Thoughts on the Tahoe Basin's transportation needs. Comments you've heard or want to make about current projects. New initiatives that call for TTD involvement...or don't. Public opinion polls from the TTD, other agencies or private citizens.
That's a sample of what you'll see on this page. We look forward to your participation.
I woke to another sunny May morning offering low lying clouds and much warmer temperatures compared to last year at this time. If I remember correctly, it snowed here in Lake Tahoe until early June during 2011. So, my trip to Plano, Texas at that time was a welcomed relief. I’m one of those people who really like warm weather, but the beauty of the Lake Tahoe area and its surrounding communities stole my heart as a young girl. I knew I’d end up here some day, for now, permanently.
And as those who live here know, once the snow stops, road maintenance and construction begins in an effort to ultimately keep traffic moving swiftly. Now, most of us don’t feel that way when we see that sign that says, “road construction ahead; expect delays.” Next time you see that sign, think about doing these two things. One, open the window in your car, look out it and be thankful that you don’t have hundreds of cars backed up around you…instead look at the soaring pine trees, a lake view or a view of Mt. Rose. Second, give a big wave and smile to the hard-working guys and gals out there wearing those colored vests that are reminiscent of the colors from clothes we all wore in the 80’s. Come on…you know you wore those neon shorts and headbands, maybe even a vest.
Believe it or not, the TTD did not originate just to add to the long list of organizations’ acronyms used in the Lake Tahoe Basin (i.e. NDOT, TRPA, TCPUD, LTVA, NLTRA, TTAD and the list goes on). As its Community Outreach Specialist for the SR89/Fanny Bridge Community Revitalization Project (not yet known as SR89/FBCRP), I often hear, “What is the TTD and how did it originate?” First, I tell people that TTD stands for Tahoe Transportation District, and that they should not feel bad if they confuse the acronym with others over the course of the next 20 + years. Then I think it’s important that they know the history of the TTD, that is:
“In 1969, California and Nevada legislators agreed to a unique Compact for sharing Lake Tahoe resources/responsibilities. The U.S. Congress amended the Compact in 1980, with public law 96-551, which also established the Tahoe Transportation District (TTD). The agency is responsible for facilitating and implementing safe, environmentally positive, multi-modal transit plans, programs and projects.
Specific tax revenue to support transit and transportation facilities can be allotted to the District. TTD may also acquire, own and operate public transportation systems and parking facilities serving the Tahoe region and provide access to convenient transportation terminals outside of the region.
Still confused? Post a comment, send us an email or give us a call.
The idea of a coordinated public transit system that spans across Lake Tahoe has been talked about for years. Now it is becoming closer to reality.
The public is invited to workshops on March 6-7 to discuss a North Shore to South Shore transit connection by Aquabus, a waterbourne public transit ferry service that could be implemented, possibly, by summer 2015.
As a concept being discussed, North Shore and South Shore terminals would be constructed for passenger pick-up and drop-off. Regularly scheduled service would be provided, possibly on high-speed catamarans, for connection to destinations/attractions via public transit and private shuttles.
Among the goals and benefits to the community, due to a steady increase in vehicle traffic on Lake Tahoe roadways, an Aquabus would have relatively low environmental impact from construction and operation. A passenger ferry could, ultimately, reduce emissions, improving air & water quality, as well as road-use erosion. It would also provide a relaxing scenic trip, roughly 20 minutes faster than driving.
The workshops will include a preview of options being developed for year-round bus service, public input and more.
The March 6 meeting will begin at 6 p.m. at the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency and Tahoe Transportation District offices, 128 Market Street, Stateline, Nev. The March 7 meeting begins at 6 p.m. at the Tahoe City Public Utility District office, 221 Fairway Drive Sunnyside-Tahoe City, Calif. Refreshments will be served.
Four new BlueGo bus shelters have sprouted up in town protecting passengers from inclement weather.
The Tahoe Transportation District had the shelters designed to enhance rider comfort and safety, improve impacts of storm water runoff into the lake and to promote connectivity through mass transit. Shelters consist of benches and canopies and vary in size from 14 feet x 6 feet and 9 feet x 4.75 feet.
Three new bus shelters in California are on Highway 50, one near the intersection of Pioneer Trail; two serving both the east and westbound stops near Wildwood Ave; the fourth on Ski Run Blvd near Paradise Ave. Three additional structures are planned for winter 2012, weather permitting, on the Carson Valley side of Kingsbury Grade. Tahoe Transportation District has scheduled installation of additional shelters along various routes over the next three years. In California, sites selected will be dependent on available right of way and in coordination with Caltrans existing and planned construction projects.
