Request a New Bus Route or Stop in Reno - City Guide

Transportation Nevada 3 Minutes Read ยท published February 09, 2026 Flag of Nevada

Intro

In Reno, Nevada residents can request new bus routes or stops through the regional transit authority and coordinate with city traffic authorities. This guide explains who manages requests, how to submit a service review, what to expect from the review process, and where to find official forms and contacts. Follow these steps to improve transit access, report gaps in service, or propose new stops that meet safety and accessibility standards.

How the request process works

Requests for new routes or stops are handled as part of transit service planning and review. The Regional Transportation Commission of Washoe County (RTC Washoe) leads transit service planning and accepts customer service requests and route suggestions via its public contact channelsRTC Washoe contact[1]. The City of Reno coordinates on placement, curb design, traffic control, and enforcement through Public Works and Traffic EngineeringReno Public Works - Traffic Engineering[2].

  • Prepare a clear description: location, nearest intersection, why the stop or route is needed.
  • Expect review periods tied to service-change windows or budget cycles.
  • Contact RTC customer service to start the request and ask about public comment opportunities.
Be specific about ridership demand, destinations, and safety hazards when you submit a request.

Service review criteria

RTC and city staff evaluate requests using operational, safety, ridership, equity, and cost criteria. Typical considerations include stop spacing, ADA access, sidewalk and curb conditions, proximity to destinations, and effects on schedules. Public input and available funding influence whether a proposal proceeds to implementation.

Penalties & Enforcement

Placement and use of bus stops are enforced through coordination between RTC, City of Reno Traffic Engineering, and Reno Police Department parking enforcement. Specific fines, penalties, or civil remedies for improper use or obstruction of bus stops are handled under municipal parking and traffic ordinances; the City of Reno Public Works and traffic pages provide contacts but do not list specific fine amounts on the cited pageReno Public Works - Traffic Engineering[2]. Where exact penalties or schedules are needed, the municipal code or parking enforcement pages should be consulted.

  • Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation: first, repeat, and continuing offences - not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary actions: removal of unauthorized signs, towing or removal of obstructing vehicles, and orders to correct infrastructure issues.
  • Enforcers: Reno Police Department and City Traffic Engineering; RTC enforces transit stop policies through planning and operations.
  • Appeals and reviews: procedures are generally available through city citation and administrative hearing processes; specific time limits are not specified on the cited page.
If you face enforcement or citation related to a bus stop, contact Traffic Engineering and RTC promptly to understand appeal deadlines.

Applications & Forms

RTC accepts route and stop requests through its customer contact channels; the City of Reno does not publish a separate, dedicated municipal form for new bus stop requests on the cited pages. For detailed permit needs (curb work, curb ramps, or construction), submit the appropriate Public Works or building permit as directed by City staff. If a named form is required, it is listed on the relevant RTC or City permit page; if not, "not specified on the cited page."

FAQ

Who decides whether a new bus stop or route is approved?
RTC Washoe leads service decisions with input from City of Reno Traffic Engineering and public comment.
How long does a service review take?
Review times vary by scope and funding; expect weeks to months depending on service-change schedules.
Can I request a temporary stop for an event?
Temporary stops or detours are handled as event or construction service changes; contact RTC and City Traffic Engineering to coordinate.

How-To

  1. Contact RTC via their customer service page to register your request and provide location details.[1]
  2. Document demand: collect signatures, ridership estimates, photos of the location, and accessibility concerns.
  3. Ask RTC about public comment periods and when service changes are scheduled for review.
  4. Coordinate with City of Reno Traffic Engineering for curb, sidewalk, or sign work required to install a stop.[2]
  5. If approved, follow up on implementation timing, any permit requirements, and public notices.

Key Takeaways

  • RTC Washoe leads route and stop decisions; the City handles curb and traffic controls.
  • Provide clear location, ridership, and safety information to speed review.
  • Service changes often follow scheduled planning cycles and public comment.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] RTC Washoe contact
  2. [2] Reno Public Works - Traffic Engineering

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