The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) board has approved an update to its long-term transportation plan, known as Connections 2050. The agency aims to address both environmental and community needs by enhancing the region’s transportation infrastructure and services.
“Improving Tahoe’s transportation system supports our lake environment and communities,” TRPA Executive Director Julie Regan said. “Significant progress has been made upgrading Tahoe’s roads with water quality infrastructure and providing additional options like trails and transit. We must continue that progress while addressing growing safety concerns and strengthening the resilience of the region.”
Connections 2050 focuses on several strategies, including increasing safety and reducing congestion in heavily traveled corridors through management plans that coordinate transit, parking management, and reservation systems. The plan also supports wildfire evacuation planning by making sure roadways are safe and navigable, as well as improving communication infrastructure for extreme weather or emergencies.
Another key element is integrating new technology such as travel apps, enhanced communication systems, parking reservations, and on-demand microtransit services. TRPA is also working to identify sustainable funding sources for ongoing investment in transportation infrastructure and public transit.
Earlier this month, the Emerald Bay pilot project began as part of these corridor improvements. This effort involves public agencies and nonprofit partners coordinating new microtransit service, installing roadside parking barriers, and increasing parking enforcement in one of Lake Tahoe’s busiest areas. During the first six days of the pilot program, 460 passengers used microtransit to access Emerald Bay.
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