The shuttle system that takes visitors into and out of Zion Canyon at Zion National Park long has been singled out for its success. But even a good thing can have problems.
And with that possibility in mind, park officials will hold a public meeting later this month to discuss the operation of the shuttle and needs that have arisen.
During the meeting, set for November 19 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Canyon Community Center in Springdale, Utah, park officials will discuss the preliminary results of the technical analysis of the shuttle operations.
The meeting format will include an informal open house from 6:00-6:15, a formal presentation from 6:15-7:00, and community input and brainstorming from 7:00-8:00.
The formal presentation will cover the process of the Zion Canyon Transportation Technical Analysis, a financial analysis overview, potential scenarios for the future of the shuttle system, and partnership opportunities.
Specific improvement needs and strategies being considered include visitor communications and wayfinding, pedestrian and bicycle connectivity, south entrance area congestion management, shuttle system facilities and streetscape maintenance, shuttle service adjustments, vehicle rehabilitation/replacement options, and parking options.
The community input and brainstorming session will include time for public comments, group discussion, and brainstorming on potential solutions and strategies.
An executive summary covering some of the basic recommendations from the technical analysis will be posted on the park’s website next week.
Comments
I live just an hour away from Zion and visit the Park many times a year. Each year I look forward to the shuttles closing so I can drive anywhere in the park, stop and get out my camera. I can come for a few hours or the whole day. But that works because there are few cars in the park from late October through March. While I miss being able to use my car in the summer I'd get much more frustrated trying to find a parking space than I get having to use the shuttle. So shuttle on!
I visited the park the summer before last and utilized the shuttle buses which only added to the experience. Not only were the buses reliable and easy to use, but each bus comes with its own built in tour guide! The drivers were friendly, helpful and very knowledgeable about the park. Most of the drivers were there because they loved working in the park. I personally can't wait to get back to visit again, but I would definately only come back when the shuttles were running. The shuttle bus system at Zion should be the model for all other national parks in my opinion.