The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) is considering a $12 million investment to extend the life of the Las Vegas Monorail until at least 2035. Originally scheduled for closure in 2030, the monorail, now over 20 years old, requires significant upgrades to continue operations. Proposed improvements include replacing the train control system, which monitors train locations, and updating ticket vending machines to a cashless system. These upgrades are crucial for the monorail’s continued operation, particularly given its role in transporting visitors during major events and its integration with transportation plans for the upcoming Athletics’ MLB ballpark.
The LVCVA acquired the monorail in 2020 for $24 million, and since then, it has operated with a positive cash flow, aside from the pandemic-affected year of 2021. Ridership has been on the rise, and structural assessments suggest the system can remain functional for another decade with the proposed enhancements. Despite the expansion of the Boring Co.’s Vegas Loop, the monorail is still seen as a vital transportation option, carrying around 6 million passengers annually. The LVCVA aims to maintain the monorail as a viable transportation solution to alleviate congestion and support the city’s infrastructure needs.