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Your RTC. Our Community.


February 2020
RTC Commissioners, below you will find your February 2020 RTC Board Update eNews. This electronic newsletter is distributed monthly following your board meeting.
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Bill Thomas Selected to Lead RTC


The RTC Board selected Bill Thomas, current City of Reno Assistant City Manager, to lead the RTC at the RTC Board special meeting, held on February 13, 2020. Bill Thomas successfully received unanimous support from the entire board.

The Board received communications from the community, council members, local government officials, and RTC staff about the attributes and experience the next executive director should possess. Comments received were taken into consideration for the selection of a new executive director.

The candidate-selection process was open and transparent and the public meeting was a continuation of this process. The Board listened to the community and to all the candidates, which helped them select the best individual for our community and the leadership of the RTC.

The Board gave legal counsel and the chairman direction to begin negotiation of an employment contract agreement that will be brought to the next RTC Board meeting on March 20, 2020.

RTC Launches 2050 Regional Transportation Plan Process


The RTC is planning for the future transportation needs of our region by starting the process of developing its 2050 Regional Transportation Plan (RTP). The purpose of the RTP is to identify the long-term transportation needs and goals for our regional transportation system. The RTP identifies the transportation projects, programs and services that may be implemented through 2050.

The 2050 RTP will build upon the 2040 RTP adopted in 2017. This community-based plan will be developed through a robust outreach process and will be conducted in collaboration with partner agencies and public input. The plan will address the safety, mobility, connectivity, and traffic-operations issues that are resulting from increased population and employment growth in the region.

The Regional Transportation Plan offers the opportunity to inspire, innovate and implement an integrated, efficient regional transportation system in our community. The RTC is seeking input from everyone in our community and encourages you to attend public meetings throughout the process. In addition to general meetings, the RTC will hold issue-based workshops and roundtables on specific topics, including transportation safety, youth-transportation issues, economic development, and transit vision, among others.

This is a community-wide plan that is made successful by the participation of everyone in our region. There will be many opportunities for input as the RTC works to develop a comprehensive plan for our future. The RTC wants to hear about your commute and your neighborhood and any ideas you may have to improve transportation for everyone.

Upcoming RTP Meetings:
Federal regulations require that the long-range planning document be updated every four years. The RTP is the RTC’s long-range transportation plan as required under Title 23, Part 450 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). It contains major transportation projects and programs for Washoe County for all modes of travel. It functions as the major tool for implementing long-range transportation planning.

The RTP captures the community’s vision of the transportation system and identifies the projects, programs and services necessary to achieve that vision, which may be implemented by the RTC, local jurisdictions and NDOT.

The RTP is on an 18-month schedule for the development and approval process. It is anticipated to be complete by or before May 2021.

For more information about the RTP, visit rtcwashoe.com and search RTP.
Take the 2050 RTP Visioning Survey
Crews are working to construct bus RAPID transit stations as part of the Virginia Street Project.
Roundabout constuction on Virginia Street at Center Street and Mary Street. Thank you to Larry Devincenzi, Rum Sugar Lime owner, for providing this photo.

Virginia Street Project Update
 

This month, construction moved northward on Virginia Street to Liberty Street as crews continue to work on sidewalk reconstruction. In addition to the active construction in the northern portion of the Midtown segment of the project, crews are constructing new transit stations and installing new lighting on Virginia Street between Plumb Lane and Mt. Rose Street. Roadway paving will take place in the spring when temperatures are warmer.

Coffee with the Construction Team
The RTC and SNC held Coffee with the Construction Team events in January and February to help Midtown business owners and the community learn more about upcoming construction operations and have the opportunity to ask questions. If you missed these events, but have questions, you can reach out to the project team at info@VirginiaStreetProject.com or 775-300-1848.

Support Local Businesses
It’s business as usual in Midtown. Businesses are open and accessible during construction. Please continue to support Midtown businesses during construction.

Roundabout Construction Update
Construction continues on the new roundabout on Virginia Street at Center Street/Mary Street. Center Street will be closed at Virginia Street intermittently. Please continue to follow marked detours. Construction on the roundabout will continue through March of 2020.

Construction moves northward near the University of Nevada, Reno this spring
Starting in March, the Virginia Street Project will move northward near the University of Nevada, Reno. The first part of construction near the University will include demolition of the existing structures on the east side of Virginia Street between 8th Street and 9th Street. The demolition will make way for roadway widening, a transit stop, a bus lane and wider sidewalks. As the construction draws closer, the RTC will begin providing regular construction updates that will include more detailed information about construction activities, traffic control and detours. Project highlights include:
  • RAPID Bus Stations on both sides of Virginia Street
  • Sidewalk improvements (along Virginia Street between Maple Street and the West Stadium Parking Complex entrance)
  • A roundabout on Virginia Street at the entrance to the West Stadium Parking Complex to improve safety and traffic flow
  • Restriping of the roadway from two lanes of traffic in each direction to one traffic lane and one shared bus/bicycle lane for both northbound and southbound traffic flow
Learn more about upcoming construction operations and sign up for University project updates in the University section of VirginiaStreetProject.com.
 
