Pilot by Town of Truckee: Launching TART Connect, a free and on-demand shared shuttle service in North Lake Tahoe and Truckee!

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Starting Saturday, June 25, the Town of Truckee is launching TART Connect, a free and on-demand shared shuttle service in North Lake Tahoe and Truckee! This pilot program is a service that aims to meet more transit needs, especially for those seeking to travel to and from residential areas without using their cars.

On-Demand Microtransit Coming to Truckee This Summer 

New this summer, TART Connect, the free, on-demand, shared shuttle service operating in North Lake Tahoe is now coming to Truckee! In May, the Truckee Town Council approved a contract with Downtowner, Inc. to operate a Summer 2022 microtransit pilot program.

Service will operate from June 25 to September 5, 2022, 7 days a week from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. TART Connect users can download the TART Connect app and enjoy service in Tahoe Donner, the Downtown commercial core, Glenshire, and the Tahoe Forest Hospital District zones. All rides are FREE to the rider, making the service convenient and accessible to everyone!

Riders will be able to request point-to-point on-demand rides using the TART Connect mobile application, which provides real-time information with estimated pickup times and mapping with the location of the scheduled vehicle. The application will be similar to other ride-sharing applications offered by transportation network companies. Those who do not have access to a cellular device can book a trip by calling (530) 214-5811. In addition, the contractor will provide all drivers and a fleet of 7 (6-9 seat) passenger vans with 1 additional backup vehicle. 2 of the vehicles will have wheelchair accessibility, and all vehicles will be equipped with bicycle racks.  

The application is similar to Uber or Lyft but free of charge to the rider. Riders will be able to request point-to-point, on-demand rides using the app, which provides real-time information with estimated pickup times and mapping with the location of the scheduled vehicle. Two of the vehicles will have wheelchair accessibility, service animals are accepted, and all vehicles will be equipped with bicycle racks.

 

Image of a person's hand holding a cell phone with the TART Connect transit app image on the cell phone

The Truckee TART Connect Pilot Program is made possible through funding provided by: The Town of Truckee,  Visit Truckee Tahoe, Tahoe Forest Hospital District, Truckee Special Service Area #1 (Tahoe Donner), and #5 (Glenshire) funds, which are funds generated from special assessments on residential properties.

This exciting new service will allow riders to easily move from outlying areas of Truckee into the Downtown area. Riders can even make connections from the Truckee Train Depot and Truckee/Tahoe Airport to North Lake Tahoe by TART bus. Once in North Lake Tahoe, riders can request rides within the North Shore’s TART Connect service zones.

It’s easier than ever to get around Truckee and North Lake Tahoe without a car! Use these great services for work or play, and Leave The Car Behind! 

Big thanks to all our partners at Visit Truckee Tahoe, Tahoe Donner Association, Glenshire/Devonshire Homeowners Association, Tahoe Forest Hospital, Placer County, and especially the Town Council and our residents.  

For more information about this program and regional transportation services, visit TahoeTruckeeTransit.com.

Ride-On Truckee!!!!!!!

TART Connect users can download the TART Connect app and enjoy the free service to the following Truckee/Tahoe zones seven days a week from 10 AM to 10 PM:
• Tahoe Donner
• Downtown commercial core
• Glenshire
• Tahoe Forest Health System
• Connections from the Truckee Train Depot and Truckee Tahoe Airport to North Lake Tahoe by the TART fixed-route bus system (not included in the TART Connect app)

The TART Connect app is available on both iOS and Android for you to set up your account now. For more information about this program, click here

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Does this service apply to my home in Tahoe Donner?
Yes! The TART Connect Pilot Program includes free service in Tahoe Donner.

Where can I go with TART Connect? 
From Tahoe Donner (or any other included location within the TART Connect system), you can head to other places in Tahoe Donner, downtown Truckee, Glenshire, and the Tahoe Forest Health System. You can also connect to the fixed-route bus system to other areas outside the micro transit service area.

Is this service ADA accessible? 
Yes, two service vehicles have wheelchair accessibility, and service animals are accepted.

How much does a ride cost?
This is a free service to North Lake Tahoe.

Who is paying for this service?
The Truckee Town Council approved a $460,977 contract with Downtowner, Inc. to operate the program. The Truckee TART Connect Pilot Program is made possible through funding provided by the Town of Truckee, Visit Truckee-Tahoe, and Tahoe Forest Health System, as well as special service assessment funding provided by the Tahoe Donner and Glenshire/Devonshire subdivisions.

How do I reserve a ride? 
By downloading the TART Connect app on your mobile device through either the Google Play Store or the Apple Store, riders can request service seven days a week from 10 AM to 10 PM. Once in North Lake Tahoe, riders can request rides within the North Shore’s TART Connect service zones. The app provides real-time info with pickup times and maps of vehicle locations.

How long will this last?
This service will be available through Sept. 5, 2022.

How do I learn more?
To learn more, visit TahoeTruckeeTransit.com.