Transit Re-Debuts in Sin City

The problem-stricken Las Vegas monorail opened for business again over the Christmas weekend just in time for the city�s busiest period of tourism. The 3.9-mile system runs north to south along the famous Strip and has six stops serving major casinos and attractions. Since its inception in July, the transit system has been plagued with operational and structural problems that forced its closure for nearly four months. With those problems resolved, monorail officials hope to attract 50,000 riders a day, most of whom will be tourists rather than local residents or commuters. The system was constructed and is managed by a private entity and has the potential to turn a profit that could fund future improvements and expansion. �The eyes of the transportation world are really on Las Vegas to see if this can work,� said Rep. Shelley Berkley (D-Nev.), a strong supporter of the monorail project. Currently no transit system in North American operates in the black. Not only do politicians and city officials have a lot riding on the success of the system. Several major Las Vegas casinos have invested in access infrastructure to the monorail that they hope will help draw more business.