More information
For more information about the Virginia Street Project, visit VirginiaStreetProject.com, text VIRGINIA to 797979, sign up for weekly stakeholder updates, and follow RTC on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Learn More at VirginiaStreetProject.com

Eagle Canyon Extension Study Community Meetings


The RTC is in the beginning stages of its Eagle Canyon Extension study and is starting to review different options for a roadway that would potentially connect the Spanish Springs area to the North Valleys area. The location of the roadway has not yet been determined. Additionally, the study is evaluating existing traffic operations and safety on Eagle Canyon Drive to identify potential improvements. The RTC is seeking the community’s input throughout the development of the Eagle Canyon Extension study.

The RTC invites the community to two upcoming Eagle Canyon Extension study community meetings, one in Lemmon Valley and one in Spanish Springs:
  • Tuesday, March 10, 2020, from 5-7 p.m. at Lemmon Valley Elementary School
  • Thursday, March 12, 2020, from 5-7 p.m. at Spanish Springs High School
Both meetings will offer the same presentation at 5:30 p.m. The RTC is holding the meetings at two locations to make it easy for people who live on both sides of the study area to attend.

The need for this study arose from the North Valleys Multimodal Transportation Study completed by the RTC in February 2017. Through that process, North Valleys residents expressed a desire for a direct connection between the two areas, as both have been experiencing, and are expected to continue to experience, significant growth in housing and employment.  The proposed roadway would help to alleviate traffic currently utilizing US 395, the Spaghetti Bowl and Pyramid Highway, and improve regional traffic flow.

Construction on this potential new roadway is anticipated to occur within the 2027-2040 time frame, as identified by the RTC’s Regional Transportation Plan.

Lemmon Valley Elementary School and Spanish Springs High School are accessible to individuals with disabilities. Requests for auxiliary aids to assist individuals with disabilities should be made with as much advance notice as possible. For those requiring hearing or speech assistance, contact Relay Nevada at 1(800)326-6868 (TTY, VCO or HCO). Requests for supporting documents and all other requests should be directed to RTC Metropolitan Planning at (775) 348-0480.

RTC Mobility Center Informational Outreach for WCSD Vision Impairment Services


RTC staff provided a tour of the Mobility Center at RTC CENTENNIAL PLAZA to the Vision Impairment Services Department of the Washoe County School District (WCSD). A presentation was also provided regarding RTC RIDE, RTC ACCESS, FlexRIDE, Travel Training, and Washoe Senior Ride.

The tour provided a great opportunity for the Vision Impairment Services Department to collaborate with RTC staff to ensure there are accessible and appropriate transportation options for the WCSD students who are visually impaired.
Watch the video above to learn more about the 2020 Census.

2020 Census: Get Counted


The 2020 Census will determine congressional representation, allocate hundreds of billions of dollars in federal funding and provide data that will impact communities for the next decade.

The 2020 Census will provide a snapshot of our nation—who we are, where we live, and so much more.

The results of this once-a-decade count determine the number of seats each state has in the House of Representatives. They are also used to draw congressional and state legislative districts.

Over the next decade, lawmakers, business owners and many others will use 2020 Census data to make critical decisions. The results will show where communities need new schools, new clinics, new roads, and more services for families, older adults, and children.

The results will also inform how hundreds of billions of dollars in federal funding are allocated to more than 100 programs, including Medicaid, Head Start, block grants for community mental health services, and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as SNAP.

How Nevada Benefits from the 2020 Census
The U.S. Constitution mandates that the country count its population once every 10 years. The results are used to adjust or redraw electoral districts, based on where populations have increased or decreased.

State legislatures or independent bipartisan commissions are responsible for redrawing congressional districts. The U.S. Census Bureau provides states with population counts for this purpose.

The results of the 2020 Census will inform decisions about allocating hundreds of billions of dollars in federal funding to communities across the country—for hospitals, fire departments, school lunch programs, and other critical programs and services. Nevada will receive $20,000 for every adult and child who is counted by the Census.

The 2020 Census will be valuable to businesses, as the results will provide a rich set of data on the communities they serve, including population trends and growth projections.

Business owners rely on census results to make decisions, such as where to open new stores, restaurants, factories, or offices, where to expand operations, where to recruit employees, and which products and services to offer.

