What’s Next for 771 Southwood Boulevard? January Update
January 28, 2026 | Member Submitted
January Update regarding 771 Southwood Boulevard:
At the December 3, 2025, TTD Board of Directors meeting, Jim Marino, Executive Director of the Tahoe Transportation District, requested the Board provide direction as to alternatives for the 771 Southwood Boulevard site. Mr. Marino presented several options, including:
Moving forward with the original intent of the property which is to construct a mobility hub with parking; or
Abandon the transit hub project and pursue transferring the parcel to the local jurisdiction for purposes of affordable housing per FTA guidelines; or
Abandon the transit hub project, and pursue the sale of the parcel as is, and use the proceeds on another FTA eligible project within TTD’s Capital Program
After considerable discussion, the Board of Directors instructed staff to explore transferring the property at771 Southwood Boulevard to the local jurisdiction (Washoe County) for purposes of affordable housing per Federal Transit Administration disposition guidelines.
On January 12, 2026, Staff had an initial meeting with Washoe County and Reno Housing Authority (RHA) to discuss the feasibility of a transfer. Reno Housing Authority will be investigating the potential for a project at the site. TTD will be meeting again with Washoe County/RHA in February 2026 for an update.
Mr. Marino has been instructed to bring an update back to the TTD Board of Directors in April 2026, at which time the Board may consider moving forward with the transfer process under the Federal Transit Administration should the County/RHA have a conceptual project. Should the County/RHA not be willing to pursue a transfer, then staff have been instructed to consider the sale of the parcel.
The December 3,, 2025 staff report can be found HERE and the Meeting minutes for this item can be found HERE.
In The News – No vehicle in Tahoe this winter?: The cleared paths that make getting around in the snow possible
January 2, 2026 | Member Submitted
Originally published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune, 1/2/2026, Written by Katelyn Welsh
South Lake Tahoe resident, Nick Speal, doesn’t own a car, relying on biking and public transit to get around. That includes in the winter when he depends on a certain service to utilize those two transportation modes.
“In both cases, I need those multi-use trails to be clear,” Speal said, President of the Lake Tahoe Bicycle Coalition, an organization promoting bicycling and bike infrastructure—all year long. That means advocating for cleared paths in the winter, which is especially essential for those who rely on public transit to safely get to bus stops.
In The News – Residents sad to see micromobility service go: TART Connect Nevada ends Dec. 11
December 3, 2025 | Member Submitted
Originally published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune, 12/3/2025, Written by Katelyn Welsh
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.
In The News – Residents sad to see micromobility service go: TART Connect Nevada ends Dec. 11
December 3, 2025 | Member Submitted
Originally published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune, 12/03/2025, Written by Katelyn Welsh
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.
Twenty-five years ago, we were logging onto the Internet with dial-up connections. Today, you can book a microtransit ride from an app on your smartphone. That’s a lot of change in just one generation—imagine what the next 25 years could bring for transportation at Lake Tahoe.
The recently adopted Connections 2050, TRPA’s 25-year Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) charts that future with more than 90 projects designed to protect the lake and improve how people get around the basin. Success over the next quarter-century will be measured not only by projects completed, but by the outcomes they deliver, such as cleaner air and water, safer streets, and more connected communities.
TRPA Board Approves Transportation Plan Update, Settles Enforcement Cases
July 26, 2025 | Member Submitted
The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) Governing Board unanimously approved the 25-year Lake Tahoe Regional Transportation Plan last week, TRPA said today.
Called Connections 2050, the four-year update ensures that transportation policies and priority projects improve safety, protect the lake, and reduce vehicle miles traveled in the Tahoe Basin. Backed by extensive public and partner agency input, the plan includes more than 90 projects focused on improving transit, trails, town centers, and technology.