At least 12 shelters are planned for the South Shore area over the next three years. With up to 70 percent of fine particulate runoff into Lake Tahoe created by transportation, and an overall cultural shift that encourages mass transit, the new shelters provide more of an incentive for people to use the BlueGo system. The shelters, considered visible landmarks, are part of an overall plan that ties in transportation networks around the lake in an effort to integrate mass transit with walking, hiking and bicycle trails.
Tahoe Transportation District has installed four new bus shelters within the past month in South Shore with plans for three more in early 2012. From right to left: Curtis Garner, Tahoe Transportation District Transit Manager; Angela Swanson, South Lake Tahoe City Councilmember; Bruce Grego, South Lake Tahoe City Councilmember; Alfred Knotts, Tahoe Transportation District Transportation Projects Manager; Mark Rayback, Principal at Wood Rodgers; Robert Haen, Vice President at Thomas Haen Company, Inc.
Why drive when you can take BlueGo. Whether it’s to an event, the mountain or just around town it’s nice to let someone else do the driving while you sit back relax and soak in Tahoe’s natural beauty from the crystal blue lake to the tall pine trees or snow-capped peaks to the crisp, clean mountain air. An added benefit – - the positive environmental footprint you leave behind.
Plan ahead this Holiday season and let public transportation take you from point A to B:
For additional maps and stops between Lake Tahoe and Carson Valley click here.
Fixed route service in Tahoe South operates seven days a week. It’s quick and easy if you’re skiing, want to sightsee through South Lake Tahoe or want to go the casino area of Stateline. For questions on route services, fares, if you’re a rider with special needs or to request a rider’s guide, call (530) 541-7149 or e-mail info@bluego.org.
Whether it’s sharing the road with bicyclists during the summer or using four wheel drive or chains in winter, even seasoned drivers will tell you mountain driving isn’t the flat lands with its share of switch backs and blind spots, steep hills and wildlife.
Weather conditions change how we drive Sierra roads and in winter chains and snow tires is certainly a given factor when crossing mountain passes in snowy conditions. Caltrans and the Nevada Department of Transportation are good places to start before you even hit the road with up to the minute reports on travel conditions.
Here are number of tips from Caltrans and NDOT on maneuvering mountain roads
Make sure that your brakes, windshield wipers, defroster, heater and exhaust systems are in good condition.
Don’t go down a mountain road any faster than you can go up it. Do not slam on brakes. Instead apply steady pressure on vehicles with anti-lock brakes and pump the brakes if necessary on vehicles aren’t equipped with anti-lock brakes.
Vehicles often build up speed moving down a steep hill. Use a low gear to help slow your vehicle down. Don’t drive in neutral or with your foot on the clutch. Check traffic through your mirrors. Be alert for large trucks and buses that may be going too fast. In some places, you will see a sign warning of a steep hill as shown in this figure.
When ascending on a steep hill, maintain a steady speed by applying more pressure on the accelerator.
Don’t “hug” the center line.
If weather conditions deteriorate slow down, be more observant and demonstrate extra road courtesy. If other drivers appear to be in a hurry, let them pass — it may be an emergency.
Remove snow and ice from all vehicle windows, mirrors, lights, turn signals and license plates.
Reduce speed. Speed limits are based on normal road and weather conditions, not winter road conditions. And just because you’re in an SUV doesn’t mean that the added weight will keep you more grounded.
Many accidents involving SUVs happen because motorists tend to believe they can navigate the roads just as good with snow on them as without.
Don’t panic if you find yourself beginning to slide on snow or ice.
To negotiate out of this, take your foot off the gas and do not hit your brakes. Steer the front of your vehicle in the direction you wish to travel. If you must use the brakes, do not allow them to lock up.
Even though the roads look clear, what you see may be deceptive black ice. Many people get into trouble by assuming the roads will not be slippery unless the temperature is freezing or below. Ice forms on road surfaces anytime the air temperature drops below 40 degrees, especially when it’s windy. Bridges and underpasses can be especially hazardous as well as low or shaded areas that don’t get enough sunlight to melt icy spots. Late night and early morning hours are especially dangerous since water accumulates and freezes.
Windshield wipers must be in good working order and washing fluid must be filled. During storms, maintaining clean windows is essential to mountain driving. During cold weather, turn on the vehicle’s defrosters. And keep in mind that passing vehicles can and do spray mud and slush.
As you’re driving in the mountains, be more observant. Visibility is limited because of sharp turns, corners and the roads are only made worse during poor weather. Slow down and keep a constant watch for other vehicles and snow removal equipment. If you are following snow removal equipment, maintain a safe distance and watch for chunks of ice and other debris.
Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) is a regulatory term in the U.S. Clean Water Act (CWA), ascribing a value to the maximum amount of pollutant a body of water can receive while still meeting water quality standards. While Lake Tahoe is famous for its water clarity, exceeding its TMDL is causing a significant decline.
A 2007 report by the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Lahontan Region and the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection indicates that fine sediment particles are the primary pollutant. The November 2010 Lake Tahoe Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) Report attributes 72% of these fine sediments to urban upland run-off (page 50, figure 7-3 and below).
Disturbances due to the transportation system – cars, mass transit, parking lots, bus stops, etc. – are, directly and indirectly, the primary source. Atmospheric deposition contributes 15 percent, non-urban runoff 9 percent, stream channel erosion 4 percent and shoreline erosion less than 1 percent.
TMDL reductions have been proposed and are likely to be part of the regional plans for TRPA to require all Tahoe Basin jurisdictions to reduce fine particle loads by 34 percent by 2026. The Army Corps of Engineers has been assigned to assist Basin jurisdictions in re-prioritizing so they can meet the TMDL requirements.
In July 2011, the Army Corps released a study, “Placer County Storm Water TMDL Strategy,” to aid in assessing the science and economics to pinpoint the most cost-effective ways of reducing pollutant loads into Lake Tahoe. The conclusions compared cost and reduction of fine sediments for each of three concepts: the current area-wide Environmental Improvement Program (EIP), street sweeping and abrasive control, and current BMP practices on individual parcels.
Current EIP’s may reduce loads of fine sediment particles (FSP) between 18 to 26 percent at a cost of $70-$88 per lb/year.
Frequent sweeping plus abrasive controls will reduce FSP between 27 percent and 38 percent at a cost of $3.50 to $4.25 per lb/year.
Parcel BMP’s will reduce FSP between 20% and 23% at a cost of $26 to $41 per lb/year.
According to the report, Tahoe jurisdictions can take the following measures to reduce TMDL:
Water Quality Improvement Projects
Improve road maintenance practices for water quality – Increase and target private parcel best management practice implementation
Whether you’re heading down Echo Summit or going up Kingsbury Grade, driving in Tahoe has its own set of challenges. Your vehicle does experience stress as it climbs steep grades as well as those moments of tricky navigation during periods of heavy snow.
One element of driving in Lake Tahoe that should never be overlooked is the need to have good tires on your vehicle. You should check your tires for wear at least once a month and before and after long trips.
By checking regularly you’ll be able to see if you’re driving on worn treads and belts, which is obviously dangerous to yourself, those in your vehicle and to other motorists.
Tire wear may be a sign that something is wrong with your car.
A recent study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found that nearly 50 percent of the 11,500 cars, pickup trucks, vans, and sport-utility vehicles the agency checked had at least one tire with half-worn tread. Another 10 percent had at least one bald tire.
Worn tires — especially bald ones — can be deadly on icy, snowy and wet roads. The reason being is the grooves aren’t deep enough to pull water out from beneath the tread, according to Consumer Reports.
This can result in the wild and scary ride known as hydroplaning, where the tread skims the water’s surface and the vehicle no longer responds to the steering wheel.
The tire tread provides the gripping action and traction that prevent your vehicle from slipping or sliding, especially when the road is wet or icy. In general, tires are not safe and should be replaced when the tread is worn down to 1/16 of an inch. Tires have built-in tread-wear indicators that let you know when it is time to replace your tires.
These indicators are raised sections spaced intermittently in the bottom of the tread grooves. When they appear “even” with the outside of the tread, it is time to replace your tires.
Another method for checking tread depth is to place a penny in the tread with Lincoln’s head upside down and facing you. If you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, you’re ready for new tires.
The penny test.
Aside from the obvious road wear on your tire, be sure also to check your tire pressure, which, depending on the health of your tire, does lose air naturally over time.
Tires can lose air suddenly if you drive over a pothole, along rutted roads or if you smack the curb when parking. With radial tires, it is usually not possible to determine how under-inflated they are just by looking at them that’s why it is a good idea to have a tire pressure gauge to keep in your vehicle, which can be bought at tire dealerships, auto supply stores, and other retail outlets.
The recommended tire inflation pressure that vehicle manufacturers provide reflects the proper pound per square inch when a tire is cold.
The term “cold” does not relate to the outside temperature. Rather, a cold tire is one that has not been driven on for at least three hours.
When you drive, your tires get warmer, causing the air pressure within them to increase. Therefore, to get an accurate tire pressure reading, you should measure tire pressure when the tires haven’t been used within those three hours.
To learn how to check your tires for wear click here for an illustrative and step by step instruction check list.
