The Emerald Bay Shuttle is returning for the summer, offering visitors another way to reach one of Lake Tahoe's busiest destinations while helping ease traffic and reduce unsafe roadside parking.
The shuttle begins daily service Friday, June 26, and will run through Labor Day, according to the Tahoe Transportation District. The service is operated in partnership with public transit provider Via.
“Providing reliable and convenient access to Emerald Bay is a top priority, especially during peak visitation,” said Jim Marino, Executive Director of the Tahoe Transportation District. “The Emerald Bay Shuttle offers a simple, stress-free way for visitors and locals to experience one of Tahoe’s most iconic destinations while helping reduce congestion and improve safety along the corridor.”
The shuttle will operate through Sept. 7 on two routes. People traveling from the North or West shores can board at Sugar Pine Point Campground, while South Shore riders can board at the South Tahoe Y Transit Center or Camp Richardson. Both routes stop at the Eagle Falls Trailhead in Emerald Bay.
Weekend and holiday service runs from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fridays through Sundays. Weekday service operates from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays.
Fares are $5 one way or $10 round trip. Reduced fares of $2.50 one way and $5 round trip are available for children under 12, adults 65 and older, veterans, riders with disabilities, and Medicare cardholders.
Reservations are now available online, while walk-up seats may be available depending on capacity.
Transportation officials said additional parking restrictions and enforcement will be in place throughout the shuttle season. Nearly 400 feet of temporary barriers will be installed to prevent illegal and unsafe roadside parking, and the California Highway Patrol will continue enforcing parking restrictions along the Emerald Bay corridor.
During last year's shuttle season, the California Highway Patrol issued 248 parking citations, 13 moving violations, and towed 10 vehicles for illegal parking.
The shuttle also connects with regional transit services and bike routes, allowing people to reach Emerald Bay without driving. Connections are available through Tahoe Transportation District Bus Route 50 at the South Tahoe Y Transit Center and Tahoe Truckee Area Regional Transit Mainline Bus Route and TART Connect at Sugar Pine Point Campground. Shared e-scooters and bike routes also provide access to shuttle stops, and the shuttles can accommodate a limited number of bikes.
