Well, we all have different comfort levels, different paces, different lengths of a visit.
We don't have to agree. We simply need to share information and perspective so those of us just learning the transportation options can make an educated judgement.
I am one of the biggest bus enthusuasts on this board, and I like giving folks that option and helping with the confusion and sorting out the differences between buses, shuttles, cabs, and limos.
Thanks for the report. If WAX bus delays are going to be common, we need to put that in the mix.
However, sometimes the buses break down or have a medical emergency. I have had that happen on other routes when I was waiting. So it is not as reliable as a shuttle, although I imagine if a shuttle rider were to need medical care, that too would delay your trip. This is the first such delay I have read about on the WAX route. If others have this problem, post it. Most riders have seen the buses come on schedule. My Vegas trips are more often delayed by airplane issues than bus issues. Car renters may often find delays as well if lines are long or cars are not available.
Do expect to see luggage on the WAX because as Merlin said, it is built to carry luggage and people from the airport along its route. All buses in Vegas now allow luggage. The WAX is the easiest bus to take with luggage.
Of course, the shuttle is better for folks who want a driver to handle their bags, but I like to handle my own so the computer and the expensive sleep apnea machine I pack inside my suitcase once I get to baggage are not banged about with other folks' bags thrown on top by some hurried fellow who is annoyed at the weight and who I must tip for mishandling my luggage.
Posted at the bus stop is the bus schedule. You can expect to wait an hour on weekends and about half an hour on weekdays. It is good to go with the schedule printed and in your pocket as well. Then you can decide as you get your luggage if you want to wait.
http://www.rtcsouthernnevada.com/wp-content/themes/rtc/pdf/12/westcliff(05-20-12).pdf
The WAX trip itself is so fast that I don't much like the 108 or 109 routes which require a transfer at the BTC to get downtown. I'd rather sit in the open air and read if I have just missed one WAX. I've added up the time it takes for the other routes to get me downtown, and on the 108 and 109 I just spend about the same amount of time, but it is on the stop and start bus.
Note that Motorhead could not anticipate how long he would wait because he expected buses that just did not show up.
And certainly the bus is not the vehicle for those folks who are going for a few hurried days to Vegas and have to make every minute count. The few dollars they might save when compared to a taxi cannot compare to what I save compared to a taxi.
Much of the bus talk here on the boards is from seniors, who get that WAX ride for a dollar and who, over the course of many days in Vegas save a good bit of money. I get a 30 day pass for my 23 day trips for just $30 ( going up to $32.50 next month) and ride anywhere I like. At my stage of life I have much more time than money, whereas many of you have much more money than time. If I get a few more minutes with my novel or journal at a bus stop, it is not a deal breaker. I like having that extra hundred dollars to use at the poker table and i like that once I've spent the money on the pass, no trip costs me anything so I am at ease in my planning and not counting transportation costs into every move.
That being said, there are times when I would take a pay shuttle. Last tirip I found the 109 to SSTT and the SDX to
Paris much too crowded for my huge 85 pound bag.
http://vegasonthebus.blogspot.com/2012/06/i-rarely-advise-against-bus-travel-but.html
If I start a trip at Imperial Palace again, I'll either go 108 to 202 or take a paid shuttle. I used to take a paid shuttle to the Orleans rather than 108 to Tropicana and 201, but now that the WAX drops me at
NYNY, I can get the 201 easily from there. Often, however, there is a bit of a wait for the 201. I don't mind it. It is a pleasant place to sit and look at
Excalibur and passing people.
With 23 days to be in Vegas and a comfortable bankroll of just $1000, an excuse not to gamble for a while is good money management for me.
