[Robustus]

I wasn't around here when they built it. Why didn't it get build right down the median over LV-BLVD, and why doesn't it go to Freemont?

Was it not obvious that it would be a huge failure if it was built an inconvenient walk from the strip, and with too short a route?

[olecapt]

Originally Posted by Robustus

I wasn't around here when they built it. Why didn't it get build right down the median over LV-BLVD, and why doesn't it go to Freemont?

Was it not obvious that it would be a huge failure if it was built an inconvenient walk from the strip, and with too short a route?

Yes it was mostly obvious that it would fail.

It might well have worked if it had gone down the middle of the Blvd but that involved risk for the Casinos...they don't like risk

Why on earth would strip people want to transit anyone to the Fremont Street Experience?

And no one in their right mind would build such a thing and not go to the airport...except the cabs and limos would not allow it if it went to the airport.

So it helps strip congestion and screwed some investors...they need to be more careful with their money.

So you build what we got or nothing. Which is better?

[jfkIII]

IMO, nothing would have been better. A huge waste of money...period.

[StaggerLee22]

I don't live there yet-but I kinda have to agree.
It's a waste.
Should have gone to the airport.

[Tiger Beer]

Originally Posted by Robustus

I wasn't around here when they built it. Why didn't it get build right down the median over LV-BLVD, and why doesn't it go to Freemont?

Was it not obvious that it would be a huge failure if it was built an inconvenient walk from the strip, and with too short a route?

From my understanding, just so many lobbyists and big money got involved. If it goes to the airport, it is bad for taxi drivers. The larger casinos wanted it with exits directly to their casinos, etc.

Yeah, just a complete disaster. I think the casinos didn't want it on the street, as tourists might just go anywhere except their casinos. It is also way too expensive for tourists - isn't it like $5?

Plus, quite a few of the casinos have free shuttle services anyways...making an expensive monorail completely pointless.

It's kind of as if all the big power players and money earners just intentionally ruined the thing to render it useless. But just in case it wasn't useless, the main casinos made sure it would place the monorail exits at odd locations that made it a chore to get through their casinos to find their way into the streets.

[Robustus]

Ok, good, so I'm not missing anything. Yikes - what a dumb project.

And olecapt, if I'm not mistaken, the "investors" who need to be more careful ended up being Nevada taxpayers. I recall reading something about it being a $650M Nevada state bond that is now in default, the costs of which obviously fall to taxpayers.

[olecapt]

Originally Posted by Robustus

Ok, good, so I'm not missing anything. Yikes - what a dumb project.

And olecapt, if I'm not mistaken, the "investors" who need to be more careful ended up being Nevada taxpayers. I recall reading something about it being a $650M Nevada state bond that is now in default, the costs of which obviously fall to taxpayers.

Nope...that was one of the primary conditions of getting the thing to fly...There is NO repeat NO...taxpayer liability. \

Now I still think they may step in if it starts to shut down...but they do not have to.

[MadManofBethesda]

A lot of interesting speculation on this thread. First of all, the monorail was built where it is because that's where the Bally's-MGM monorail had already been operating for years. The new monorail just added on to it and extended it to the convention center and beyond.

Secondly, what you now see was just supposed to be Phase I. Phase 2 of the monorail was always supposed to go downtown. However, due to the lack of federal money and other money constraints, that aspect of the development was cancelled. Then, plans were developed to have the monorail extended south to the airport. In fact, I believe its building was supposed to coincide with the completion of the new terminal now under construction. However, once again, the plans were cancelled due to lack of money.

What's left is the fairly useless system in operation today. (Unless you're staying near the convention center or have business there. Then it is pretty convenient.)

[jfkIII]

Monorails are supposed to be modern...streamlined and smooth. The route of that thing is so hokey and zig-zagged...it's almost comical. It's a true textbook lesson on how NOT to create a monorail.

[jhiker1o]

The worst thing they did was ignoring the local riding public, especially ignoring a stop near the University or at the University which should have given them guaranteed ridership. They thought wrong relying only on tourists to keep them in business.