Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Public Transportation Fares
Single ride:
$1.25 CAT and MAX, $2 Deuce
Single ride, seniors and kids 6-17:
$.60 on all
Single ride, kids 5 and under:
Free
Day pass:
$5, usable on all three systems
CAT
(www.catride.com)
is the acronym for the very Soviet-sounding Citizens
Area Transit. Unlike newbie The Deuce (which debuted in fall of 2005 and is
technically part of CAT), it has been sending regular buses to all areas of the city
since 1992. It has 51 routes served by 365 buses, so if you have the patience to
wait at a bus stop and possibly make transfers, you can literally get most anywhere
you want to go on the back of the CAT. Most routes operate from 5am to 1am,
with 14 going 24 hours a day. Be prepared for a wait; on certain routes the buses
can be mighty slow. Wheelchair lifts and bicycle racks make the buses accessible
to all.
Max
(www.rtcsouthernnevada.com/max)
is Vegas' own bionic bus. Looking
like a cross between a bullet train and a bus, it uses a new “optical guidance sys-
tem” that directs it along lines specially painted on the street. A very “green” trans-
portation system, its fuel source is a hybrid of electric and diesel power.
The Max goes only to a limited number of stops on a limited number of routes
at this time, but because it has a dedicated driving lane, it gets around darn
quickly. As it serves a mostly residential neighborhood, running primarily along
Las Vegas Boulevard North, it's unlikely that you, the visitor will ever ride it, but
it's such a cool development I had to add it here.
ENJOYING FREE TRANSPORTATION
Several free shuttles, and the mighty power of your own two feet, are your other
options for getting around Vegas. In terms of shuttles and trams, there are several
that run between partnering casinos, including the ones between:
u
The Barbary Coast, the Gold Coast, and the Orleans
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The Bellagio and the Monte Carlo
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Excalibur, Luxor, Mandalay Bay, Four Seasons, and THEhotel
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The Mirage and TI
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The Palms and Bally's
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The Rio and Paris Las Vegas
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Sam's Town, Harrah's, and Main Street Station
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Terrible's and the airport (not a casino, but useful nonetheless)
You don't have to stay at any of these hotels to take advantage of their shuttle
services, nor is there ever a charge.
If you're considering walking as your main form of transportation, more power
to you. You'll need to stay on or very near the Strip, however, or you'll be miserable.
Also take into account the heat; in the summer months, when the temperatures
