There are still several concerns regarding bus stop safety more than a month after a deadly crash in the southeast part of Las Vegas. As you may recall, a woman was killed and another woman's legs were amputated after a truck plowed into the stop where they were waiting for the bus. For the past few weeks, one man has taken his mission for bus stop safety to anyone who will listen. News 3's Marie Mortera reviewed his plans and explains what changes are going to help keep you safe.
Chris Christoff with the Citizens for Better Transportation and Safety has emailed county leaders and collected articles on bus stop accidents, all to back up his belief that bus stops aren't safe enough. But, they could be.
"I want concrete barriers that will withstand a three-ton impact," explains Chris. "It'll deter them from going in there and getting killed and losing their limbs."
But Tracy Bower of the Regional Transportation Commission says the county only has so much space in some areas to place a bus stop, because past a certain point, it will extend to private property. "We are looking at the idea of barriers," she says. But follows that there are "many areas where that won't work."
Instead, the RTC has made some changes, like pushing bus stops off of the sidewalk where possible. For passenger Carey Wood, that sounds like a better idea. Even what is now considered a "safer stop," just isn't enough for him. "Somebody comes around the corner - not watching what they're doing - next thing you know, you're sitting up on their hood."
To that, the RTC reminds passengers that accidents can't be blamed on bus stops alone. "You're really at the mercy of drivers behind the wheel," adds Tracy Bower. Still, changes are coming, one stop at a time. Chris Christoff just wants to see those changes come as soon as possible - before another accident happens.
The Regional Transportation meeting takes place Thursday. While it won't solely focus on bus stop safety, there is a public comment period where those who are concerned can speak out.
