Permanent bus stop shelters were built in Tusayan in 2014/NPS, Michael Quinn

After significant increases in visitors and shuttle ridership in 2015, free bus service to Grand Canyon National Park from nearby Tusayan, Arizona, will run an additional five weeks this year, starting May 7.

The Tusayan Route, which takes passengers to the South Rim Visitor Center, will be in service through Oct. 9, running at 20-minute intervals from 8 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. daily. The goal is to reduce lines at entrance stations and car traffic within the park, where lots near the Visitor Center can fill by 11 a.m.

Last year, the Grand Canyon hosted 5.5 million visitors, a record that marked a 16 percent increase over 2014. With more people, there were about 143,000 boardings on the Tusayan Route, a 64 percent increase. Park officials estimate that the route reduced traffic by about 24,000 cars. Overall, there were approximately 7.4 million boardings on the park’s shuttle system, representing a reduction of 2 million short in-park car trips.

“We are pleased to provide this shuttle service to park visitors and local residents again this year. Utilizing this free service helps to reduce crowding along park roadways and reduces your carbon footprint, further protecting Grand Canyon’s unique resources,” Superintendent Dave Uberuaga said in a release. “We hope everyone will continue to use and enjoy the Tusayan Route in 2016 and appreciate Tusayan’s support of the route.”

The five-week extension will be paid for by the town of Tusayan, where there are four stops:

• IMAX Theater/R.P.’s Stage Stop
• Best Western Grand Canyon Squire Inn
• The Grand Hotel
• Big E Steakhouse and Saloon

Visitors can park anywhere in Tusayan to take the bus. The park-and-ride lot on the north end of town is good for RVs and trailers, which have limited parking options in the park. While the shuttle to the Grand Canyon is free, visitors need to purchase an entrance pass in advance. These are available at numerous Tusayan businesses. All buses are wheelchair accessible and equipped with a bike rack that can hold up to three bikes.

Each day, the first bus leaves Tusayan at 8 a.m. from the IMAX Theater, while the first bus will leave the Grand Canyon Visitor Center at 8:25 a.m. The last buses leave IMAX at 9:45 p.m. and the Grand Canyon Visitor Center at 9:30 p.m.

More information about the Tusayan Route and the park’s other shuttle bus routes, which run throughout the South Rim area, is available in the South Rim Pocket Map and Services Guide or at the park’s website.