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Council authorizes three‑year Lake Link pact, expanding microtransit citywide and adding funding
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Summary
Council approved a three‑year amended agreement with the South Shore Transportation Management Association to expand Lake Link microtransit citywide, committing parking‑garage revenues plus matching SB125/TRPA funds and Douglas County contributions; the package adds vehicles and extends evening hours but includes a caveat if parking revenue falls short.
The South Lake Tahoe City Council voted Jan. 27 to authorize a three‑year funding agreement with the South Shore Transportation Management Association (SSTMA) that will expand Lake Link microtransit service to cover the entire city and add vehicles and hours.
Staff said the funding package combines city contributions, $750,000 in TRPA SB125 funds and partner contributions from Douglas County and others. "With this agreement the expansion to the rest of the city would occur in July 2026 and we anticipate additional vehicles in the Y area in October 2026," staff said during the presentation. The council approved appropriating an additional $200,000 from parking‑garage revenues for this fiscal year and committed to increased contributions in year two and year three, provided parking revenues continue to fund at least 80% of the commitment.
SSTMA chair Chris Proctor and executive director Raymond Suarez described operational details, including a three‑zone service model with an overlap zone near the state line, geo‑fenced pickup points to avoid duplicating fixed‑route service, and proposed hours (Sunday–Thursday 7 a.m.–9 p.m.; Friday–Saturday 7 a.m.–11 p.m.). Proctor said triage rules in the ride app redirect riders to fixed‑route options when appropriate to preserve efficiency.
Supporters, including the Tahoe Chamber’s board voice Jessica Grime, said expanded Lake Link improves workforce mobility, reduces congestion and supports local business. "This agreement provides stable, multiyear funding, allows planned citywide service expansion and leverages state funding while ensuring local accountability," she said.
Some residents raised concerns about system reliability, the decision to initially operate a free service without rider fares, and fleet procurement (one commenter criticized out‑of‑state license plates on leased vehicles). SSTMA representatives said leased vehicles can carry out‑of‑state plates while operators manage fleet sourcing and that the JPA will pursue additional private contributions and discuss fare models over time.
Councilmember Scott Robbins moved to authorize the mayor to execute the amended and restated funding agreement totaling $3,050,000 over three years and to appropriate $200,000 from parking garage revenues into the microtransit contribution account; Councilmember Jenkins seconded. The motion carried.
Staff said the expansion aims to increase ridership, improve feeder connections to the 30‑minute headways on Route 50 and create better coverage for employees and residents who lack cars. Council members and SSTMA agreed to continue seeking private and regional funds to shore up long‑term operating sustainability.