Key Census Dates and Phone Numbers
  • Call 1-844-330-2020 for Census information in English, or to take the Census beginning March 1. (Spanish speakers, call 1-844-468-2020)
  • Call 1-800-923-8282 to verify Census counter identity.
More Information
To learn more about the 2020 Census in Nevada, please visit Census.NV.gov. The Census starts on March 12 and goes through April 30, 2020. You can participate online, by phone, or you may request a Census form.  Your information is safe, secure and confidential.
Learn more at Census.NV.gov
The RTC Board approved the Transportation Leaders Against Human Trafficking Pledge at RTC's February Board meeting. The RTC will be an active partner in the fight against human trafficking in our community. Joining the Board is Nevada Assemblywoman Jill Tolles, co-chair of the Northern Nevada Sex Trafficking Task Force.

RTC to Combat Human Trafficking


The Transportation Leaders Against Human Trafficking Pledge is part of an initiative by the U.S. Department of Transportation to combat human trafficking. The program is designed to raise public awareness about the problem, educate transportation sector employees about how to identify the signs of human trafficking and how to respond, and to share data.    

RTC has joined the Northern Nevada Sex Trafficking Task Force, participating on both the Enforcement and Outreach committees. Because traffickers may use bus stops or stations as recruiting areas or to transport victims, RTC transit operators, customer service representatives, and other staff interacting with the public are able to be part of the solution by identifying the signs of trafficking and coordinating with both law enforcement and victim services providers. The RTC is currently working with local law enforcement on appropriate training measures. The RTC is also developing materials to support public education and awareness about the issue and how to respond.   

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, as many as 24.9 million men, women, and children are held against their will and trafficked into forced labor and prostitution. This problem is particularly significant in Nevada, including the Northern Nevada region. Information provided by Awaken, a local non-profit dedicated to this issue, indicates that at least 5,016 individuals are trafficked in an average month in Nevada. Nevada’s number of trafficked individuals per capita is 63% larger than the next largest state of New York, and more than twice as many as in California.

Additional training materials being used by the RTC are available to the public and can be found at https://truckersagainsttrafficking.org/bus-training/. Anyone seeking help or identifying potential trafficking victims or activities is encouraged to call the human trafficking hotline at 888-3737-888 or the BeFree text line at 233733.

ADA Transition Plan


The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Department of Justice Implementing Regulations (28 CFR 35) requires government entities to develop an ADA Transition Plan. The RTC must ensure that individuals with disabilities are not excluded from programs, services, and activities.

The ADA Transition Plan encompassed the following goals:
•    Improve accessibility for all citizens
•    Encourage participation from public and disabled community
•    Educate RTC staff and the public on the requirements of the ADA
•    Develop a list of barriers
•    Provide an outline of methods to remove barriers
•    Provide a realistic schedule with cost projections for the removal of barriers

The updated RTC ADA Transition Plan complemented the 2011 ADA Transition Plan by incorporating its previous action items and expanding the scope of the plan. The ADA Transition Plan addresses physical obstacles in areas that are open to the public in the six RTC buildings and at 360 RTC transit stops.

The ADA Transition Plan update also included the provision of a schedule for implementing the access modifications, and identification of a position and official who is responsible for implementing the ADA Transition Plan.  

The ADA Transition Plan Update included the collection of data at 360 transit stops.
Read the draft plan at rtcwashoe.com

FlexRIDE Coming to North Valleys in May


The RTC Board approved the May 2020 service improvements at the February meeting. The improvements for the May 2, 2020 service change include route and timing changes, introducing more FlexRIDE microtransit services to improve transit access, and improving passenger travel times to allow for more community-wide connectivity.

The RTC Board approved the following service improvements:
  • FlexRIDE: Implement a second microtransit pilot project, known as FlexRIDE, in the North Valleys area currently served by Routes 7 and 17. FlexRIDE allows passengers to request rides at their closest curbside location and get dropped off at another curbside location within the microtransit service area. Rides can be requested on a smartphone using the Transloc app, by calling FlexRIDE dispatch at 775-335-0035, or online by visiting https://ondemand.transloc.com.
  • Route 7:  Reconfigure Route 7 to better serve the North Valleys and connections to the proposed FlexRIDE pilot project.
  • Route 17: Discontinue Route 17. This area will be served by the new FlexRIDE service and the reconfigured Route 7.
  • Route 9: Reconfigure Route 9 to restore partial service to Mill Street.
  • RAPID Virginia Line: Restore 10-minute frequency.
  • Route 25: Changing direction of the loop at the end of Route 25.
  • Route 25L: Discontinue Route 25L – Reed High School a.m./p.m. bell-time service,  Reed High School will continue to be served by FlexRIDE.
  • Route 13: Route 13's loop near Wooster High School will change directions to drop passengers off on the same side of the street as the school to improve safety.
  • All routes: Continuation of timetable adjustments to continue improving travel times and on-time performance.
The RTC continually analyzes its transit operations to maximize resources and improve efficiency to enhance quality customer service to riders. This analysis tracks ridership data and allocates buses and other resources to more-productive routes, improving efficiency and transit-system operations within financial constraints.

