Regional Transportation Commission details transit ridership, Sun Valley Boulevard plan and funding options
March 08, 2025 | Events, Nevada
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Regional Transportation Commission staff briefed the Sun Valley Citizens Advisory Board on March 3 about public‑transportation usage in the valley, forthcoming roadway projects and an effort to fund a multi‑million dollar overhaul of Sun Valley Boulevard.
Paul Nelson, government affairs officer for RTC, said Route 5 — which serves Sun Valley — is among the transit system’s busiest non‑bus‑rapid‑transit routes, recording more than 31,000 trips in January and about 362,000 trips in the last 12 months. “Sixty percent of those are work trips,” he said, noting that sustained ridership growth improves the efficiency of public transit.
Nelson said RTC’s fleet is transitioning: about one‑third of buses are all electric, two‑thirds are diesel‑electric hybrid, and two hydrogen fuel‑cell buses are in the fleet with six more on order. RTC is also installing tap‑to‑pay readers and exploring software upgrades to let paratransit (AccessRide) and on‑demand FlexRide services interoperate to improve service efficiency.
On local infrastructure, Nelson described the Sun Valley Boulevard Improvement Project (phase 2), a proposal to rebuild Sun Valley Boulevard from Scottsdale Road north to Seventh Avenue with bike and sidewalk improvements, drainage work and transit upgrades. RTC staff said they had applied for a $40 million PROTECT grant; Nelson said that application process was temporarily paused by federal review 2 weeks before submission but that RTC plans to pursue federal and state grant funding and rely on developer contributions for interim improvements. "We're still moving forward with this project," he said.
Amanda Callegary, RTC engineering manager, added that the Five Bridges (referred to in the meeting as “5 Ridges”) developer will be required to make interim operational improvements at the Pyramid Highway intersection this spring when widening work proceeds.
Nelson and staff also described other regional projects that affect the corridor, including NDOT’s Pyramid Highway phase work, planned widening near 5 Ridges and conceptual studies for commuter rail and toll options to relieve regional congestion. He said the agency will pursue federal discretionary funds where possible and seek collaboration with NDOT and local jurisdictions to secure funding.
Why it matters: the Sun Valley Boulevard project, if funded, would add pedestrian, bicycle and drainage improvements to a corridor used heavily by transit riders and school traffic; interim intersection upgrades are expected as nearby development advances.
Ending: RTC officials said they will return with project updates and asked Sun Valley residents to continue engagement as planning and funding proceed.
Paul Nelson, government affairs officer for RTC, said Route 5 — which serves Sun Valley — is among the transit system’s busiest non‑bus‑rapid‑transit routes, recording more than 31,000 trips in January and about 362,000 trips in the last 12 months. “Sixty percent of those are work trips,” he said, noting that sustained ridership growth improves the efficiency of public transit.
Nelson said RTC’s fleet is transitioning: about one‑third of buses are all electric, two‑thirds are diesel‑electric hybrid, and two hydrogen fuel‑cell buses are in the fleet with six more on order. RTC is also installing tap‑to‑pay readers and exploring software upgrades to let paratransit (AccessRide) and on‑demand FlexRide services interoperate to improve service efficiency.
On local infrastructure, Nelson described the Sun Valley Boulevard Improvement Project (phase 2), a proposal to rebuild Sun Valley Boulevard from Scottsdale Road north to Seventh Avenue with bike and sidewalk improvements, drainage work and transit upgrades. RTC staff said they had applied for a $40 million PROTECT grant; Nelson said that application process was temporarily paused by federal review 2 weeks before submission but that RTC plans to pursue federal and state grant funding and rely on developer contributions for interim improvements. "We're still moving forward with this project," he said.
Amanda Callegary, RTC engineering manager, added that the Five Bridges (referred to in the meeting as “5 Ridges”) developer will be required to make interim operational improvements at the Pyramid Highway intersection this spring when widening work proceeds.
Nelson and staff also described other regional projects that affect the corridor, including NDOT’s Pyramid Highway phase work, planned widening near 5 Ridges and conceptual studies for commuter rail and toll options to relieve regional congestion. He said the agency will pursue federal discretionary funds where possible and seek collaboration with NDOT and local jurisdictions to secure funding.
Why it matters: the Sun Valley Boulevard project, if funded, would add pedestrian, bicycle and drainage improvements to a corridor used heavily by transit riders and school traffic; interim intersection upgrades are expected as nearby development advances.
Ending: RTC officials said they will return with project updates and asked Sun Valley residents to continue engagement as planning and funding proceed.
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