East Shore Express to Sand Harbor not operating this summer

LAKE TAHOE, Nev, - Tahoe Transportation District (TTD) announced today that the East Shore Express, its popular summer seasonal transit service from Incline Village to Sand Harbor, will not operate in 2020. TTD plans to resume the East Shore Express service in summer 2021.

TTD has operated the East Shore Express service to Sand Harbor State Park every year since 2012. This year, in cooperation with Nevada State Parks, TTD will suspend this service for the 2020 season in an effort to promote public health and safety and assist in the prevention of visitation surges during the COVID-19 crisis.

“The East Shore Express has been widely popular with day-trippers traveling to Sand Harbor,” said Carl Hasty, district manager of the Tahoe Transportation District. “Given the state’s concerns about crowding at public parks and beaches, we felt suspending the transit service for the season was the most responsible way forward.”

To avoid crowding and ensure that social distancing requirements are met, Nevada State Parks has put control measures in place that include reducing the number of vehicles able to access the park and closing access to Sand Harbor State Park from the Tahoe East Shore Trail. These measures remain in effect until further notice to help prevent visitation surges and protect the health and safety of state park visitors and staff. For more information, please visit: http://parks.nv.gov/about/public-notices.

The Nevada State Route 28 Corridor is home to some of Lake Tahoe’s most-visited recreation areas. With a total ridership of 40,000 last year, its highest ever, the East Shore Express helps address safety and congestion issues in this popular corridor by providing convenient and affordable access from Incline Village to Sand Harbor State Park. Newly installed paid parking facilities near Tunnel Creek provide additional options to access the numerous viewpoints, beaches and coves along this National Scenic Byway, including access to the Tahoe East Shore Trail.

“As we continue to weather this crisis, TTD is asking visitors and residents to consider recreation options closer to home this summer season,” added Hasty. “Remaining vigilant will help us get through this together, as we persist with social distancing and other guidelines to keep our community safe.”

TTD understands that public transportation is a critical part of the community’s infrastructure and continues to monitor COVID-19 guidance to implement the most rigorous standards to ensure the safety of transit operators and the community. TTD has implemented a number of policies to minimize COVID-19 risks that include: required face coverings on transit buses and in transit facilities; fare-free service to eliminate fare exchanges between transit operators and passengers; enhanced cleaning and disinfection practices; and a buffer zone of empty seats around transit operators. For more information on TTD’s response to COVID-19, please visit: http://tahoetransportation.org/doing-business/covid-19-update.

TTD offers the following reminders to help ensure a positive and safe recreational experience:

- Parking is prohibited along portions of State Route 28 and subject to citation.
- Parking at Sand Harbor State Park is limited.
- Sand Harbor State Park is not accessible from the Tahoe East Shore Trail.
- Follow social distancing guidelines by keeping at least 6 feet between yourself and others.
- Monitor the Nevada State Parks website and Facebook page for the latest updates and conditions.
- Consider recreation destinations and options that are closer to home.
- Avoid recreating during the peak hours between 8:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.

TTD urges the community to follow the CDC’s COVID-19 guidance, which is available online at: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/prevention.html

For more information on TTD’s transit services, please visit www.TahoeTransportation.org/transit.

- Tahoe Transportation District press release