Zion shuttle program will need additional money
The shift to shuttle-only traffic through the heart of the park eight years ago is praised by park officials and locals for its role in cutting congestion, pollution and visitor frustration.
But park officials say the shuttle system could face cutbacks if it doesn't get additional money in the coming years.
If funding remains at 2008 levels, costs could exceed revenue by 2012, according to the first in-depth analysis of Zion's shuttle program.
Cutbacks could include reduced hours, longer waits between rides and cutting out certain service areas, the analysis said.
Jock Whitworth, Zion's superintendent, said long-term funding for the shuttle program remains the biggest challenge.
"We definitely want it to keep going," he said. "I think the Zion shuttle is spectacular."
The shuttle program began in 2000 after years of complaints from frustrated visitors who couldn't find a place to park in the vehicle-clogged Zion Canyon, which features some of the park's most popular features, such as Angels Landing and Court of the Patriarchs.
The shuttles also reduce smog, noise and roadkill.
"It's viewed as very much a model of what the Park Service stands for," said Kevin Percival, who manages the agency's transportation planning.
Shuttles are used in other national parks, too, including Grand Canyon, Alaska's Denali and Acadia in Maine.
Percival said lessons learned in Zion and elsewhere are being closely watched by other park managers looking for alternatives to car, trucks and RVs.
Zion officials say a bus full of visitors is the equivalent of keeping 28 cars off the road. They estimate that carbon dioxide emissions are cut by 12 tons a day.
"It has allowed a lot more people to get into the canyon and experience it," Whitworth said.
The March-to-November system, which also includes nine buses that run between the nearby town of Springdale and the park, costs about $3 million a year, Whitworth said.
Costs are rising, including the price of propane over the last year, he said.
The fleet is getting older too. Park managers have taken to rehabilitating some of the aging buses and extending their lives by about six years, Whitworth said. But there are additional upcoming costs: replacing or rehabilitating the entire fleet could cost between $6 million and $12 million.
In order to keep the system running as is, supplemental funding will be needed, according to the park's analysis.
Whitworth said he doubts that a fee hike at the park will be considered anytime soon. He said park officials are working with Springdale in search of a way to raise more money. Those talks are in the early stages.
Rick Wixom, Springdale's town manager, said the shuttle program has widespread support among businesses and residents, even though some were skeptical when it began.
"When it stops running in November, it's sort of like something's missing in the town," Wixom said.
Recent comments
I have used the shuttle many times since it began running thorugh...
Shuttle Convert | Dec. 3, 2008 at 12:32 a.m.
Personaly I feel Congress should shut down Zion National Park, and...
Brother Chuck Schroeder | Dec. 2, 2008 at 6:02 p.m.
With a downturn in the economy, less vistors will be traveling to the...
No need | Dec. 2, 2008 at 10:20 a.m.
- BYU leads UNM 17-7 at half 1:50 p.m.
- Snowstorm hits Utah; 1 dead 1:11 p.m.
- GameDay in Fort Worth 1:10 p.m.
- NASA sets Monday shuttle launch 11:53 a.m.
- WVC robberies investigated 11:41 a.m.
- Funeral today for Utah soldier 11:16 a.m.
- Vaccination clinic set in St. George 11:15 a.m.
- $47B in suspect Medicare claims 11:11 a.m.
- 3 dead in Reno helicopter crash 11:02 a.m.
- Galaxy headed to MLS Cup 10:45 a.m.
- Apostle's wife felt comfort in attack
- Short-handed Jazz fly past Sixers
- Can BYU root for (ick) Utah Utes?
- D-Will home for daughter
- Bench proves fruitful for Y.
- Man killed during 3rd I-15 crash
- Utes excited for 'dream' game
- Born of water and the spirit
- Williams leaves, won't play tonight
- Woods Cross refinery to shut down
- SLC council OKs gay rights policies
352 - Editorial: Mormons and gay rights
199 - Senators want food tax restored
163 - Will state consider gay rights law?
146 - Letters: Strange breed in Utah
129 - Utes remain silent about BCS
120 - Can BYU root for (ick) Utah Utes?
118 - S.L. vote pending on gay protections
113 - Pratt pleads not guilty to sex charges
104 - Celtics crush Jazz
104
If you are looking for a bird on the cheap, the following specials from...
How do you handle kids and contests? Our oldest daughter, 7, is of the...
You must have missed the part where he is kissing the Utes helmet.
Is it just me or has anyone else noticed? The majority of these (anti-pit)...
what are you talking about? the utes re going to ge crushed
Great Game Davis and Hunter. The Bingham and Davis game wil be a great one.
Wow...this thread just shows the closeminded nature of the average human...
I'm just glad they're alright, no matter what anyone says, i believe that...
Canadians live longer than we do. And you would say that canada is killing...
I love how this man is a victim and the girl is either lying or must be held...
RE: silly neocons | 1:08 p.m. Nov. 14, 2009 What are you talking...
you mean like you? Everyone who knows anything about the NFL knows that...
