To the community,

As part of an ongoing effort to bring the BlueGo system to more efficient levels, STATA hired LSC Transportation Consultants to study the entire BlueGo system and create a Short Range Transit Plan that recommends improvements to the efficiency of BlueGo and bring the system back to levels that STATA could fiscally manage.

STATA recognized that there had been many changes to the routes in the last year, STATA worked diligently to ensure that any changes made would have a minimal impact on BlueGo riders and are pleased to announce changes that positively impact both locals and visitors as it is adding service to the widely utilized route 50. The Trolley will return to service on Highway 50 on July 18 with the first Trolley leaving the South Y Station at 10:15am and will run to the Stateline Transit Center. The last Trolley will leave the Y at 6:16pm. Trolleys leaving from Stateline begin at 10:40am, with its last departure at 6:40pm from the Stateline transit Center.

In addition to seeing the trolley again, riders can now enjoy 30-minute headways on Route 50 from 7:15am until the last trolley departs the Stateline Transit Center at 6:40pm.

After 6:40pm, service on Route 50 will return to 60-minute headways as they are currently.

We are thrilled to be adding service that so many locals and tourists will benefit from.

Additionally, South Lake Tahoe met July 13 to discuss other recommendations made by LSC in the Short Range Transit Plan. Specifically, the recommendations are to eliminate the Meyers service Route 40 and the Zephyr Cove service Route 22 due to extremely low ridership and high cost of operations.

The city approved the recommendations to eliminate the service. Therefore, effective July 18, Routes 40 and 22 will no longer be offered. Persons affected by the service change can utilize the demand response service of BlueGO on call by calling (530) 541.7149 24 hours per day at least 60 minutes prior to the time you wish to be picked up. Please note that for ADA Para transit ON CALL service, reservations must be made 24 hours in advance. Additional weekday ON CALL service will be instituted between the hours of 7:45-11am and 2-5pm to augment the existing demand response service.

In addition to the service changes, a new “transfer fare” will be established. The current on call fare is $6. The transfer fare will be $4 for on call service to the following transit centers (South Y Transit Station, Lake Tahoe Visitor Center, Stateline Transit Center, Lake Tahoe Community College and the Kingsbury Transit Center).

Call (530) 541.7149 for more information about schedules and fares.

Stacy Dingman, STATA spokeswoman and board member