SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. — Starting July 15, 2026, residents, workers, and visitors on Lake Tahoe’s South Shore now have access to an expanded Lake Link service area and a new zone-based transit system designed to connect more people to more places without needing a car.

The expanded, on-demand, app-based microtransit service now offers fare-free rides across nearly the entire South Shore of Lake Tahoe, including the Tahoe Keys, Gardner Mountain, Lake Tahoe Airport, Zephyr Cove, and the top of Kingsbury Grade Road while maintaining existing operating hours and free rides.

The expansion also introduces a new three-zone system allowing riders to seamlessly connect Lake Link’s on-demand service with Tahoe Transportation District Route 50 transit service through a single fare-free booking experience in the updated app. Riders traveling within a zone continue to enjoy door-to-door service, while longer cross-zone trips are coordinated through easy transfers that are planned automatically by the app.

“The expansion of Lake Link is a major milestone for transportation in the Tahoe Basin.  What started as a project to provide transit for Tahoe Blue Event Center events has become a resource for both our Nevada and California communities,” said board chair Chris Proctor. “In four short years we have focused on connecting more neighborhoods, destinations, jobs, and recreation opportunities with free, convenient transportation options, we’re making it easier than ever for people to choose alternatives to driving.”

Community Ribbon Cutting Celebrations

The public is invited to celebrate the expansion with remarks from the South Shore Transportation Management Association, project partners, and transportation leaders at two ribbon cutting ceremonies on Thursday July 23.

The City of South Lake Tahoe hosting at 11:00 a.m. on July 23 at the South Tahoe “Y” Transit Center, 1000 Emerald Bay Road, South Lake Tahoe, California.

Douglas County will host a concurrent ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday, July 23, at 12:30 p.m. at the Tahoe Ridge Resort, 400 Ridge Club, Stateline, Nevada recognizing the expansion of Lake Link service into Nevada and the growing regional partnership to improve transportation options across the South Shore.

“Improving transportation is a key strategic priority for the City of South Lake Tahoe. This expansion represents the kind of investment that improves daily life for our community,” said Mayor Cody Bass. “By extending service to more neighborhoods and making regional travel easier, Lake Link is giving residents, workers, and visitors a practical alternative to driving while helping us advance a more connected, sustainable, and accessible South Lake Tahoe.”

A Key Part of Car-Free, Care-Free Tahoe

The expanded Lake Link system is a cornerstone of the growing Car-Free, Care-Free Tahoe initiative – a collaborative effort to make it easy and enjoyable to experience Tahoe without relying on a personal vehicle.

By connecting neighborhoods, lodging, recreation destinations, transit hubs, and community services, Lake Link helps create the transportation network needed to support a more sustainable, accessible, and enjoyable Tahoe transportation experience for everyone.

The expanded service supports the driving vision behind Car-Free, Care-Free Tahoe: anyone should be able to park their car once and get wherever they want to go in Tahoe without it. Lake Link complements other lake-friendly transportation options available this summer, including local and regional transit, always-expanding bike-friendly paths and routes, the Emerald Bay Shuttle, parking management, and coordinated mobility services designed to reduce traffic and congestion while protecting Lake Tahoe’s environment.

Easier Booking, Same Free Service

Along with the service expansion, riders will notice an updated Lake Link app featuring a cleaner, more intuitive interface and trip planning tools that automatically coordinate transfers when needed. Rides remain free, wheelchair-accessible vehicles continue to be available, and service operates:

• Sunday–Thursday: 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
• Friday–Saturday: 7:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.

Learn more about Lake Link and download the app at TahoeLakeLink.com.

Lake Link service is provided by the South Shore Transportation Management Association (SS/TMA): ss-tma.org.