Incline microtransit faces $250,000 shortfall; commissioner pushes state bills to secure long-term funding

Incline Village’s free microtransit service, TART Connect, faces a projected funding gap of about $250,000 that could reduce service hours, Washoe County Commissioner Alexis Hill told the Incline Village–Crystal Bay Citizens Advisory Board.

Hill said the county funded the service for a second consecutive year with a $400,000 county contribution but warned that ongoing funding will require legislative or local action. “Sadly, we may even see further reductions in hours, because we have a about a $250,000 gap in funding,” Hill said.

Hill and CAB members discussed two legislative approaches being pursued at the state level: (1) a bill to increase the transient-occupancy tax (TOT) with a portion dedicated to transportation and housing projects in Incline Village and Crystal Bay, and (2) creation of a business improvement district that could assess participating businesses to fund local services.

“There's going to be 2 bills that you will see… There will be a bill to increase, the the, trend or the TOT tax… to go towards transportation, in Incline Village in Crystal Bay so that tourists will help you pay for, your transportation,” Hill said. She also described a proposed business improvement district as a potential revenue source.

CAB members recommended several near-term options to reduce pressure on the general fund. Diane Becker suggested asking the visitor center or RCVA (Resort Corridor/Convention body) to reallocate existing promotional funds away from advertising and toward microtransit. She also proposed asking large local employers to sponsor dedicated employee buses for shift workers so typical microtransit resources are available for visitors and residents.

Board members pressed for clearer budget details. Hill acknowledged she did not have precise daily ridership, operating hours or a full annual budget at hand and said those figures would be part of a forthcoming presentation from transit staff. “I don't have all those details memorized. There is a full presentation on it,” she said in response to questions about total program costs and ridership.

Residents and CAB members said they favor sustained funding for the free service because it reduces single-occupant car trips and supports local businesses. Hill said she and other commissioners will pursue the legislative options this session and urged community members to monitor hearings and provide support where appropriate.

The county and regional transit commission are also discussing governance changes that could allow the North Lake program to move away from Placer County’s turnkey contract — which Hill said prevents the county from capturing cost savings that would come from owning vehicles. Hill described tradeoffs: contracted turnkey operations yield simplicity but can be more expensive over time if the county cannot realize vehicle-ownership savings.

County staff did not present a formal action or vote at the CAB meeting. Hill said the commission will continue to seek grants, public–private partnerships and legislative fixes to stabilize TART Connect funding for Incline Village and Crystal Bay.