One of the Most Advanced Urban Transportation Systems in the World
The Monorail was originally envisioned as a joint venture between MGM Grand and Bally’s Hotel, with the idea to create a one-mile transportation system linking the hotels. This exciting and forward-thinking idea took flight in 1993 and soon included plans to expand to other locations along the Strip. In 1997, the State of Nevada passed legislation that enabled a private company to own, operate and charge a fare as a public Monorail system.
Expansion plans evolved and a professional team, including Nevada-based Liaise Corporation, Bombardier Transportation, Granite Construction Company, Gensler & Associates, Carter-Burgess and Solomon Smith Barney, was assembled to develop the Monorail system.
In 2000, the nonprofit Las Vegas Monorail Company (LVMC) was formed and it acquired the original Monorail system. It is governed by its board of directors, appointed by the governor of Nevada, and led by President and CEO Curtis L. Myles III. Myles oversees the management of the system and company. The system officially opened on July 15, 2004.
The Las Vegas Monorail Company runs the only privately owned public transportation system in the United States. The Monorail utilizes no public funds to operate the system. In 2018, the Las Vegas Monorail aided in the annual removal of an estimated 2.1 million vehicle miles from Southern Nevada’s major roadways, reducing emissions by more than 27 tons of carbon monoxide (CO), volatile organic compounds (VOC) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) over the course of the year.