RTC OKs buses, hears 3rd St. closure report

Two para-transit buses for Carson City were authorized by the Regional Transportation Commission Wednesday at $122,116 each.

The RTC voted without dissent to reject the low bid of RO Bus Sales as not responsive and then, also without dissent, awarded the contract to Creative Bus Sales as the lowest responsive and responsible bidder. The Public Works Department in the same item was authorized to make the purchases. Transportation Manager Patrick Pittenger said the rejected bidder didn’t meet the specifications. No one showed to challenge the decision.

The buses are equipped to handle citizens with ambulatory challenges, including those in wheelchairs.

The commission also heard a report from Pittenger regarding the proposed closure of West 3rd Street for the block from Carson to Curry streets, which would create a public downtown space for leisure and entertainment. He said just 260 vehicles per day traverse the block. The proposal to close the block goes before the Board of Supervisors next Thursday.

“That closure would not negatively impact the traffic flow in that area,” said Pittenger.

Asked about the proposal after the RTC session, Pittenger said he previously told Community Development Director Lee Plemel he wouldn’t steal any of the actual project’s thunder with his traffic report. City Manager Nick Marano last week said the plan to be unveiled next week would be funded by both redevelopment authority funds and a $125,000 private donation. He didn’t disclose the donor.

The RTC Wednesday afternoon also voted to recommend to the city’s governing board approval of the Federal Land Access Program project memorandum of agreement for Nevada Highway 28 corridor improvements involving Carson City and the Tahoe Transportation District.

The commission was told Washoe County had already signed off on the proposal with Douglas County and Carson City to come.

The agreement documents both intent of the parties and anticipated responsibilities in the regional project, which has about $25 million in funding from federal, state and local sources.