LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — The Regional Transportation Commission’s first bus rapid transit project is set to launch by the end of August, transforming the 109 bus route into the Red Line with dedicated bright red lanes along Maryland Parkway.
The $373 million project started in August 2024 and covers almost 12 miles of roadway. The project is funded through a mix of federal funding and local fuel revenue indexing, an extra gas tax paid in Clark County.
MORE ON FOX5: Las Vegas traffic change: Red shared bus-bike lanes now painted on Maryland Parkway
Bright red lanes designed to keep drivers out
The Red Line will feature bright red painted lanes to remind drivers they are not allowed to use them. The lanes are reserved for buses and bikes only, except for right turns.
“RTC is rolling out the red carpet for this new project,” said Ken Smith, a FOX5 reporter covering the project. “The goal is those bright red lanes is to remind drivers you’re not supposed to be driving in that lane.”
Smith said RTC has bus lanes on Sahara, Flamingo and Boulder Highway, but those lanes are marked with regular white striping. Drivers often use those lanes as shortcuts to avoid traffic.
“A lot of drivers use that extra lane that they’re not supposed to be in as their own little personal shortcut,” Smith said.
RTC told Smith that enforcement of the bus-only lanes is an issue for Metro police. The agency can install signage and paint the lanes red, but drivers must follow the rules.
“At the end of the day, like anything else, it’s up to drivers to actually follow the rules of the road,” Smith said. “And if they don’t and Metro officer catches them or they’re out there doing enforcement, then they could get cited for illegally driving in that bus lane.”
Traffic lane removal raises concerns
The project removes one traffic lane in each direction on Maryland Parkway, reducing the road from three lanes to two lanes plus a bus lane. The change affects a corridor used by 35,000 cars each day.
“My biggest concern about it is taking away a traffic lane from drivers in the first place,” Smith said.
Smith said removing 33% of traffic capacity will impact drivers, though the extent remains unclear.
“Will it be just a disaster for drivers while making life wonderful for the folks on the bus?” Smith said. “That remains to be seen.”
RTC said the corridor is also highly pedestrian-oriented because of UNLV and is one of the agency’s highest-usage bus routes.
The agency said it believes removing the lane will not have major impacts on traffic. RTC is also hoping smart technology and synchronized traffic lights will help offset the removal of one traffic lane.
Red lanes approved nationwide
The Federal Highway Administration recently approved the use of red bus lanes nationwide. Cities including New York, Chicago and San Francisco have used red lanes in test pilot programs.
The Red Line will rename the entire 109 bus route, which runs along Maryland Parkway and connects with the airport and the South Strip Transfer Station. Bus service will increase from every 15 minutes to every 12 minutes.
Some sections of the project will not have dedicated red bus lanes. On Carson Avenue, red bus lanes will run from 13th Street to Casino Center Boulevard. The project removed all parking on Carson Avenue to accommodate the lanes.
On Alta Drive in the Medical District, buses will share lanes with regular traffic. The city of Las Vegas did not want to reduce Alta Drive to one lane each direction plus a bus lane west of Interstate 15.
Additional work planned for 2027
RTC said some additional work will continue into 2027 for repaving. Some sections will not have red bus lanes implemented until final paving is completed.
Smith said the project will be a test for future transit projects in the valley.
“This is the first time that RTC is specifically removing a traffic lane in favor of a bus lane on a very busy corridor,” Smith said.
Copyright 2026 KVVU. All rights reserved.
