RENO, Nev. (KOLO) – Thousands of people are hitting the road for last-minute summer trips or big events like Burning Man.
Todd Park, the Interim Deputy Commissioner of the Nevada Transportation Authority, says the agency will have to match the public’s pace. “We have all hands on deck to try to take care of these large events and try to keep people safe.”
The NTA regulates illegal ridesharing.
The agency is reminding people that offering rides for cash is not the best way to make money.
“We are not out there to try and get people who are giving their neighbors a ride to the grocery store. That is not what this is about. This is about people actively going out trying to make money off of people, and they are being predators on people who do not know the regulations,” said Park.
Under the Nevada Revised Statutes, drivers must have a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity, work for a Transportation Network Company, or be permitted by the NTA to give rides. “The danger is if somebody gets into an accident and they don’t have that insurance, and they are working off the Uber or Lyft app. Uber or Lyft are not going to cover the injuries,” added the NTA Interim Deputy Commissioner.
Last year KOLO 8 talked to a woman and a man who were caught in an NTA Sting operation at the Grand Sierra Resort. The two faced hefty fines for offering a favor.
“Penalties can become quite steep. You can be fined up to $10,000, and that is just the fine. On top of that, you can have your vehicle impounded,” added Park.
If you are caught in the act, you have to go in front of the NTA board for a review.
Copyright 2025 KOLO. All rights reserved.
