Keolis Awarded Management Contract for Bus Transit System Servicing the Las Vegas Strip

BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Keolis Transit America (KTA), a subsidiary of Keolis America, Inc., which is vying for the contract to run commuter rail operations for the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA), has been awarded the southern fixed-route bus contract for Las Vegas by the Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) of Southern Nevada.

“We think we can make a big difference in Massachusetts, both in terms of ridership satisfaction and increased ridership.”

The Nevada contract includes service along the resort corridor of Las Vegas Boulevard as well as the Deuce on the Strip (Deuce) as well as the Strip and Downtown Express (SDX) routes. The five-year contract, with two 2-year options, and a one-year option, is one of two management contracts for the Southern Nevada transit system. Keolis is expected to assume management operation for its portion of the RTC’s service area on July 7, 2013.

Additionally, the contract includes operating the Lot B fixed route local and express transit, which operates out of the Sunset Facility in South Las Vegas. There are 15 fixed routes including 10 local routes and five express routes. Based on the latest ridership data, the Lot B routes average weekday ridership of nearly 102,000 passengers, with 87,000 and 76,000 on Saturday and Sunday respectively. Keolis will be responsible for staffing, customer service, maintenance and general operations for the system.

“We are very pleased that Keolis has been selected to manage and operate this essential component of the regional mass transit system in Southern Nevada,” said Michael Griffus, chief executive officer for Keolis Transit America. “Keolis has been providing a full spectrum of ground-based transportation systems for more than 50 years, including fixed-route bus operations such as those offered by the Regional Transportation Commission. We believe that this system has great potential to grow and expand, and we look forward to partnering with the RTC to bring our commitment to quality service, customer appreciation and transportation best practices.”

Keolis has selected well-known transit administrator Dwight Brashear as general manager for Southern Nevada operations. Brashear has more than 25 years of transit experience, starting first as a bus operator, rising through the ranks to manage the San Diego Transit system. He also has served as general manager and vice president for transit operations in other communities, including Baton Rouge, Louisiana and Washington, DC. In 2005, while serving in Baton Rouge, Brashear was selected by Louisiana Governor Kathleen Blanco to become the state transportation coordinator for the evacuation of the New Orleans area following Hurricane Katrina.

Brashear joined Keolis Transit America in 2010 as executive vice president of business development. “The Las Vegas market is a great opportunity for personal and professional growth,” said Brashear.

“Keolis makes a commitment not only to its passengers and employees, but also to the community at large, and we are looking forward to getting involved with local business and community groups as we move forward.”

In Massachusetts, Keolis America, Inc., is bidding for the MBTA’s multi-year contract to operate 664 miles of passenger service. The MBTA commuter rail system carries 70,000 commuters daily.

Steve Townsend, CEO of Keolis America, Inc., who is spearheading the efforts to compete for the MBTA contract, said “We think we can make a big difference in Massachusetts, both in terms of ridership satisfaction and increased ridership.”

About Keolis Transit America

Keolis is a leading public transit operator in North America, Europe and around the world, established in 13 countries on four continents, with more than 52,000 employees and with $6.7 billion in annual revenue. In the United States, Keolis provides a full spectrum of transportation services including operation of fixed-route transportation systems, paratransit and airport shuttle operations, fleet management and maintenance, and logistics and routing services. The Keolis approach focuses on customer service, continuous improvements in safety, quality and innovation, and a commitment to teamwork and professional development.