East Shore Express – Temporary Use Permit Approved

On May 26, 2022, Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (“TRPA”) Hearing Officer Andrew Strain approved the issuance of a Temporary Special Use Permit to the Tahoe Transportation District for 771 Southwood Blvd as an intercept parking lot or the East Shore Express, and for 915 Northwood Blvd. as overflow intercept parking for the East Shore Express, for a 6 month period in 2022, with the option to extend the service for one 6 month period in 2023, with a report to be filed by the TTD within 30 days of the last day of service in 2022.  The East Shore Express leaves from the intercept parking lots, picks up at various stops in Incline Village, with a final destination of Sand Harbor.  The Hearing Officer based his decision on the findings of fact and rationale provided, including TRPA Code Chapters 4, 21, and 50 and on the finding of no significant environmental effect, and he approved the findings as well.  TRPA’s Bridget Cornell made a presentation on the project and stated that the VMT (Vehicle Miles Travelled) regionally would be reduced, and that the additional Vehicle Trips during peak hours would not substantially contributors to the traffic problems.  Danielle Huges of the Tahoe Transportation District (“TTD”) stated that the service will run from mid-June through Labor Day, 2022, from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.  The service will use 2-3 buses and is expected to reduce congestion and improve safety.  Ms. Hughes stated that service has operated since 2012, excluding 2020 and 2021.  The Southwood site will always have 1 parking lot attendant, and the Northwood site will usually have an attendant when it is in use, but not always.  The Southwood site has a portable toilet with a sink outside, but the Northwood site does not.