“Improving Tahoe’s transportation system supports our lake environment and communities,” TRPA Executive Director Julie Regan said. “Significant progress has been made upgrading Tahoe’s roads with water quality infrastructure and providing additional options like trails and transit. We must continue that progress while addressing growing safety concerns and strengthening the resilience of the region.”
Key strategies of Connections 2050 include:
Increasing safety and reducing congestion in Tahoe’s most popular roadway corridors through corridor management plans that coordinate transit, parking management, and reservation systems.
Supporting wildfire evacuation planning by ensuring roadways are safe and navigable and communication infrastructure is ready for more extreme weather and emergencies.
Integrating new technology including travel apps, communication systems, parking reservations, and on-demand microtransit.
Identifying sustainable funding to invest in transportation infrastructure and transit.
An example of corridor work kicked off earlier this month with the launch of the Emerald Bay pilot project. Public agencies and non-profit partners are coordinating new microtransit service, installation of roadside parking barriers, and more parking enforcement in one of Lake Tahoe’s most popular transportation corridors. In the first six days of the pilot, 460 passengers accessed Emerald Bay via microtransit thanks to the leadership of elected officials and the funding support of local nonprofits.
Enforcement Cases
The Governing Board also demonstrated its commitment for TRPA’s compliance initiatives by approving a $20,000 settlement for illegal tree removal at a property in Incline Village, Nev. The trees in question were not related to fire safety. TRPA works with all fire protection districts in the Tahoe Basin to ensure tree removal for defensible space is expedited, according to TRPA. Policies allow property owners to remove hazardous trees with fire district approval and, in some cases, without a TRPA permit. TRPA approval is generally required in non-hazardous cases to maintain forest health, prevent soil erosion, and protect scenic quality. For more information on tree removal, visit trpa.gov/trees-and-defensible-space.
The enforcement case adds to Board-approved settlements last month including a $16,000 fine for illegal tree removal on public land in South Lake Tahoe, and an $85,000 penalty for removing sensitive vegetation and disturbing the shorezone on a lakefront property in North Lake Tahoe. A list of approved violation settlements is available at trpa.gov/agency.
Images
Sierra_Blvd_Complete_Streets_aerial Caption: Trails. The award-winning Sierra Boulevard Complete Streets Project in South Lake Tahoe, Calif. reduced reliance on cars while improving water quality, safety, and accessibility. Credit: Luxuri Media
Emerald_Bay_Overlook_Shuttle_logo Caption: Corridor management. Transportation, law enforcement, land managers, and non-profit organizations are piloting a reservation-based microtransit service to Emerald Bay in combination with removal of unsafe roadside parking, and parking enforcement to protect one of Tahoe’s most popular transportation corridors. Credit: Tahoe Regional Planning Agency
TTD_Mobility_Hub_College Caption: Transit. A hybrid electric bus at the Lake Tahoe Community College battery-charging mobility hub. Electrified buses, parking management, and more frequent transit service are a central focus of Connections 2050. Credit: Drone Promotions
Kings_Beach_Town_Center_aerial Caption: Town centers. The redeveloped main street in Kings Beach, Calif. reduced traffic congestion, improved pedestrian safety, and is helping revitalize the town center. Locating more residential and visitor accommodations in town centers further reduces reliance on the car travel. Credit: Generikal
CONSTRUCTION UPDATES U.S. 50 Tahoe Stateline to Spooner Summit Repaving Project
July 11, 2025 | Member Submitted
Working Hours: NEW LANE REDUCTIONS/SHIFTS U.S. 50 will be reduced to one lane in each direction beginning July 13 at 9 p.m. through Friday, July 25, 8 a.m. from SR 207 Kingsbury Grade to Elks Point Rd. with north and southbound lane reductions. No lane restrictions are expected on weekends.
Drivers can anticipate moderate travel delays through the work zoneThree inches of aging roadway surface will be removed and replaced with new asphalt.A minimum of one lane in each direction will stay open at all times.Speeds will be reduced to 35mph through work zonesWhile access to businesses and residences will be continuously maintained in most areas, certain side streets and driveways will temporarily be impacted as roadway excavation takes place in the immediate area. Steel plates and earthwork will then be used after excavation to reestablish side street access.
