by BiZzAr0
jamesinclair wrote:Any updates?I'm not sure your experience really the same for everyone. When I was there, I didn't really encounter the same problem. But in case you're actually right, the website has information about this:
I was a big fan of this project, but last month I went to las vegas from Fresno. Allegiant air was offering $19 tickets so we went by air instead of driving (its a 6-7 hour drive) (taxes were actually higher than the fare!)
Being in Las Vegas without a car made it painfully obvious how badly the city is designed for the pedestrian. It seems like everything was done on las vegas blvd to hinder pedestrian movement. Even the brand new city center development, supposedly a LEED project went out of its way to screw over pedestrian access. They even built an aerial tram, which we rode....but it's useless for transportation, it seems to be designed to give the complex a cool factor, something to look at but never use.
On our 3rd day, we rented a car to visit hoover dam, and in the evening made a few stops along the strip.... the experience was completely different. Ample free parking, wide streets and direct access points for those in vehicles.
The point is this: Even with cheap, amazing train service, I dont think people will ride more than once. They might be thrilled with the quality of service provided on the train, but will hate their time as a pedestrian in the city. Considering every parking spot in las vegas is free, they will say screw it and drive next time. Even worse, who wants to drive to the desert to chain travel modes? Might as well stay in the car a little longer.
Unfortunately, I think this will be a failure. (But am still excited to see construction pictures)
We understand that for the train to be successful, it has to be easy and convenient for travelers both to and from Las Vegas and Southern California. The Victorville station will be located adjacent to the I-15 freeway and provide easy parking with optional valet service. The plan is for the "Las Vegas Experience" to start in Victorville with valet service, hotel check-in and through-checking of baggage straight to the resorts, and with convenient car rental facilities for the Southern California–bound travelers. Once in Las Vegas, there will be convenient access to the Las Vegas resorts with shuttle service, rental cars, taxis and potentially a direct connection to the Las Vegas Monorail.