INCLINE VILLAGE/CRYSTAL BAY, Nev. – Neighbors are stepping up and offering rides as the news of TART Connect’s termination in Nevada circulates online and leaves users wondering what to do when the the app-based service comes to an end.
The free on demand curb-to-curb shuttle has been imperative for some to get to work and the store with full-time residents making up 65% of its ridership.
The cancellation impacts TART Connect Zone 3, covering Incline Village and Crystal Bay, where residents are saying the service has helped them access the town, especially during storms.
Desperate to keep the service alive, some have even said they’d pay for the service. Another concern is whether more DUI drivers will be on the roads in TART Connect’s absence.
In addition to its myriad of benefits for both residents and visitors, the service has addressed traffic, pollution and parking concerns by making it easier to move around car free. It has provided over one million rides across the North Lake Tahoe region since its launch.
The last day for the micromobility service is Dec. 11, calling into question the future for microtransit service on the Nevada side of North Tahoe.
“Though it is clear that this is a useful community amenity that benefits residents, local businesses and visitors,” Andy Chapman says, president and CEO of Travel North Tahoe Nevada, “what is unclear is how to secure the funding needed to sustain service.”
A lack of stable, long-term funding, coupled with declining tourism revenues stemming from decreased inventory and a downturn in international visitation has brought the service to an end.
Since its launch in 2021, TART Connect in Nevada has long relied on stitching together short-term commitments from multiple organizations, including Washoe County, RTC Washoe, Travel North Tahoe Nevada, the Reno-Sparks Convention and Visitors Authority, the Tahoe Fund, and the League to Save Lake Tahoe.
“We need a durable solution, not year-to-year uncertainty,” Chapman says, “if we want a sustainable and successful microtransit system servicing residents and guests in the Washoe Tahoe region.”
Chapman says in the effort to keep the service going, they have explored many avenues, including unsuccessful legislation to create a business improvement district in this year’s legislative session.
Tourism business improvement districts on the California side of North Tahoe, in Placer County and the Town of Truckee, contribute to the TART Connect service that will continue in those regions.
“While it is deeply frustrating that this service has to cease due to inadequate resources, we will continue fighting for sustainable funding solutions,” Alexis Hill says, chair of the Washoe County Commission and chair of RTC Washoe.
Despite the roadblock with legislation and the service termination, partners say they will continue evaluating funding models and exploring community-supported solutions that could bring the service back in a financially sustainable form.
In the foreseeable future, however, the TART Connect boundary will stop at the state line.
TART’s traditional mainline bus service will continue serving the region as usual, providing a fixed-route transit service for workers, residents and visitors.
Community members are encouraged to share their input about their impact as next steps are considered by emailing TART@placer.ca.gov. More information on regional transportation options is available at tahoetruckeetransit.com.