Noise Impacts During Paving Residents along US 50 can expect to hear some work noise in the area during daytime hours while crews grind out the old asphalt and at night while paving.We are taking several precautions to minimize the noise level with select equipment and tools not to exceed 70dBA, or comparable to a lawn mower from 100 feet. We appreciate your patience and understanding during this major improvement project!
Destination Stewardship Means we all Take Care of Tahoe
July 3, 2025 | Member Submitted
Originally published in the ‘TRPA eNews’ Newsletter
Lake Tahoe isn’t just a destination—it’s a shared ecosystem we all depend on. Through the Lake Tahoe Destination Stewardship Plan, regional partners—including public agencies, Tribal leaders, destination management organizations, and nonprofits—have united under a shared vision to balance recreation with the long‑term health of the Tahoe Basin.
Set the example this summer. Enjoy Tahoe while reducing your impact. Plan ahead for seasonal updates around the Basin and be part of regional solutions: Take transit, bike instead of driving, and always pack out your trash.
Here are a few ways #TeamTahoe partners are making it easier to reduce our collective footprint this summer:
Reducing the Need for Cars at the Lake
South Shore Beginning July 15, the Emerald Bay Shuttle Pilot Program will offer a safer, more sustainable way to reach one of Tahoe’s most treasured destinations. A collaboration of TRPA, League to Save Lake Tahoe, Tahoe Fund, Caltrans, Tahoe Transportation District, and El Dorado County, the low-cost shuttle service will operate seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. until October 15, 2025.
East Shore The East Shore Express offers free continuous loop service from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., connecting Incline Village to Sand Harbor State Park. Sand Harbor’s new reservation system makes transit a great option.
In combination with strategies to reduce roadside parking this summer, these options lower congestion while improving safety and protecting Lake Tahoe’s clarity.
Cleaner Beaches
Last summer, Zephyr Cove Resort and Shoals saw a 97 percent reduction in litter after the Fourth of July compared to the previous year—thanks to targeted improvements through the Tahoe Blue Beach program.
What worked? Better waste infrastructure, a stronger stewardship message for visitors, bans on single-use plastics, and the deployment of beach-cleaning robots.
Building on that success, the program has expanded to include Kings Beach, Camp Richardson Resort, and Meeks Bay Resort. These Tahoe Blue Beaches are implementing environmentally friendly beach management throughout Tahoe’s high season, focusing on education, infrastructure, and enforcement.
Coordinated action leads to real results, and while many partners prepare to collect litter on the shoreline and even beneath the surface of the lake, you’re invited to join in.
Improving Pedestrian Safety & Connectivity in the Basin
June 10, 2025 | Member Submitted
Originally published with TRPA Email Newsletter
June is Tahoe Bike Month! Join the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) and the Lake Tahoe Bicycle Coalition to celebrate progress toward a cleaner, more connected Tahoe.
From scenic paths to safer streets, big strides are being made to improve biking and walking options around the Tahoe Basin. Since 1997, Environmental Improvement Program partners have built or upgraded over 200 miles of bike and pedestrian trails—and the momentum is only growing.
Originally published in Travel North Tahoe Nevada newsletter
Who’s ready to get to Sand Harbor without the traffic?
Tahoe Transportation District (TTD) is pleased to announce the return of the East Shore Express Service for the 2025 summer season, operating daily from Sunday, June 22, through Saturday, September 6. The service will follow the same successful route as 2024, with parking available at the Tunnel Creek Parking Lot (1102 Tahoe Blvd.) and the Tahoe East Shore Trailhead.
The free transit line will run daily from 10 AM to approximately 6:30 PM, with continuous loop service connecting Incline Village to Sand Harbor State Park.
