<P> The plan was to open the system in January 2004, and for it to cover its debts and operating expenses by attracting 19 to 20 million riders . Since the system was not only delayed in opening, but later shut down for four months, income was not as great as organizers had hoped . This reportedly is a contributing factor for the government's denial of Phase 2 funding . </P> <P> Phase 2 was revised to instead extend the monorail system in the opposite direction, south from the MGM Grand Station to McCarran International Airport . Providing monorail service to the airport has been an unpopular idea with limousine and taxicab operators in the city, as trips to and from the airport form a major portion of their business . Several hotel and casino owners on the Strip continue to support the project, and are more supportive of an extension to the airport than one to downtown Las Vegas . </P> <P> On December 7, 2006, Clark County commissioners granted permission for the proposed extension to McCarran Airport . Funding had not yet been identified . </P> <P> On September 9, 2008, the monorail company provided details of the proposed expansion to the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors' Authority board members . The intended airport extension would begin at the new Terminal 3, with the first stop near Terminal 1, turn north on Swenson Street, then continue west on Tropicana Avenue before turning north at Koval Lane to meet up with the existing system behind the MGM Grand . This route was proposed to be built with private funds and would have added approximately four miles to the existing route, doubling the length of the system . </P>

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