Incline Village, Nv – Tahoe Transportation District’s East Shore Express, a park and ride shuttle bus from Incline Village to Sand Harbor, continues to offer beach goers a safe, convenient transportation option during one of Lake Tahoe’s busiest summers. A full schedule operates from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., every 20 minutes now through Monday, Sept. 1. (http://www.eastshoreexpress.org)

Roundtrip fare is $3 per person and $1.50 for children 5-12 and under, seniors and disabled passengers, and children under 5 are free. Fare includes admission to Sand Harbor. Passengers transferring from Tahoe Area Regional Transit, a bus service that operates throughout North Shore, pay $1 with a transfer. ESE utilizes a dedicated entrance to keep traffic moving and drops passengers at the Visitor’s Center near the main beach. Parking inside Sand Harbor is $10 per vehicle for Nevada residents and $12 for out-of-state motorists.

The goal of the Tahoe Transportation District service is to address vehicular congestion and promote safety along the Nevada state Route 28 corridor, while reducing environmental impacts. More than 70 percent of the pollutants contributing to Lake Tahoe’s clarity loss come from the existing transportation systems and developed areas. Riding the bus can reduce emissions improving air and water quality.

The weekend route from Reno (Legends Outlet Mall) to Sand Harbor that launched earlier this season has been discontinued by the Washoe Regional Transportation Commission. However, Reno/Sparks residents and visitors can still catch the ESE in Incline Village at old Incline Village Elementary School on the corner of Highway 28 and Southwood Boulevard for a ride to Sand Harbor. Tahoe Area Regional Transit passengers are able to connect to the ESE at the TART stop located east of Village Boulevard.

More than 1 million visitors recreate annually in the state Route 28 corridor, but with limited parking in many areas, the situation has resulted in pedestrians crossing into busy travel lanes in both directions. In 2012, the Nevada Division of State Parks ended walk-in visitation. Drop-offs and parking are illegal along the highway at Sand Harbor. The no parking zone encompasses approximately 3/4 of a mile in both directions from the park’s main entrance and will result in a fine.

The ESE is a component of the SR 28 Corridor Management Plan, a proactive community-based implementation and management strategy to preserve and promote the unique natural characteristics of the National Scenic Byway of state Route 28, which runs from Spooner Summit on U.S. Highway 50 to Crystal Bay. The plan includes 13 local, state and federal agencies in a cooperative effort to effectively manage the corridor.  It is designed to improve safety, access for emergency vehicles, alleviate congested roadways, and reduce vehicle emissions.

Another aspect of the SR 28 Corridor Management Plan is the proposed three mile bike path from Incline Village to Sand Harbor, which will provide an opportunity to explore the natural beauty of the eastern shore without a vehicle. The dream of a dedicated bike path is one step closer to reality with the Tahoe Fund’s campaign to raise $750,000 for the trail. The private money raised by the Tahoe Fund would help the Tahoe Transportation District secure $12.5 million in public funding that includes the new bike path, estimated to begin construction next summer, as well as other safety and environmental improvements.

In fact, the Society of Outdoor Recreation Professionals commended the SR 28 Corridor Management Plan for its excellence in collaboration and positive impacts. There were over 30 projects submitted nationwide and the award is presented annually for exemplary projects.

For details on Tahoe Transportation District and its current projects, visit http://www.TahoeTransportation.org or call (775) 589-5500.

Tahoe Transportation District
The Tahoe Transportation District (TTD) is responsible for the implementation and management of transportation projects and programs in the Tahoe Basin. The organization has facilitated many area safety infrastructure projects, including bicycle paths, roadway improvements, pedestrian thoroughfares, water quality and watershed improvements and public transit solutions.