New Microtransit Shuttle Offers Free On-Demand Rides on Lake Tahoe’s South Shore
Service between the Nevada state line and Al Tahoe Boulevard in South Lake Tahoe
Download the App today! https://ss-tma.org/lake-link/
Contact Lake Link at https://ss-tma.org/contact/ and (530) 800-4438
South Shore visitors and residents are getting a new way to get around with the launch of Lake Link, a microtransit shuttle system. The service will offer free rides in a zone including the casino corridor in Stateline, Nev., and Al Tahoe Boulevard and Pioneer Trail in South Lake Tahoe, Calif. The on-demand system will be accessed and scheduled through the Lake Link app and operate 365 days per year 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. and until 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays in summer and winter. Funding for the shuttles is a collaboration of public and private partnerships. (www.tahoelakelink.com)
“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 Raymond Suarez, Lake Link program manager. “It will connect visitors and residents to trails, beaches, entertainment, and 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.”
The 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 South Shore Transportation Management Association hopes to expand the service as demand increases and more funding opportunities become available. Lake Link will also connect with Tahoe Transportation District routes to extend the reach of transit. The Lake Link app will be available for download on the Google Play store and Apple App Store.
Frequently Asked Questions
Hours of operations?
Summer and Winter hours are from 7 a.m. – 9 p.m. Sunday – Thursday and 7 a.m. – 10 p.m. Friday – Saturday.
Fall and Spring hours are expected to be 7 a.m. – 9 p.m. daily.
Service Area?
Service spans approximately 3 miles through the downtown casino corridor from Stateline, Nev. to the Lake Tahoe Community College/Al Tahoe neighborhood in South Lake Tahoe along both US 50 and Pioneer Trail. Please see the map for details www.tahoelakelink.com.
Cost?
FREE to riders. Lake Link’s funding is a collaboration between public and private partnerships: https://ss-tma.org/lake-link/.
Will the service area expand at some point in the future?
Yes, that is the goal. As demand dictates, as well as funding opportunities with public and private partnerships, we anticipate growing the service to link various transit services. The desire is to alleviate congestion in high traffic areas where individuals can leave cars at home while also providing visitors a seamless carless vacation option to the region.
Are vehicles wheelchair accessible?
Yes. A portion of the fleet will be wheelchair accessible. Tap the wheelchair icon in the app when selecting your trip details to ensure your trip is assigned to a wheelchair accessible vehicle.
What equipment is allowed?
Outdoor recreation is our livelihood, and we welcome gear to enjoy Tahoe’s beaches and trails. Bike/ski racks will be available. Please make sure to note your equipment when you book your ride. Anything that can fit underneath your seat or in your lap is allowed as well: i.e. inflatable kayaks / SUP, smaller coolers, floaties, etc.
Are pets allowed?
Service animals are allowed on Lake Link. All other pets are not allowed.
Age to Ride?
Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Lake Link is not responsible for the safety of minors.
Are food/drinks allowed?
Food/beverages within sealed containers are permitted. While trips are short durations, please be mindful that smelly food can be distracting and unpleasant for your fellow passengers. Drinking alcohol and carrying open containers of alcohol in our vehicles is not allowed.
Are car seats available?
Lake Link does not provide car seats for liability purposes. Riders are welcome to bring their own car seats but be aware that drivers are not permitted to assist in setting up car seats.
Are strollers allowed?
Yes.
How do I cancel a ride?
There is a ‘Cancel Ride’ button in the top left corner of the app screen after requesting a trip.
Can I change my location once on board?
Wait times for other riders are based off of your original destination entered when requesting your ride, so typically, we cannot change your destination once you are onboard the vehicle. If you need to change your destination, you will need to request another ride once we have dropped you off.
Lost/left behind items, who do I contact?
Open the Lake Link app and tap the Menu tab, then the Lost and Found button. Send us a description of your item and we will get in touch asap!