Sahara Express Ready to Roll | Transportation

It took more than a year to complete, but now the Regional Transportation Commission's Sahara Express route is ready to roll.

For riders, it will mean a more convenient way to get across the Las Vegas valley. For drivers, it will mean the road construction along Sahara Avenue is finally finished.

The route stands out with distinctive, solar-powered, blue bus stops. There are also ticket machines which let riders buy tickets before getting on the bus. The sidewalks have been widened and raised to make it easier to board buses. Crews also gave a facelift to the median along Sahara Avenue with plants and trees.

The new bus route isn’t just about aesthetics. There is now a designated lane, allowing the bus to move faster.

“We added, of course, a transit-only lane. So, those buses can really express and not have to compete with automobiles as they travel along this corridor,” General Manager of the Regional Transportation Commission Tina Quigley said.

The Sahara Express will also make fewer stops, meaning the express will take riders to their destination quicker. The route runs from Hualapai Way in the west all the way to Lamb Boulevard in the east. The express bus officially begins service Sunday.