JAC sets ridership record in July

Carson City's public transportation system, Jump Around Carson, set a new ridership record in July.

"We were trying to get more than 12,000 and we got 12,900," said Patrick Pittenger, transportation manager.

That's nearly 10 percent higher than the previous record of 11,800 riders.

Pittenger said his department has been working on making passes more accessible and has made improvements to bus stops.

"Part of it is a natural increase of people getting used to using the system," Pittenger said.

The department also implemented a program where senior citizens ride for free.

In July, 3,900 seniors took advantage of the program.

Pittenger will discuss the ridership numbers at the monthly Regional Transportation Commission meeting Wednesday.

He also will discuss the proposal of residents along Old Clear Creek Road to close it to public access.

"This is a relatively unique situation," he said.

He said many people have been confused, wondering if anyone has the right to close a street at any time.

"The answer is of course, no," he said. "You can't just close a road because there's a public right-of-way. In this case, there's not a public right-of-way. There hasn't been for 60 years."

Among other things to be discussed are:

• A proposal to extend JAC's services to include a route between Carson City and Virginia City.

• A proposed agreement between the city and the Nevada Department of Transportation that establishes the responsibilities of each party regarding the construction of Phase 2B of the Carson City Freeway.

The Carson City Board of Supervisors is expected to consider the proposed agreement at an upcoming meeting.

• A proposal that the city will assume ownership of several state roadways in exchange for credit toward the city's obligation for payment on the freeway.

• Bidding the contract for frontage work along Old Clear Creek Road in front of Fuji Park.

To see the entire agenda, go to www.carson-city.nv.us.