RTC touts transit safety gains, overdose saves

The Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada says safety investments are yielding results across the valley's transit system. During the 2026 fiscal year, the agency recorded a nearly 29 percent reduction in passenger-on-operator assaults over 55.8 million passenger trips, according to Tom Atteberry, senior director of safety and security operations. Verbal assaults, including threats and harassment, fell by nearly 46 percent from previous levels.

The improvements helped the RTC earn the American Public Transportation Association Bus Security Gold Award in 2025. The agency has increased armed security officers to 300, implemented yearly de-escalation training, deployed advanced safety technology and strengthened local and federal partnerships. The Transportation Security Administration gave the RTC a 99.8 percent score on its security assessment, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency awarded a $700,000 grant to pilot AI-enabled weapons detection.

"Safety is at the core of everything we do," RTC Chief Executive Officer M.J. Maynard-Carey said in a statement. "These results demonstrate that our investments in security, technology, training and partnerships are making a difference for both our employees and our riders." Commissioner Justin Jones highlighted the TSA score and federal grant at a recent news conference, saying, "Those accomplishments matter."

RTC security officers now carry Narcan and have administered it to reverse opioid overdoses 19 times since July 1. Six officers received Crystal Bus Awards for their lifesaving actions. Officer Bobby Leyva revived a man near a bus stop, saying, "It was very fulfilling to know that person had a second chance, because we never know who they are." Officers monitor patients and provide CPR until paramedics arrive.

Jones said the rescues show the broader role of transit security. "Their work reminded us that people who protect our transit system do more than enforce the rules," he said. "They're often the first to respond when someone needs help."

Sources: Las Vegas Review-Journal