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Written by Tahoe World staff
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Tuesday, 26 December 2006 |
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 If you’re new to Tahoe and don’t own a car to get your around, good luck navigating the public transit options. There’s TART, resort shuttles, Truckee shuttles, private taxis, airport shuttles and probably even more. All of which usually run on time, until a big storm backs traffic up for hours.
But sometimes you need to get somewhere that public transit doesn’t go. Or you just don’t feel like waiting for the next bus.
What to do?
Hitchhike.
It’s free, it’s almost like carpooling (so it’s good for the environment), and, if done right, can be relatively safe and convenient.
Tips for hitchhiking in Tahoe:
• Give yourself plenty of time
Hitchhiking is always unpredictable. Unless you’re a Victoria’s Secret model hitchhiking in a bikini (in which case you can just call the Tahoe World and ask for a ride anywhere, anytime), there’s a chance you’ll get stuck outside with your thumb in the air for a while. So don’t hit the road minutes before you have to be somewhere. Give yourself some extra time until you learn how much time it usually takes to find a ride.
Also realize that people are much less likely to pick you up at night, so either get home before the sun sets or have a backup plan (like a buddy with a car you can call if need be).
• Pack lightly
You’re more likely to be picked up if you look like it won’t be a hassle for the driver. So keep your gear to a minimum. Sometimes you have to hitchhike with skis or a snowboard, but you’ll likely only get picked up by drivers in pickup trucks or with roof racks because nobody wants to have to find space for your stick in their sedan.
• Two’s company, three’s a crowd
Don’t try to hitchhike in a group larger than the average car would fit. Two people is good. You’ve got a friend so you don’t look like some loner serial killer, and most drivers have room for a couple of folks. Plus, you’ll feel safer having a buddy along for the ride, and you can actually talk to someone during the time you’re thumbing it on the road. Three or four people might get picked up by a pickup driver willing to let you all sit in the back, but you might be better off breaking up into smaller groups or going solo.
• Bring a girl
Girls are much more likely to be picked up. Plus, women drivers are more likely to pick up a girl and guy together than a single dude all by himself.
• Dress nicely
If you’re a resort employee traveling to work, wear your resort jacket. That will let potential rides know where you’re going and that you’re a nice, hardworking person. If you don’t have a resort jacket, try to look as nice as possible (but be prepared for the weather). And smile — nobody wants to pick up a clinically depressed hitchhiker.
Stay away from trenchcoats, camo and really big black boots — they just make you look sinister.
 • Make a sign
I don’t know if I’ve ever seen this in Tahoe, but a sign with your destination on it alerts drivers going your way that a) you’re going the same way that they are, and b) you are intelligent enough to at least know how to write. Make your letters large and legible, and if you’re going a long way, let people know (on the sign) that any progress you can make toward your destination helps.
• Find a good spot to hitch from
You should be standing somewhere that drivers can see you easily and can pull off the road safely. At night, standing under a street light is definitely better than walking along the road in total darkness.
• Say thank you
If someone is willing to take time out of their day to pick you up and help you out, thank them. It can be as simple as a sincere “Thank you.” Or, if you work for a ski shop or restaurant or something like that, offer to hook them up if they come by your place of work.
 • Be open to making new friends
This is Tahoe. And with hundreds of new arrivals from far-off places swarming around town, you’re likely to meet some cool new folks and have some interesting cultural experiences while hitchhiking.
One member of our staff even her current boyfriend when she gave him a ride.
So don’t be surprised at who you meet on the road.
Good luck and be safe!
Interesting hitchhiking sites:
http://www.digihitch.com/
Public transit options:
North Lake Tahoe has implemented a variety of new transportation services, from daily airport shuttles to free, regional evening shuttle and bus service, making it easier for locals and tourists alike to get around.
Free shuttles:
Both North Lake Tahoe and the Town of Truckee have launched free nighttime transit services, scheduled to run from December 14 through April 8.
The Truckee routes will operate between the hours of 6 p.m. and midnight, and serve historic downtown Truckee and many area lodging properties, restaurants and recreational attractions.
North Tahoe's night service will operate 7 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., offering visitors and local residents three routes connecting Squaw Valley to Tahoe City to the North Shore stateline, Squaw Valley to Tahoe City to Tahoma on the West Shore and Northstar Resort to Tahoe City to the stateline and back again. For detailed information, click to www.LakeTahoeTransit.com.
Airport shuttle:
The new North Lake Tahoe Express daily airport shuttle connects North Lake Tahoe and Truckee with the Reno-Tahoe International Airport. The North Lake Tahoe Express operates daily from 3:30 a.m. until 12 midnight. Fares are $35 per person, one-way, $60 round trip. Discounts are available for groups of two or more and frequent-user passes are also available. Reservations are required and can be made at least four hours in advance by telephone, or up to 12 hours in advance if made online. To make reservations on the 21-passenger shuttles, call 866-216-5222 or book online at www.NorthLakeTahoeExpress.com. The website also offers a route map and specific pick up and drop-off locations, many of which are lodging properties within walking distance to area ski resorts, pedestrian villages and neighborhood downtown districts.
Taxi Service - North Lake Tahoe/Truckee
Alpine Taxi (530) 546-3232
Fast Taxi (775) 329-0444
Mountain Cab/Truckee Taxi (530) 582-5828
More information online:
For schedules of TART busses, resort shuttles, Truckee transit and more, check out www.LakeTahoeTransit.com.
New to Tahoe? No problem. Learn to eat, shop, get around and relax like the locals do with our Newbie's Guide to Livin' Large at the Lake.
Check out the following links for all the knowledge you need:
Newbie's guide to Tahoe
Chow down on some cheap eats
Backcountry trips for girls
Exercise your brain and your funny bone: Read these books today
Get some clothes in your closet at these thrift stores
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Last Updated ( Tuesday, 26 December 2006 )
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