Changes to bus service nearing final approval

Riding the bus could be a whole new experience in the next couple of months.

The South Tahoe Area Transit Authority approved route and fare modifications to the BlueGO bus system Friday.

Before the changes take place, BlueGO Transit Administrator John Andoh will present them to the system's stakeholders, which includes Heavenly Mountain Resort, El Dorado County, the city of South Lake Tahoe, Douglas County and the Lake Tahoe Gaming Alliance.

Once the changes are approved by all the entities, the new fares and routes would be implemented Nov. 23, just in time for the winter season, Andoh said.

Some of the modifications include expanded service to Meyers, Carson City and Pioneer Trail, among many others.

Because there's less funding from the state and federal agencies, fares need to rise to keep up with maintenance costs, Andoh said. The general bus fare will be raised from $1.75 to $2. Day passes will be $6 instead of $3, which is a three-trip value. The last time fares were increased was in 2003, Andoh said.

BlueGO held public workshops and listening sessions to gather input on the changes. Overall, the public was enthusiastic about the changes, and once the reasoning for the fare increase was explained, most people were supportive, Andoh said.