 public outreach events per year

18 F A C I L I T I E S RTC Facilities Department has made sustainable improvements in the following areas: Intelligent Illumination RTC Facilities has installed 77 new exit signs in the RTC/RFCD Administration building. The new signs do not need electricity and will provide an estimated savings of over $4,000 annually. Facilities has installed approximately 50 of the 150 office and conference room sensors throughout the first floor of the RTC/ RFCD Administration building. The savings by installing lighting sensors in the office environment is estimated to save the Agency 50% overall on installed areas. Exterior Lighting The Facilities group has been evaluating various LED and Inductive lighting technologies for the replacement of the mercury based florescent and metal halide HID lamps. LED technology is currently changing and longer more reliable fixtures are being produced. LED fixtures require less physical maintenance and last longer. We have changed out the in-ground lighting a various MAX stations for evaluation. These fixtures may reduce consumption of 700 watts to 154 watts. We have just received a test sample of a 200 Watt inductive fixture for testing at the South Strip Transfer Terminal. This fixture could eliminate watt metal halide pendulum fixtures. Replacement of the metal halide wall washing fixtures could save an additional 18,000 KWH per year. Restroom Improvements Papers saving hand dryers are being installed in the transit center restrooms. These dryers reduce paper costs and promote up to 90% savings. Faucets are being changed out to a low flow automatic style. These reduce water waste and provide a higher sanitary level for our customers. Vehicle Use The RTC has implemented a no idle program with our operating vendors. Performing timely maintenance and repairs, including adjusting and maintaining proper tire pressure, saves 1,000 gallons of fuel each year. Recycling RTC Facilities has installed recycling dumpsters at our larger properties. The RTC has recycled over 73,484 pounds of paper and 15,714 pounds of metal realizing more than $5,300 returned to our general account

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