TTD adds new buses and scheduling system in South Lake Tahoe

South Lake Tahoe locals and visitors utilizing transit opportunities have seen some recent changes including new buses, lighting, signage and a new scheduling system for those with disabilities and over the age of 60.

The Tahoe Transportation District (TTD) responded to input from the public and added the changes.

“We’ve listened to our passengers and implemented improvements that are important to them,” said George Fink, Transit System Program Manager, Tahoe Transportation District. “This is the beginning of many enhancements that are in the works as TTD continues to improve transit services.”

On March 7, 2016, TTD launched Ecolane. This new scheduling system for demand response service provides transportation for individuals with disabilities and adults 60 years of age and older. These improvements will increase safety, efficiency, and overall quality of the service.

Passengers using this service make a reservation and the new system will help to coordinate trips. Dispatchers will be asking additional questions when taking reservations to customize individual trips from arranged origin to set destination. Fare for eligible passengers (persons over 60 years of age; veterans with a “service-connected disability;” and persons with disabilities under the guidelines established by the Americans with Disabilities Act) is $3 one-way.

During an Unmet Transit Need hearing in September of 2015, the community requested that schedules be posted at bus stops. As a result, 36 schedule holders were installed in January 2016 at all timed stops in the system. The holders illustrate the stop location relative to the greater system and help passengers orient themselves within the region. This will prevent unintentional wait times and passengers boarding incorrect buses.

Two of the local routes operate after midnight and passengers expressed concerns about shelter lighting. In response, TTD contracted with Tolar Manufacturing Company Inc. to provide and install solar lighting units for the bus shelters to improve safety and security. Installations began in late January and will continue through March.

TTD has purchased nine new buses, all equipped with electronic fareboxes, security cameras, two-position bike racks, and two-way radios that currently service South Lake Tahoe and Carson Valley.

With a recent study indicating that over 70 percent of the particulates impacting Lake Tahoe’s famed water clarity originate from the transportation system and land development, reducing vehicle emissions that pollute the air and fuel algae growth in the Lake is key to the region.

Funding for the improvements come from the Federal Transit Administration, Caltrans, the Nevada Department of Transportation, and CalOES.

-South Tahoe Now staff report