TAHOE CITY, Calif. – The Tahoe Truckee Area Regional Transit micro-transit service TART Connect has now provided over 1 million rides in the North Lake Tahoe-Truckee region.

The service was originally rolled out in Placer and Washoe counties in June 2021 and implemented throughout the north shore and the Town of Truckee in the years since.

TART Connect offers curb-to-curb, on-demand service for any trip within the defined service areas. Residents and visitors order a ride from the mobile app and can travel to any number of places or connect to the mainline bus system before continuing their journeys.

The program has improved connectivity and convenience, enabling riders to travel efficiently throughout the day and relieving traffic congestion by reducing the volume of vehicles on the roadways.

“This incredible milestone is a testament to the value and popularity of the TART Connect program,” said Truckee North Tahoe Transit Management Authority Executive Director Sara Van Siclen. “TART Connect has generated many first-time transit users and has made it possible for people to leave their car behind and connect to our community centers and the larger TART transit system. TART Connect is a key component needed to improve traffic conditions in our communities and I look forward to its continued growth.”

TART Connect is available throughout the north shore and Truckee with four zones in Placer County, one in Incline Village and Crystal Bay, and one in the Town of Truckee.

Last summer, the Placer County Board of Supervisors approved a contract with Tahoe Downtowner LLC to continue TART Connect service through June 30, 2024. A total of $2,685,526 in transient occupancy tax funds was approved to serve the Placer County zones in the North Lake Tahoe region through the TOT-TBID Dollars at Work Program.

“This program has been instrumental in our regional efforts to reduce traffic congestion and provide alternative forms of transportation outside of a personal automobile,” said Placer Deputy County Executive Officer Stephanie Holloway. “We really feel like it’s changed the behaviors of our residents and visitors as they go through their week. Ridership has been steadily increasing and it’s a testament to a lot of hard work.”

In the first year of operation, TART Connect, then a pilot service, provided 211,000 rides in Placer and Washoe counties. The free service has only expanded since.

“TART Connect is dedicated to fostering sustainable and accessible transportation solutions that enrich the lives of our community members and our visiting guests,” said Andy Chapman, president and CEO of Travel North Tahoe Nevada. “We are incredibly grateful for the ongoing support from our regional partners, whose commitment enables us to continue service hours and maintain coverage in Zone 3, ultimately enhancing connectivity and mobility for all.”

The Washoe-Tahoe partnership in funding Zone 3 service includes a wide range of partners including Travel North Tahoe Nevada, Washoe County, Regional Transportation Commission Washoe, Reno Sparks Visitors and Convention Authority, Tahoe Fund, League to Save Lake Tahoe and other regional partners.

“TART Connect is a vital service that helps reduce the environmental impact on beautiful Lake Tahoe by reducing carbon emissions and vehicle miles traveled from commuters and visitors,” Washoe County Commission Chair Alexis Hill said. “We’re proud to support the TART Connect service that moves people around the lake and supports our goals to keep Lake Tahoe beautiful, blue and clear.”

TART Connect expanded into the Town of Truckee in June 2022. Thanks to an expansion throughout the Town of Truckee, TART transit system’s ridership in Truckee has increased by over 500% from two years ago.

“TART Connect has been extremely well received by Truckee residents and has provided an important new transportation option for the community,”  Truckee Public Works Director Dan Wilkins said. “Truckee applauds the leadership by the other transportation partners in the region who have implemented microtransit including Placer County, Washoe County and Mountaineer Transit Company.”

For those looking for a ride, it’s a simple process to get onboard. Download the mobile app, reserve your trip and you will be picked up in as little as 15 minutes. If you don’t have the app, you can reserve a ride by calling 530-553-0653.