Las Vegas Monorail News

Las Vegas Monorail Saves Your Money

2008-07-03T01:30:02Z

Las Vegas Monorail Saves Your Money

Written by Ozgur Tore

Wednesday, 02 July 2008

The Las Vegas monorail provides tourists with a great alternative to driving. It's hassle free, runs nearly 24 hours per day and stops at key locations throughout the Strip corridor.

With seven high-tech stations, the monorail directly reaches hotel properties on the east side of the Strip and is convenient to the west side hotels as well.

Beginning at MGM Grand, the monorail travels above the skyline north towards its turn-around point at the Sahara Hotel & Casino. Visitors will pass by and can exit at Bally's & Paris, Flamingo & Caesars, Harrah's & Imperial Palace, the Las Vegas Convention Center, and the Las Vegas Hilton.

Day passes begin at $9 for unlimited rides. Three day passes and special convention passes are available as well. For families, children under 5 years old are always free.

For an even closer look at the Strip, hop on The Deuce. This double decker bus will transport guests from the airport to Fremont Street in a matter of minutes - it's quick and budget-friendly travel with a great view of the city.

Make your clients happy about traveling to Las Vegas. This extra, value-added incentive will make their trip-your business-a success! And, if your clients prefer driving around town, remind them that parking is free at most casino resorts. Only in Vegas!

The Las Vegas Monorail - Looking Back

2008-02-04T19:49:52Z

Vegas Buzz looks back at some high points in the troubled rail line's history.

Interview, Patrick Pharris, CEO Promethean Partners, LLC

http://vegasnews.squarespace.com/vegas-buzz-vegas-news-service/2005/9/22/vegas-buzz-radio-ceo-interview-patrick-pharris-promethean-partners.html

Opening Addresses: "Pre-invasion address" by Mr. Curtis Myles, CEO Las Vegas Monorail, and addresses by Very Important Aliens (VIAs)

(Click on link: LISTEN TO VEGAS BUZZ RADIO COVERAGE OF OPENING ADDRESSES)

http://vegasnews.squarespace.com/vegas-buzz-vegas-news-service/2005/9/22/aliens-invade-las-vegas-monorail.html

It's Showtime! - Opening Day

http://vegasnews.squarespace.com/display/ShowJournalEntry?moduleId=4943&entryId=31962

(Please see links at bottom of the article)

Borg Invasion Monorail Article

http://vegasnews.squarespace.com/display/ShowJournalEntry?moduleId=5080&entryId=4611

Las Vegas Monorail Ridership Up in 2007

2008-01-20T04:20:02Z

The Las Vegas Monorail Co. drew more than 7.9 million riders in 2007.

That was up about 900,000 from the previous year.

But even with increased ridership, the $650-million system linking several Las Vegas Strip resorts didn't generate enough farebox revenues to break even.

According to company reports, ridership is up 21% for the fourth quarter of 2007 compared with the same quarter a year earlier.

It averaged nearly 22,000 riders a day from October to December, bringing in nearly $77,000 a day in farebox revenue.

That's still below the 34,454 riders and $123,000 a day in revenues that credit ratings firm Fitch Ratings has estimated it would need to balance its budget.

Company executives are trying to obtain financing to build a half-billion dollar extension to McCarran International Airport, which officials hope will increase ridership and help the company turn a profit.

On the Net:

Las Vegas Monorail Co.: http://www.lvmonorail.com

Information from: Las Vegas Review-Journal, http://www.lvrj.com

(Las Vegas Monorail News)

Las Vegas Monorail Signs Clear Channel as Exclusive Transit Advertising Partner

2007-10-09T23:20:59Z

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October 04, 2007 02:49 PM Eastern Daylight Time

Las Vegas Monorail Signs Clear Channel as Exclusive Transit Advertising Partner

The Highly Visible Las Vegas Monorail and the World’s Largest Outdoor Advertising Company Work Together to Broaden Transit Advertising

LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Las Vegas Monorail Company announced today that Clear Channel Taxi Media, a division of Clear Channel Outdoor – the industry leader in outdoor advertising – has signed an exclusive advertising agreement with the high-tech, eco-friendly transit system.

