East Shore Express Shuttle returns to Tahoe highways

Public transportation, both micro and macro, is making a foray at Lake Tahoe starting this weekend.

Saturday will see the return of the East Shore Express Shuttle to Tahoe’s highways.

The free transit line offers beachgoers and trail users access along State Route 28 from Incline Village to Sand Harbor State. It will run a continuous loop daily, including holidays, from the old Incline Village elementary school site, at 771 Southwood Boulevard, to Sand Harbor.

Last year, the Tahoe Transportation District suspended the East Shore Express due to a staffing shortage on the heels of the coronavirus outbreak.

“The East Shore Express was one of our fastest growing routes pre-pandemic and we are excited to return this summer,” said District Manager Carl Hasty. “Highway 28 is one of the more hazardous roads in Lake Tahoe and we’re proud to be part of the solution to help folks navigate more safely.”

The district operated the shuttle for eight years prior to the pandemic, since 2012, and has seen exponential growth on the route. In 2019, it logged nearly 40,000 rides. The 13-partner agencies of the Highway 28 corridor continue to work together to implement transportation solutions and adaptively manage this high demand recreation corridor.

“Our main goal is to reach the basin’s collective environmental goals and improve lake clarity by improving the transportation options at Tahoe and across the region,” Hasty said. “We are currently working to deliver services such as the East Shore Express that continue to reduce congestion through the region during peak months.”

The district is encouraging Lake Tahoe visitors to consider using transit to better enjoy the basin. In coordination with Nevada Division of State Parks and the Regional Transportation Commission of Washoe County, as well as Tahoe Truckee Area Regional Transit and the Truckee North Tahoe Transportation Management Association, the district is asking everyone to download and use the transit app to access Tahoe’s public transportation.

Schedules and additional information for TART services can be found at TahoeTruckeeTransit.com. In addition, riders can download the TART Connect App.

It will be another month before Lake Link, a microtransit shuttle system required as part of the Stateline Events Center, will offer free rides between the casino core, Al Tahoe and Pioneer Trail in South Lake Tahoe.

“Lake Link is a new tool to help alleviate congestion in our tourist core and at some of the most popular recreation access points,” said Program Manager Raymond Suarez. “It will connect visitors and residents to trails, beaches, entertainment, nightlife, and be a resource for general commuters. This service will prove convenient, and by reducing vehicle traffic and getting more people to use public transit, we’ll improve our environment and help protect the lake.”

Starting July 22, riders will be able to access the shuttle 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and until 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturday through summer and winter.

Shuttles carry 9-12 passengers and are equipped with bike and ski racks for the transportation of gear while riders are allowed to bring anything that can fit underneath the seat or in their lap. The fleet includes wheelchair accessible shuttles and riders can indicate on the app if they need certain accommodations. Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult to ride. Only service animals are allowed on the vehicles.

The Lake Link app will be available for download on the Google Play store and Apple App Store.

More information is available at www.tahoelakelink.com