Free on-demand shuttle service being launched for South Shore residents and visitors

LAKE TAHOE, Nev./Calif. - The South Shore will soon have a new on-demand transit system serving the area from Al Tahoe Boulevard to the casino corridor. The launch of Lake Link, an app-based microtransit shuttle system will be on July 22.

Lake Link will be free to riders and will operate 365-days per year, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday-Thursday, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekends. Funding for the shuttles is a collaboration of public and private partnerships, and is a requirement of the new events center at Stateline.

“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, 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 are meant to help alleviate congestion and improve mobility and connectivity in the busiest area of the south shore, and are one step in an overall transportation plan being developed by the City of South Lake Tahoe and other partners.

Suarez said the hours of service were based on several factors to make the most impact, but if data shows a need for different hours, the system could be modified but he said consistency is important for the public to be able to follow. He also said that historically, late hour ridership is lower than during the day.

People may see some of the shuttles along the routes in the week leading up to the launch on July 22 as drivers train on the road and learn the neighborhoods in the transit zone. The vans will be white in color with a blue wrap, but supply chain issues may delay some of the vans so short-term leased passenger vans will be used if that is the case.

The door-to-door on-demand shuttles are app-based, and that will be released with the shuttle system is launched. The Lake Link app will be available for download on the Google Play store and Apple App Store.

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.

Many visitors and locals are used to app-based modes of transportation so Lake Link should be easy for them to navigate.

The South Shore Transportation Management Association (SSTMA) said they hope 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.