“We’re thrilled to call Clear Channel our partner in this endeavour and are excited to continue to offer the unique canvas of the Las Vegas Monorail as a backdrop to the world’s leading advertisers and brands,” said Ingrid Reisman, vice president of corporate communications for the Las Vegas Monorail Company. “We are in an exciting phase of the Las Vegas Monorail’s history with the impending airport expansion, and this partnership is another important step towards the Monorail’s long-term success and pivotal role in Las Vegas’ future. With Clear Channel as our transit advertising partner and Morris Publications as our publishing partner, advertisers are certain to find away to reach their target audience on the Las Vegas Monorail.”

Through the new partnership, Clear Channel Taxi Media will be the sales conduit by which advertisers can reach potential customers through seven high-traffic stations along the Strip, including: MGM Grand, Bally's/Paris Las Vegas, Flamingo/Caesars Palace, Harrah's Las Vegas/Imperial Palace, Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas Hilton and Sahara, as well as nine train wraps and interior train car opportunities. Product sampling will also be available – a tactic that has proven to be an innovative and effective strategy in most major U.S. markets.

“By adding the Las Vegas Monorail to our current outdoor mobile offerings, we are broadening advertising penetration throughout this highly coveted tourism market,” said Christine Preus, vice president of Clear Channel Taxi Media. “We look forward to working with the Las Vegas Monorail’s dedicated and creative team of professionals. Together, we’ll help advertisers reach the ever-changing marketing mix that is Las Vegas.”

Morris Publications will continue to represent the Las Vegas Monorail Company as its exclusive publisher with the Monorail Magazine and Where Quick Guide, Your Official Guide to the Las Vegas Monorail.

ABOUT CLEAR CHANNEL OUTDOOR

Clear Channel Outdoor (NYSE:CCO) is the world’s largest outdoor advertising company with over 973,000 displays in more than 60 countries across 6 continents. In the United States, the company operates over 167,000 advertising displays and has a presence in 49 of the top 50 Designated Market Areas. It also operates airport, rail, taxi and mall advertising businesses worldwide. Its Spectacolor (U.S.) and DEFI (international) divisions are the global market leaders in spectacular sign displays, including in New York’s Times Square. Clear Channel Adshel is the company's international street furniture division, which operates over 3,500 municipal advertising contracts worldwide. More information may be found by visiting www.clearchanneloutdoor.com.

ABOUT THE LAS VEGAS MONORAIL

The Las Vegas Monorail is an easy and convenient connection to the Las Vegas Strip, linking riders to the city’s world-class restaurants, shows, shops, clubs, hotels and casinos. Monorail riders can travel the world-famous Las Vegas Strip in 15 minutes or less in a safe, comfortable and clean environment – without the hassles of traffic or wasted time. Currently, the privately-funded Monorail system has seven stations: MGM Grand; Bally’s/Paris Las Vegas; Flamingo/Caesars Palace; Harrah’s/Imperial Palace; Las Vegas Convention Center; Las Vegas Hilton; and the Sahara. As one of the nation’s most environmentally-friendly public transportation systems, the Monorail’s electric trains produce zero emissions and consistently run at 99.5 percent operational efficiency, indicating an optimal level of performance from people, processes and technology. For more information about the Las Vegas Monorail or where to purchase tickets, call (866) 4-MONORAIL or (866) 466-6672 or visit www.lvmonorail.com.

Contacts

The Las Vegas Monorail Company
Angela Torres, 702-699-8200
angela@lvmonorail.com
OR
Echo Media Group
Beth J. Passarella, 714-573-0899 ext. 26
beth@echomediapr.com

Back to School Sale - Electronic Translators and Dictionaries

2007-09-27T20:26:32Z

Anyone in your family studying a foreign language this semester?

They'll love this one.

Ectaco, the leading electronic translation software and dictionary
manufacturer, is offering a back-to-school discount on its
best-selling items.

http://www.allwirelessmedia.com/ectaco/softdiscount.html

Offer ends September, 30, 2007.

Las Vegas Monorail Near Financial Default

2007-09-23T19:07:17Z

Las Vegas Strip

Monorail may be near financial default

The Los Angeles Times

Article Last Updated: 09/17/2007 11:47:23 PM MDT

The privately operated Monorail system is four miles long... (Myung J. Chun/The Los Angeles Times )

LAS VEGAS - Can the Las Vegas Monorail double down to avoid going bust?

