Residents and visitors in North Lake Tahoe will continue to have access to free rides on the Tahoe Truckee Area Regional Transit (TART) system for the next two years. The Placer County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved an extension of the free-to-the-rider service at their recent meeting, with the new period beginning December 12.
The board also adopted a resolution approving the TART Systems Plan Update, which will serve as a guide for sustainable transit services over the next decade. Free ridership has been available since December 2019, supported by nearly $1.15 million from transient occupancy tax (TOT) funds. By county policy, all TOT revenue collected in eastern Placer County is reinvested locally.
Local partnerships have also contributed almost $1.4 million over six years to help offset reductions in program revenue caused by offering free rides. The annual loss in fare collection is about $438,000, but an annual contribution of $275,000 from TOT funds will support the program through 2027.
The continuation of free transit aims to make travel easier for residents and visitors while reducing vehicle miles traveled in the region. This effort aligns with traffic reduction strategies outlined in both the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency’s Regional Transportation Plan and the Tahoe Basin Area Plan.
Transit agencies receiving federal or state transportation funds are required to prepare short-range transit plans. With this approval, the new 2025 TART Systems Plan replaces its previous version from 2016.
“We looked at routing, operating hours, seasonal service fluctuations and efficiencies between TART’s fixed routes, para-transit, as well as our micro-transit service,” said Public Works Manager Jaime Wright. “The new plan will help address any shortcomings, but it depends heavily on the ability to secure local funding and increase staffing levels.”
Over the past year, a study was conducted to review all aspects of regional transit operations. The county collaborated with Washoe County Regional Transportation Commission, WSP USA Inc., and LSC Transportation Consultants Inc., while also gathering community feedback through surveys.
A public survey ran from November 7, 2024 to January 3, 2025 on both TART fixed route and TART Connect micro-transit services. There were 660 responses on-board and another 360 online. Respondents indicated that popular destinations included routes between Kings Beach and Northstar, Tahoe City and Olympic Valley, and Truckee and Olympic Valley. Riders requested more frequent and later service times as well as improved on-time performance and real-time bus information for both fixed route and micro-transit services.
Key recommendations from the updated plan include introducing new 30-minute frequencies on all routes during peak seasons—which could increase ridership by nearly 153,000 trips at an additional cost of $2.68 million in partnership with Town of Truckee and Washoe County—and maintaining separate West Shore routes extended into Tahoe City for an estimated annual cost increase of $24,000.
Other proposals involve extending all fixed routes to operate between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m., potentially year-round; implementing fares on TART Connect when fixed routes are running; expanding micro-transit service areas; purchasing additional battery-electric buses; installing charging infrastructure; adding bus shelters along key corridors; developing a passenger facilities plan; providing real-time bus information via software platforms; and installing digital displays at major stops.
All enhancements would require an extra $2 million beyond the current $13.5 million operating budget. Implementation depends on future funding availability and agreements with partner jurisdictions.
This update incorporates elements from the broader Regional Transportation Plan aimed at aligning land use with transportation goals in North Lake Tahoe.
More information about TART services can be found at https://tahoetruckeetransit.com.
“We looked at routing, operating hours, seasonal service fluctuations and efficiencies between TART’s fixed routes, para-transit, as well as our micro-transit service,” said Public Works Manager Jaime Wright. “The new plan will help address any shortcomings, but it depends heavily on the ability to secure local funding and increase staffing levels.”
