"By working together, we can build a vibrant visitor-based economy at North Lake Tahoe while mitigating the impact of visitors”

KINGS BEACH, CA (MPG) - Today, Placer County and partners welcomed free on-demand transportation service to North Lake Tahoe with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the North Lake Tahoe Event Center.

Known as TART Connect, the free shuttle service relies on eight small transit vans to provide curb-to-curb service throughout North Lake Tahoe. Passengers can request the service through a mobile application, similar to how popular services such as Uber and Lyft operate. Passengers who don’t have the app can call 530-214-5811 to schedule a ride.

Hosting partners for the event included Placer County, North Lake Tahoe Resort Association, Washoe County and the Incline Village Crystal Bay Visitors Bureau. The program included comments from program partners, a ribbon-cutting and a ceremonial TART Connect drive. 

“We know that it is vital that we reduce traffic impacts throughout the basin with innovative programs such as the one we are launching today,” said District 5 Supervisor Cindy Gustafson. “When I look at programs such as TART Connect, I see a new opportunity for our visitors and residents to take care of our region by choosing more sustainable and responsible transportation options.” 

By working together, we can build a vibrant visitor-based economy at North Lake Tahoe while mitigating the impact of visitors,” “ said Andy Chapman, president and CEO of the  Incline Village Crystal Bay Visitors Bureau. “This will be remembered for a long time as the bright summer following some dark days. We hope it also is remembered as the year we all learned to connect with TART Connect.” 

The pilot service will be contracted through Squaw Downtowner, LLC, which will provide the vehicles, drivers and software to operate the service. Transient occupancy tax dollars will be used to fund the $$506,000 pilot program under the recommendation of the North Lake Tahoe Resort Association.

The microtransit program is one of the many TOT-funded efforts being taken by Placer County to reduce traffic impacts in North Lake Tahoe. Taking a triage approach to increasing mobility in the region, the county is working to address all areas of transportation including road mobility, alternative transportation, pedestrian support and public transit incentives. This program is another tool in the toolbox to those broader efforts. More information on these programs can be found at www.tot-tbidatwork.com.