Three years after beginning operations, the 4-mile, $650 million private rail line that stretches from behind the MGM Grand to the Sahara hotel-casino is attracting about 22,285 riders a day - far below the 54,000 predicted when the project was launched.

This summer, Fitch Ratings downgraded the Monorail's bond rating, already in junk status, and said financial default appeared probable.

But Monorail officials say what they need to boost ridership and generate profit is a $500 million extension to McCarran International Airport.

''With more than 40,000 new hotel rooms being built, more travelers heading to Las Vegas each year and the intense gridlock on the Strip, an alternative to traditional transportation is critical,'' said Ingrid Reisman, vice president of the nonprofit Las Vegas Monorail Co.

The Monorail system, which began as a joint venture between MGM Grand and Bally's, was acquired in 2000 by Las Vegas Monorail, which was formed to develop, own and operate the trains.

So far, officials have not said how they would fund the expansion - or even how they plan to pay off the bonds that funded the current line.

In December 2006, the Clark County Board of Commissioners approved a 75-year franchise agreement and land use permit to extend

the Monorail to the airport.

But no provisions were made for funding.

The Monorail, tucked behind the Strip and accessible only after long, winding walks through casinos, is hard to find. A Las Vegas Sun newspaper reporter counted the steps from the Harrah's casino entrance to the Harrah's Monorail stop and came up 551 paces.

That's about the same number of steps it would take to walk to the next stop on the Monorail line, but without the $5 fare.

At $5 per ride or $9 for a day pass, some passengers said it was less expensive and more convenient for a small group to catch a cab.

WiFi on the Las Vegas Monorail?

2007-04-24T20:08:02Z

VEGAS' BEST-KEPT SECRETS (A lot of thing still stay here).

Why doesn't the monorail tell people they can get wifi on the trains? Or is this not for public consumption? Might get a few more passengers.

I also got 1xRTT service with Sprint yesterday, this time with the cellular data card directly plugged into my laptop, but this morning on the Monorail car (which I hadn't previously realized offered Wi-Fi throughout its entire traverse, not just at the stations) I got EV-DO Rev. 0 speeds.

Granted, Las Vegas may be feeding the cars with WAN access via a non-Sprint, non-cellular method, but I didn't notice a satellite dish (or satellite latencies), and I doubt the broadband data's being passed through the rails, either!

Go to source: Live From NAB: More Scrumptious Nuggets - Brian's Brain - Blog on EDN - 400000040

GM Goodwrench®, Sony Electronics, Boost Mobile™ Get on Board the Las Vegas Monorail’s New Advertising Program

2007-04-09T19:25:22Z

GM Goodwrench^®, Sony Electronics, Boost Mobile™ Get on Board the Las Vegas Monorail’s New Advertising Program

Industry Leaders Become First to Take Advantage of New Short-Term Advertising Offering

Smart Multimedia Gallery

General Motors Corporation's GM Goodwrench(R), Sony Electronics and Boost Mobile(TM) are among the first to get on board the Las Vegas Monorail's new short-term advertising program, which enables national brands and local advertisers to cost-effectively market to the more than 38 million tourists and convention-goers who travel to the city annually. (Photo: Business Wire)

LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--General Motors Corporation’s GM Goodwrench^®, Sony Electronics and Boost Mobile™ are among the first to get on board the Las Vegas Monorail’s new short-term advertising program. Developed in response to increased demand from convention and trade show exhibitors, the recently launched short-term ad program enables national brands and local advertisers to cost-effectively market to event attendees on their way to and from the Las Vegas Convention Center, utilizing the popular 134-foot-long, 11-foot-high trains and other Monorail venues.

“Monorail advertisers have the potential to reach more than 38 million tourists who travel to the city annually,” said Ingrid Reisman, vice-president of corporate communications for the Las Vegas Monorail Company. “We offer an opportunity to communicate with targeted customers in a captive marketing environment. Whether in the form of train wraps, in-train audio programming and commercials, or station domination, the Monorail offers one of the most visible advertising platforms in the city.”

“This program gives national advertisers an opportunity to test the value of a long-term advertising program on the Monorail,” said Patrick Pharris, president of Promethean Partners, the advertising broker of the Monorail. “Once an advertiser experiences the ‘wow-factor’ of this captive and experiential marketing venue they’re more inclined to make a long-term commitment and that’s a tremendous value for their brand, their customer and all Monorail riders.”

