Emerald Bay Trolley Set to Begin Summer Season But Running Out of Money to Operate

Many locals may remember the contest held several years ago to name the new Trolley that would provide transportation service along Highway 50 throughout South Lake Tahoe.

The seasonal trolley is still around but it no longer has a regular route along Highway 50. One may see an occasional trolley along it's old route, but it is just being used for breaks of the bus drivers.

What is now known as the Emerald Bay Trolley takes passengers between the "Y" in South Lake Tahoe to the North Shore between June and September. According to the Tahoe Transportation District Projects Manager Alfred Knotts, the trolley has been very successful since it started the west shore routes. "It was a duplication in services to have the trolley in town in Highway 50," said Knotts.

Visitors, hikers and locals can hope on and off the Emerald Bay Trolley to enjoy all points on the west shore and not have to hassle with driving and/or parking. The routes are set to start up at the end of June.

Funding for the trolley is becoming an issue according to Knotts. "We need to keep this popular and important route going," said Knotts. He said the ten year funding which had previously operated the trolley is running out.

They plan on operating the Emerald Bay Trolley until Labor Day but that depends on funds being available.