RTC Board Meeting and Complete Streets Board Workshop


The RTC's March Board Meeting will be held on Friday, March 20 at the Sure Stay Hotel by Best Western, across from the Reno Tahoe International Airport at 9 a.m. The meeting will be held in the Cessna and Concord rooms.

Immediately following the Board Meeting, the RTC Board will participate in a Complete Streets Workshop to learn more about RTC's upcoming roadway projects and inform the budget process.

St. Patrick's Day FREE Safe RIDE


The RTC is marking 17 years of providing a safe transportation choice to help people celebrate St. Patrick’s Day responsibly with the FREE Safe RIDE program. Scheduled RTC transit services will be free on Tuesday, March 17 from 4 p.m. until 2 a.m.

The goal of providing this free service is to keep our roads and crosswalks safe for everyone on the St. Patrick’s Day holiday. The RTC encourages people to celebrate safely and responsibly by not getting behind the wheel or walking while impaired.

Whether you are out celebrating, going to work, or you want to try our transit service for the first time, the RTC welcomes you on our buses. The RTC does not want cost to be a barrier for anyone trying to get home safely on St. Patrick’s Day, and is proud to offer this free service to our community.

Keep in mind, not all locations are served by transit, so the RTC recommends passengers check route and schedule information at rtcwashoe.com to plan a trip.
Plan Your Trip at rtcwashoe.com

NDOT: Stop in the Name of Safety


Between 2013 and 2017, 286 people died in Nevada intersection crashes. Nationally, red-light running causes approximately 900 deaths every year.  

To create more consistent signage for intersection safety, changes will be coming to some of the advance signal warning systems at Truckee Meadows intersections and across the state.

These yellow signs stationed over the roadway or roadside are placed in advance of traffic signals, often where roadway curves or other factors limit visibility or expectation of a signal. They are also placed where the highway changes between rural and urban, such as on Pyramid Highway, Mt. Rose Highway and U.S. 395 in Carson Valley.

There are three types of signal systems: static sign only, passive signs with continuously flashing lights and active signage with lights that begin flashing when the traffic signal ahead readies to turn yellow and red. Together, they allow drivers time to stop for the signal. Unfortunately, some active systems can lead drivers to unsafely speed up to beat the light, potentially leading to crashes.

NDOT commissioned an engineering study to establish guidelines for the most effective use of the different types of signal warning systems, compliant with federal guidelines. Following thorough review, NDOT and partner agencies will update some of the advance signals. Some systems will change from flashing at the onset of an upcoming yellow signal to a static sign or continuously flashing signal, and others will be decommissioned. These changes will be carried out later this year.

An educational campaign will be shared with partner agencies, stakeholders and the public this summer as the advance signal warning systems begin to change.

Intersection Safety Tips:
  • Drive attentively
  • Make a complete stop at all red traffic signals and stop signs
  • Lift your foot off the accelerator and look both ways before crossing an intersection on a green signal
  • Yield to other drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians
  • Look right before turning on green
  • Motorists stopped at a red light should look both ways before proceeding on a green light to make sure the intersection is clear
Learn more at NevadaDOT.com

Upcoming Events and Meetings
February 26
2050 Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) Public Meeting
Sparks Industrial Roadway Network Analysis Roundtable
Baldini's Casino, 3-5 p.m.
February 27
2050 Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) Visioning Public Meeting
Nevada Discovery Museum, 5-7 p.m.
March 10
Eagle Canyon Study Community Meeting
Lemmon Valley Elementary School, 5-7 p.m.
March 12
Eagle Canyon Study Community Meeting
Spanish Springs High School, 5-7 p.m.
March 12 - April 30
2020 Census Participation
Visit Census.NV.gov to learn more
March 17
St. Patrick's Day FREE Safe RIDE
All RTC Transit Services Free from 4 p.m. - 2 a.m.
Please contact Michael Moreno or me with any questions you may have.
Michael can be reached at (775) 335-1869 or email at mmoreno@rtcwashoe.com. 
Archived editions are available at: rtcwashoe.com.

Amy Cummings, RTC Interim Executive Director
Phone: (775) 348-0400
Email: acummings@rtcwashoe.com
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