Updated 10-25-22

Get “onboard” with free, on-demand, door-to-door transit service this winter with the return of Truckee’s TART Connect microtransit pilot program.

You may have seen small vans with TART Connect and Town of Truckee logos driving around this past summer. Did you get a chance to take a ride? If not, don’t worry! This service is returning as a continuation of the FREE TART Connect Pilot Program that will operate this winter here in Truckee and provide on-demand, door-to-door transit service to our residents, visitors, and employees.  

What is Microtransit?  

Microtransit is the use of small-scale vehicles, such as shuttles, minibuses, or vans, to provide on-demand “door to door” transit rides. On-demand microtransit means that vehicles are only dispatched when there is a ride request, through the TART Connect “smart phone” app with the goal of sharing rides with our community members (like the Uber of Lyft model).  

Why Microtransit? 

Traditional public transit utilizes larger vehicles such as buses, subways, streetcars and trains to serve set stops at set times. This model is structured to serve urban densities and typical commute patterns and is effective to move large numbers of people in cities. In Truckee, the TART, while effective for destinations along the main thoroughfare, leaves large populations in the outer areas and neighborhoods unable to access fixed route transit easily or conveniently. Microtransit removes that barrier by providing door to door service and flexibility to meet different trip types throughout the day.  

This service can be used by residents and visitors that don’t want to drive or pay for parking, by kids for after school activities and visiting friends, and by all the snow enthusiasts wishing to access our trailheads or resorts via the TART fixed routes.

TART Connect can also take you to and from work and medical appointments, all while keeping your gas money in your pocket.

It’s easy to use, convenient, fast, and FREE! 

Why Winter TART Connect?    

The Town ran its summer Pilot Program from June 25th, 2022 to September 5th. The program was heavily utilized and very well received by the community.  Given this success, the Town Council and partners at Visit Truckee-Tahoe, Tahoe Donner Association, Glenshire/Devonshire Residents Association, Tahoe Forest Hospital, and Truckee Tahoe Airport District all expressed their support to launch a winter pilot.

The service is again FREE to the user with a longer season and expanded hours of operation starting at 8:00 AM and running until 10:00 PM serving much, but not all of Truckee.  

The following areas will be served during this pilot period of December 15, 2022 through April 2, 2023:

  • Tahoe Donner
  • Glenshire Neighborhood
  • Tahoe Forest Hospital
  • Donner Pass Road/Gateway
  • Brockway Road/Soaring Way/Airport
  • West River – NEW!
  • Alder Creek Middle School – NEW!   

Surveys show that riders have been pleased with the service, reporting a 4.9/5 average trip rating with 90% of passengers being picked in 15 mins or less.  

The pilot will end on April 2nd, at which point the Town and its partners will evaluate the system’s ability to serve the entire community in a cost effective and sustainable manner in the future. 

Download the App, Get Ready for TART Connect Winter Pilot, and Let Us Do the Driving!

If you haven’t already, download the TART Connect app here and take a trip for free! You will be helping the environment, reducing traffic congestion, and keeping money in your wallet.