Transit agency may use taxis on S. Shore

By Kathryn Reed

It’s possible that by late spring a taxi could be picking people up instead of an on-demand BlueGo bus.

The Tahoe Transportation District board of directors will discuss altering the service at its Friday meeting.

“We are looking essentially at an additional provider for demand response services,” Curtis Garner, TTD transit manager, told Lake Tahoe News. “We would be looking for private taxi companies using their own vehicles.”

The on-demand drivers make about 1,200 trips a month. To use the service a rider must prequalify. Seniors and those with physical limitations are whom the service is designed for. People who would temporarily need a ride, for instance someone with a broken leg, may apply for service. Each ride costs $3.

While ridership is steady, there are stretches when need is limited. It is during these times that TTD is looking to use the taxi service.

The taxi service would likely cover the entire South Shore.

If the board approves the taxi idea, a request for proposal will likely be sent out Feb. 18 to attract bids. Garner said it is possible TTD could save $14,000 a year.

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Notes:

• The TTD board meets Feb. 14 at 9:30 am at Sierra Nevada College, 291 Country Club Drive, Room 141, Incline Village.