As traffic congestion and air pollution continue to increase in the U.S. metropolitan areas, so does the demand for effective transportation solutions. Public's perception towards public transit as an alternative has historically been mixed at best. This article describes the new rapid transit system deployed by the Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada in the Las Vegas, Nevada metropolitan area. Metropolitan Area Express (MAX) is creating a fresh image for public transit while enhancing service to its customers. MAX is a national demonstration project sponsored bythe Federal Transit Administration's Bus Rapid Transit program. The goalof the project is to use an innovative system approach to increase capacity, improve passenger comfort and convenience, reduce dwell times and raise awareness in the community about the benefits of public transit.
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