Press Release
Public transportation has become a form of entertainmet on the North Lake Tahoe Water Shuttle.
After years of planning, the North Lake Tahoe Water Shuttle was launched last month as a pilot program to provide visitors with an alternative means of public transportation in addition to the region’s bus and transfer services. Many visitors, however, are taking the shuttle for the sheer pleasure of being on the water, rather than a means to get from one side of the North Shore to another.
“Public transportation is a critical piece of the equation in keeping Lake Tahoe pristine,” said Executive Director Jan Colyer of the Truckee/North Tahoe Transporatation Management Association, the sponsor of the North Lake Tahoe Water Shuttle. “It gets people out of their personal vehicles. Less personal vehicles on Lake Tahoe’s roadways, of course, means less traffic congestion and less air pollution. But an interesting phenomenon has happened. We’re finding that the North Lake Tahoe Water Shuttle provides an element of fun that might otherwise have been missing from some of our other public transportation alternatives.”
According to Colyer, because the North Lake Tahoe Water Shuttle can accommodate up to eight bicycles, many of its passengers are taking the shuttle with their bikes in tow one-way to experience Lake Tahoe’s famed waters firsthand. Those same passengers are then leisurely bicycling back through North Lake Tahoe’s towns to visit museums and retail shops and dine alfresco before ultimately returning to their lakeside water shuttle starting point.
“It’s a completely different vantage point being out in the middle of Lake Tahoe,” said Colyer. “The mountain ranges and the 72 miles of shoreline are much more distinct. That coupled with a lake visibility of 70-plus feet makes for a unique and spectacular experience.”
Early guest research is indicating that the North Lake Tahoe Water Shuttle is especially popular with families.
“You don’t need to own a private boat to experience Tahoe’s waterways,” said Colyer. “For a nominal fee, the entire family can soak up the sun, see the country’s largest alpine lake, cruise in style – all while reducing their carbon footprint.”
After taking the North Lake Tahoe Water Shuttle, passengers can also take Tahoe Area Regional Transit (TART), the area’s public bus service, for their return.
The North Lake Tahoe Water Shuttle can carry up to 12 passengers and crew. It is a 30-foot, state-of-the-art boat manufactured and operated by Fine Line Industries.
The shuttle will continue service through Sunday, September 30. One-way rates start at $10/adult and $7/children up to 12 years old. Service is provided to and from the West Shore Café & Inn in Homewood, the Tahoe City Marina, Gar Woods Grill & Pier in Carnelian Bay and Captain Jon’s in Tahoe Vista. Hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 6:46 p.m. Ticketing kiosks are available at some of the participating docks. Seats are limited, so those interested are advised to book ahead.
The North Lake Tahoe Water Shuttle is funded through Placer County TOT/North Lake Tahoe Chamber/CVB/Resort Association.
For North Lake Tahoe Water Shuttle reservations, schedules and detailed information, visit www.NorthLakeTahoeWaterShuttle.com or call 530-581-8707 between the hours of 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.