In addition to annual programs similar to those currently being used by corporate giants Sprint Nextel™, Monster Energy Drink, VEGAS.com and Bank of Nevada, the Las Vegas Monorail’s newest opportunities include weekly advertising rights to individual Monorail train wraps and interior imaging, Monorail station domination packages, on-ticket advertising and promotion, and/or audio commercial messaging. The concept, developed by Promethean Partners, the exclusive advertising broker of the Las Vegas Monorail Company, was designed to facilitate brand exposure in “the most visited city in the world.”

ABOUT THE LAS VEGAS MONORAIL

The Las Vegas Monorail is an easy and convenient conduit to the Las Vegas Strip, connecting riders to the city’s world-class restaurants, shows, clubs, hotels and casinos. Monorail riders can travel the entire distance of the world-famous Las Vegas Strip in less than 15 minutes in a safe, comfortable and clean environment — without the hassles of traffic or wasted time. Currently, the privately-funded Monorail system has seven stations: MGM Grand; Bally’s/Paris Las Vegas; Flamingo/Caesars Palace; Harrah’s/Imperial Palace; Las Vegas Convention Center; Las Vegas Hilton; and the Sahara. The system is electric, has zero emissions, and travels at speeds up to 50 mph. For more information about the Las Vegas Monorail visit www.lvmonorail.com.

Editor’s Note: High-resolution images are available upon request. Contact the Las Vegas Monorail News Bureau at (866) LVM.NEWS / (866) 586.6397 or e-mail lvmnews@lvmonorail.com.

Contacts

Las Vegas Monorail
Angela Torres, 702-699-8200
angela@lvmonorail.com
or
Echo Media Group
Beth J. Passarella, 714-573-0899, ext. 26
Beth@echomediapr.com

Allegiant lends Monorail a hand

2007-03-19T22:45:05Z

Allegiant lends Monorail a hand

Beleagured transit system strikes discount-ticket deal with Vegas-based airline

By Ben Stephens

The Las Vegas Monorail began targeting potential riders in mid-air last month, when it struck a deal with Allegiant Airlines to offer ticket packages in-flight to Vegas-bound passengers. The struggling mass-transit system hopes the deal will increase its visibility to visitors.

Vegas-based airline Allegiant has been selling ticket packages for 20 percent less than passengers would pay at Monorail stations or via the Internet, Allegiant spokeswoman Tyri Squires says. "It's normally a $35 cost to the customer. We sell it for $28," she elaborated.

It did not cost the nearly decade-old airline much to offer packages of 10 one-way tickets, according to Squires. It's just another item offered to passengers through an in-flight magazine, food menu and a verbal pitch. The discount is also offered through four "partner properties": Harrah's Las Vegas Casino & Hotel, the Imperial Palace Hotel & Casino, the Flamingo Las Vegas and Bally's-Las Vegas.

Courtesy John Edward Linden
Four Las Vegas casino-hotels are also making Monorail discounts to their guests.

Courtesy Allegiant Airlines
Vegas-bound passengers on Allegiant Air qualify for 20 percent discounts from the Las Vegas Monorail.

Squires said that, since the airline flies to many smaller cities and caters to people who may not be Las Vegas-literate, "it helps to have some first-hand knowledge." She likens it to a concierge service. "It's not a hard sell. You don't feel like you're being bombarded."

NEW OPPORTUNITIES

Allegiant was already offering Las Vegas souvenirs, show tickets, hotel packages and, says Squires, is always looking for new opportunities. Allegiant has 37 hotel partners whose packages it sells, as well as an agreement with Alamo Rent A Car. "We look at what's going to provide the best value for the customer and for the company," explained Squires.

Passengers who purchase the ticket packages receive a flyer they can redeem at any Monorail station. Squires says the 10-ride pass will be a test case and that the airline could open up to other Monorail packages in the future. "This seemed to be the ideal situation, but that doesn't mean we won't expand it in the future," she added.

Las Vegas Monorail spokeswoman Angela Torres says the ticket pricing is similar to the other discounted items offered on the flight menu. Torres could not say if ticket sales through Allegiant would result in any profit for the Monorail but "it is definitely going to increase awareness of the system." She says it is too early for any sales projections, too.

