Better and Better Bus Service
The website WalletHub recently placed Reno eighth in a ranking of U.S. cities, for best public transportation, behind Seattle, Boston and San Francisco, but still respectable, and possibly surprising to some tired of long waits in between buses.
Reno even placed first in a sub category called Public Transit Resources rank, while losing overall points, ranking quite low in accessibility and convenience.
The rankings may keep trending upwards though as The Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) of Washoe County recently completed their "Virginia Street RAPID Transit Line," a multi year project which brings several new stops and buses connecting the University to Midtown and Meadowood Mall further south.
The new Virginia Street RAPID is also using a 100% electric fleet, making its green ranking go up as well.
This project also created wider sidewalks in Midtown, adding roundabouts and trees and made the entire route more pedestrian and bike friendly.
Bridges in Community
The newly constructed bus stops along the route also look a lot different than just a sign post and maybe a bench. Partially enclosed, lit for safety and visually appealing, they are also giving the route a cleaner, sleeker, more modern look.
The additions will make it easier for UNR students to get from campus to local businesses around Midtown and Meadowood Mall areas as part of long standing efforts to create more bridges in the community between its university population and others. Whether this will create gentrifying effects, or whether students will create a positive effect beyond their regular N. Virginia street haunts remains to be seen.