In the year 2000, the National Park Service began providing free shuttle service in Zion Canyon and the Town of Springdale to reduce traffic congestion and crowding so that visitors can enjoy Zion Canyon. In the summer of 2023, Zion recorded its 90 millionth shuttle buss passenger.
The original fleet was of propane-powered vehicles were in service for over 20 years before they were finally modernized this year with a 26 battery-electric bus fleet and 27 charging stations. To compliment the new zero-emission shuttle busses, Zion just issued an updated video explaining how you can properly and efficiently use the shuttle system at Zion National Park and in the Town of Springdale “to make your national park experience the best it can be.”
The 14 decommissioned propane-powered shuttle buses were auctioned off in August with starting bid of $25. We sincerely hope those vehicles will find a new life outside the park after more than 2 decades of faithful service.
ZION NATIONAL PARK PRESS RELEASE:
Zero-emission electric visitor transportation is now operational at Zion National Park. National Park Service Director Chuck Sams was joined by General Services Administration Administrator Robin Carnahan, Kaibab Band of Paiute Indians Chairman Roland Maldonado, officials from the Zion National Park Forever Project, the National Park Foundation and local leaders to unveil the new fully electric fleet at an event in Zion National Park on Sept. 4.
Today’s milestone furthers the goals of President Biden’s Federal Sustainability Plan, which directs federal agencies to lead by example and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, including by transitioning the federal fleet of 600,000 vehicles to zero-emissions vehicles.
The new fleet is the culmination of a multi-year partnership with federal, state, local, and non-profit organizations, including $33 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation. While Zion is the first park in the National Park System to transition to a fully electric transit fleet, the NPS is actively working to transition large bus fleets like those at Grand Canyon, Acadia, Yosemite, Bryce Canyon, and Harpers Ferry national parks.
These battery powered buses, which Zion acquired through GSA’s Fleet program, and demonstrate the National Park Service’s continued leadership in environmental sustainability and advances the Biden-Harris administration’s goal to transition the Federal vehicle fleet to electric vehicles as part of its strategy to address the climate crisis.
“As stewards of our national parks, our goal is to protect these landscapes for future generations. This step towards a clean energy future supports the protection of America’s most treasured landscapes, natural wonders, and historic sites in the face of a changing climate.” –National Park Service Director Chuck Sams
“Across government, we’re working hard to meet the Biden-Harris Administration’s governmentwide goal of transitioning the fleet to 100% electric vehicle acquisitions by 2035, including the thousands of government vehicles we manage here at GSA. This is another way government is leading by example by showing that sustainable travel is possible. Together, we can drive our sustainability goals forward, decrease pollution in our communities and national parks, and protect our nation’s natural beauty for future generations.” –GSA Administrator Robin Carnahan
More than 4 million people visited Zion National Park in 2023. Zero-emission buses improve the visitor experience with higher total capacity on board and quieter operations as the vehicles move through the park, and modernize a fleet of propane-powered vehicles that were in service for over 20 years.
“This new electric shuttle fleet is operational due to the amazing work of transportation specialists and engineers at our park, regional and national technical centers and partner staff. Zion is committed to an electric future to protect the environment and improve visitor experiences in the park.” -Zion National Park Superintendent Jeff Bradybaugh
“Zion National Park Forever Project was instrumental in supporting the launch of the original shuttle system in 2000, and we are proud to continue that legacy with the introduction of this new electric vehicle shuttle. This project exemplifies the ongoing collaboration between our organization, the National Park Service, and our dedicated supporters. Together, we are making meaningful strides in enhancing visitor experience while upholding our commitment to sustainability.” –Zion Forever President & CEO Natalie Britt
The National Park Service began providing free shuttle service in the park’s Zion Canyon and the Town of Springdale in 2000. The National Park Service developed this system 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.