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| - I live in Las Vegas and, on days that I don't feel like driving, I try to use the SDX (Strip & Downtown Express) as a faster alternative to the Deuce for Strip and Downtown traveling.
The SDX and the Deuce generally run the same route. However, the SDX is faster than the Deuce because it makes less stops, ticket purchases must be done prior to boarding, and proof of purchase is not required to get on.
The SDX is a twin trailer, single level bus which is immediately distinguishable from the doubl -decker Deuce bus.
It's tickets are the same as the Deuce: $6 for 2 hours, $8 for 24 hours, and $20 for 3 days, good on any Vegas bus. Unlike the Deuce, though, the SDX employs an off-board fare-only policy: Prior to boarding, you have have already bought your ticket, usually at a ticket vending machine (TVM). Tickets cannot be purchased on an SDX bus itself. This speeds up the boarding process, as there are no boarding delays from passengers inserting money in the fare box. TVMs are at most SDX and Deuce stops. Tickets can also be purchased by mail prior to your Las Vegas trip, but no one I know does this, as the TVMs are plentiful and easy to use.
In addition, proof of ticket purchase is not required to board the SDX, so riders can board on any of the three sets of doors on the SDX without running their tickets through the scanner in the fare box or showing their tickets to the bus driver. This makes boarding much faster on the SDX. In contrast, boarding the Deuce requires entrance at the front door only, with riders having to scan their tickets or purchasing them at the fare box.
Don't be a fare jumper on the SDX, however, as you may incur a fine if caught riding without a ticket!
Since the drivers on the SDX do not generally interact with boarding passengers, there are fewer delays caused by passengers asking them questions. If you do have any questions, the RTC (Regional Transportation Committee of Southern Nevada) has "ambassadors" at numerous bus stops who can assist you, and they are recognizable by their uniforms. In addition, fellow bus passengers may also answer your questions, especially if they are locals.
Also, the SDX stops at the North and South Las Vegas Premium Outlets, while the Deuce does not.
The SDX even goes to the South Strip Transfer Terminal (SSTT) on Gilespie, in the vicinity of McCarran airport. From the SSTT, a ten minute ride on Route 109 will take you directly to McCarran International Airport
However, the fewer stops on the SDX means it is unsuited for short distance travel. For example, for a short bus ride, say, from Caesar's Palace to Treasure Island, the SDX won't work because it just doesn't have a stop in this interval. In such an instance, taking the Deuce (or hiring a taxi or simply walking) would be your better option. On the other hand, on a long haul such as a bus ride from Downtown to Mandalay Bay, the SDX would be for you.
Furthermore, less stops also means it is more difficult to get on an SDX bus. There have been several times when I got on a Deuce bus because I simply could not locate an SDX stop. In contrast, Deuce bus stops are ubiquitous on the Strip and easy to find.
In a traffic jam, the SDX's advantages disappear, as it gets stuck along with the Deuce in the same vehicular congestion on Las Vegas Blvd., which seems to occur every Friday night and much of Saturday. During these times, it may be better to just walk on the Strip. One time, I was on that other bus (Deuce) on a Saturday night, and it was so slow that I just got off at the next stop and walked to my destination.
Overall, I like the SDX bettter than the Deuce, because it is faster and more efficient. The Deuce is sometimes slow and lumbering in comparison, and, as such, it as been disparaged by several Yelpers as "The Douche."
In summary, hooray for the SDX, which is a useful alternative to the Deuce!
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