The main goal of the agreement "was to increase their distribution channels," Torres said. Prior to this deal, riders could purchase tickets only at Monorail terminals or online. "We're looking to become more retail and customer focused," she said of her employer. The Monorail is currently working with tour and travel companies on similar deals, Torres added, "but nothing I can disclose at this time."

QUESTIONS MANY, ANSWERS FEW

Torres and Squires both declined to say how much Allegiant is making on each ticket package it sells. Torres also wouldn't comment on other ticket-pricing inquiries: Wouldn't this in-flight price be more attractive to potential riders at the point of purchase, at the Monorail itself? And couldn't it be profitable to the Monorail when no middle man or partner property is taking a cut?

The latest ridership data, released in December, indicates the Monorail averaged 15,430 passenger per day for that month. Overall ridership in 2006 was 19,219 riders per day, 30 percent less than 2005, when the system carried an average of 28,122 riders daily.

No ridership data for 2007 will be released until next month. Earlier this month, the privately owned Monorail decided to publish its ridership numbers quarterly instead of the monthly numbers it had previously announced.

bstephens@lvbusinesspress.com | 702-871-6780 x316

Las Vegas Monorail Partners with Allegiant Air

2007-03-13T18:39:08Z

Las Vegas Monorail Partners with Allegiant Air

Transportation Providers Team-Up to Offer In-Flight Monorail Ticket Sales to Airline Passengers

LAS VEGAS--(VEGAS BUZZ MONORAIL NEWS - MARCH 13, 2007)--The Las Vegas Monorail Company announced today its new partnership with the Las Vegas-based airline Allegiant Air. Allegiant Air is the first airline company offering and selling Monorail tickets at a discounted price to passengers while in-flight to Las Vegas. Created out of a mutual desire to heighten the experience of visitors to Las Vegas, the innovative ticket sale partnership is ongoing and available on all of Allegiant Air’s Las Vegas-bound flights.

“We are excited about our new partnership with Allegiant Air,” said Ingrid Reisman, vice president of the Las Vegas Monorail Company. “This creative venture is a perfect fit for both companies while providing our Las Vegas visitors an enhanced transportation experience both in the air and on the ground.”

Passengers on board all in-bound Las Vegas Allegiant Air flights can choose to purchase a discounted 10-ride Monorail ticket voucher from flight attendants; customers then redeem the voucher at any of the customer service booths conveniently located at each of the seven Monorail stations.

“Both Allegiant Air and the Las Vegas Monorail are fast and convenient transportation choices for city visitors,” explained Eric Woodson of Allegiant Air. “Working together to promote Las Vegas tourism makes sense not only for our companies, but for our customers as well.”

ABOUT THE LAS VEGAS MONORAIL

The Las Vegas Monorail is an easy and convenient conduit to the Las Vegas Strip, connecting riders to the city’s world-class restaurants, shows, clubs, hotels and casinos. Monorail riders can travel the entire distance of the world-famous Las Vegas Strip in less than 15 minutes in a safe, comfortable and clean environment—without the hassles of traffic or wasted time. Currently, the privately-funded Monorail system has seven stations: MGM Grand; Bally’s/Paris Las Vegas; Flamingo/Caesars Palace; Harrah’s/Imperial Palace; Las Vegas Convention Center; Las Vegas Hilton; and the Sahara. The system is electric, has zero emissions, and travels at speeds up to 50 mph. For more information about the Las Vegas Monorail or where to purchase tickets, call (866) 4-MONORAIL / (866) 466-6672 or visit www.lvmonorail.com; or pick up a Monorail Magazine, available at all Monorail stations.

ABOUT ALLEGIANT AIR

Las Vegas-based Allegiant Air Travel Company (NASDAQ:ALGT) was founded in 1997 and is focused on linking travelers in small cities to world-class leisure destinations such as Las Vegas, Nev., Orlando, Fla. and Tampa/St. Petersburg, Fla. Through its subsidiary, Allegiant Air, the Company operates a low-cost, high-efficiency, all-jet passenger airline offering air travel both on a stand-alone basis and bundled with hotel rooms, rental cars and other travel-related services. For more information about Allegiant Air or to book reservations, call (702) 505-8888 or visit www.allegiantair.com.

Contacts

The Las Vegas Monorail
Angela Torres, 702-699-8200
angela@lvmonorail.com
or
Echo Media Group
Beth J. Passarella, 714-573-0899, ext. 26
Beth@echomediapr.com