After several forward dates and delays caused by software bugs in the automated control system, the Las Vegas Monorail System has announced a firm date for opening.

My understanding on the software issues - Bombardier and contractors were having problems with the trains arriving at a specified time to each station. The system then had to run 30 days to certify operation and completion.

The website is http://www.lvmonorail.com

Here is the press release -

"Las Vegas Monorail to inaugurate service on July 15"

Launch date set for the world's most advanced public transportation
system

The Las Vegas Monorail Company announced today that it will launch
service to the public at 8 a.m. on Thursday, July 15. The privately
funded $650 million transportation system will run along the Las
Vegas resort corridor and connect nine major resort properties and
the Las Vegas Convention Center.

The initial 4-mile route will stop at the following seven stations:
MGM Grand; Bally's/Paris; Flamingo/Caesars Palace; Harrah's/Imperial
Palace; Las Vegas Convention Center; Las Vegas Hilton; and the
Sahara. These properties represent more than 25,000 hotel rooms and
approximately 4.4 million square feet of meeting and convention
space.

"We're eager to start carrying passengers on the Las Vegas Monorail,"
said James Gibson, chairman and CEO of Transit Systems Management,
the management firm for the Las Vegas Monorail. "This is a very
rewarding day for all of us who have devoted years to this project.
It's the culmination of years of hard work led by the late Robert N.
Broadbent, whose vision will become a reality on July 15."

"We're extremely proud of this project and the role it will play in
our community. Besides carrying an estimated 20 million riders per
year, the monorail is expected to ease traffic in and around the Las
Vegas Strip and improve local air quality. It will also be a unique
Las Vegas attraction in its own right," Gibson added.

On Wednesday, July 14, the first passengers will ride the Monorail
during media and VIP events. Passengers will include local and state
dignitaries, community leaders, and Nevada media.

"The Las Vegas Monorail will be a source of civic pride, and a
tremendous service to the roughly 36 million people who visit Las
Vegas each year," said John Haycock, chairman of the board of Las
Vegas Monorail Company. "Completing a project of this magnitude
entirely with private money and coming in under budget is a
tremendous accomplishment, especially since this is a unique system
that is the most advanced of its kind in the world."

For the first 60 days, the Las Vegas Monorail will operate daily from
8 a.m. to midnight. The cost to ride the system will be $3 each way,
or less. Daily, multi-day and multi-ride passes will be available for
purchase. After the first 60 days, the monorail will operate daily
from 6 a.m. to 2 a.m.

-- Karl

Karl, what's the scoop with the monorail on the other side of the Strip? Is the one from Monte Carlo to Bellagio still closed?

A monorail station was right by our hotel when we were there a couple of weeks ago. Trains ran day and night...with no one on them :( . The bellmen said they were having problems keeping it running problem-free for 30 consecutive days (as Karl mentioned.) We were sad about it--it would have come in handy!

The tram on the other side was down last time I checked. A good section of track was removed and the old Bellagio station is pretty much gone.

The change is due to a new room/spa tower for the Bellagio that has been constructed in the right of way of that system. I dont know if the span will be reguided around the tower.

The pending MGM/Mirage and Mandalay Bay merger probably has significant effect on future plans. Both companies co-own the Monte Carlo; and MGM presently owns the Bellagio. Regulatory issues may force the newly combined company to divest of certain assets. While I dont expect them to split up an entire block of land (MGM also owns the Boardwalk and New York New York), ya never know. Until the final configuration is decided I doubt anything will occur to reconnect the properties.

In addition, MGM has announced a 3-year design study to build a Cirque-themed property on the Boardwalk footprint - which could adversely affect tram alignment.

Longer term plans do exist to extend the LV Monorail onto that side of the strip, starting from the Circus/Circus / Riviera spur (part of the next phase) with Fashion Show, TI, Mirage, Caesars, Bellagio, etc all the way down to Mandalay Bay. That will probably be fourth phase, with second phase being the downtown extension; and the third phase being the airport extension.

-- Karl

I'll believe it when I see it. This thing has been delayed so long that it is now being mentioned along with the new LV courthouse in terms of delay.

Too expensive.

I dunno,.. a cab ride from MGM to the LV Hilton will set you back a good bit. And its not something to walk. Even the 1 mile from MGM to Bally's (the original section) was a challenge when summer midnight temps are over the century mark.

But specifically, I do see the primary traveler being Convention traffic. I expect the 24-hour pass (which goes for $10) will become part of most hotel convention packages for the east side hotels.

The real value of the system will be the extension downtown, and later the airport connection.

I dunno,.. a cab ride from MGM to the LV Hilton will set you back a good bit. And its not something to walk. Even the 1 mile from MGM to Bally's (the original section) was a challenge when summer midnight temps are over the century mark.
You're telling me! Were were in Vegas in July last year (it was for a wedding for a couple who does not live there, and everyone had to fly or drive in -- don't ask why!), and Alex and I decided to visit LV Hilton. I think we ended up paying over $20 for round trip cab fare from Bally's. Exorbitant. The monorail would've been perfect for this.

Did anyone get to experience the free rides to casino employees this past week? I totally forgot about it!!! :mad: :( :rolleyes: