Free shuttle buses resume at Zion Park

Zion National Park has resumed operation of its free shuttle-bus system this week, which means private vehicles are no longer allowed access to the six-mile Zion Canyon Scenic Drive.

All other roads in the park, including the main highway through the park, remain open.

The park's 30 propane-powered shuttle buses began serving visitors in 2000 as a way to reduce traffic congestion, pollution, noise and parking conflicts. Each full shuttle replaces 28 cars, which helps reduce carbon-dioxide emissions by 12 tons a day, according to park officials. About 2.6 million people visited Zion National Park in 2006.

The park shuttle also operates within the nearby town of Springdale, which provides several designated parking locations. Buses run from 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., stopping about every seven minutes along its two routes.