You are here

Home » Electric Shuttle Buses Rolling At Zion National Park

Electric Shuttle Buses Rolling At Zion National Park

Share

Published Date

September 27, 2023

One of the new electric shuttle bus in front of The Watchman in Zion National Park/NPS, Colton Johnston

Five battery-electric shuttle buses are on the road in Zion National Park in Utah, the first of an entirely new fleet of electric buses Zion will acquire using a $33 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation.

“The Zion Canyon Shuttle System has a bright future," Zion Superintendent Jeff Bradybaugh. "We are building on past successes that were enabled by the perspective and resources provided by partners like Zion Forever, the National Park Foundation, U.S. Department of Transportation, the Utah Department of Transportation, Utah Clean Cities, the town of Springdale, and our neighbors in Washington, Kane, and Iron counties.”

These battery-electric buses will replace the park's propane-powered vehicles, some of which have been in service for more than 20 years.  

In 2000, the National Park Service began providing free shuttle service in Zion Canyon and the town of Springdale. The Park Service developed this system in consultation with the town of Springdale, engineers at the Federal Highway Administration and Utah Department of Transportation, and with state, county, and municipal partners’ input. Shuttle buses provide service for millions of riders a year and have successfully reduced traffic congestion and crowding so that visitors can enjoy Zion Canyon.

Since the shuttle system began operation, the number of visits recorded at Zion has risen from about 2.4 million in 2000 to a record 5 million in 2021. With the number of visits still consistently exceeding those recorded before the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Zion is making other improvements that will sustain the system’s success into the future. 

Related Stories:

Wyoming Seeking Federal Land Grab, Utah Wants To Co-Manage National Parks

Stories about:

Story Categories:

Support National Parks Traveler

Your support for the National Parks Traveler comes at a time when news organizations are finding it hard, if not impossible, to stay in business. Traveler's work is vital. For nearly two decades we've provided essential coverage of national parks and protected areas. With the Trump administration’s determination to downsize the federal government, and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum’s approach to public lands focused on energy exploration, it’s clear the Traveler will have much to cover in the months and years ahead. We know of no other news organization that provides such broad coverage of national parks and protected areas on a daily basis. Your support is greatly appreciated.

 

EIN: 26-2378789

Support Essential Coverage of Essential Places

A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.

Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:

  • Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
  • Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
  • Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
  • North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
  • Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
  • Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
  • Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.

Your urgent support helps the National Parks Traveler increase awareness of the wonders and issues confronting national parks and protected areas.

Support Our Mission

INN Member

The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.

Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.

You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

FREE for iPhones and Android phones.